Reposted from Tim Richardson

Housekeeping Should be Everyone’s Job

Years ago, when I served as Director of Training for a Five Diamond hotel -the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, one of the policies I brought to the organization was this mantra.

I explained to the leadership team and managers that when an employee sees a manager or department head bend down to pick up trash, it normalizes that behavior. It sends a clear message that no one is above doing the right thing. When guests visit a luxury resort, they expect it to be spotless. That standard should not belong to one department. It should belong to everyone and every organization. Even if you work at home. If the restroom counter is a mess, wipe it down. If someone leaves trash in the break room, throw it away. If there is litter in the parking lot, pick it up. Recently, I was inspired by stories of Japanese soccer fans and players who cleaned up locker rooms and stadiums after matches. Their culture reinforces personal responsibility and respect for shared spaces.

I was also struck by a photo of NFL quarterback Jameis Winston in the stands after a game, holding a trash bag and helping clean up. No spotlight. Just action. Maybe it is catching on.

Just this week, I attended a baseball game with my son and noticed employees moving through the stands with trash bags. Midway through the game, an announcement encouraged fans to help keep the space clean. By the time we left, the stands were practically spotless. It elevated the entire experience. What if we applied that same mindset beyond physical spaces? What if housekeeping was everyone’s job in our relationships, both personal and professional?

Housekeeping might look like:

• Apologizing after unintentionally belittling an idea in a meeting
• Following up to elevate the guest or customer experience when you did not meet a customer’s expectations
• Owning a comment made in frustration that impacted a colleague

So when should you do housekeeping? Immediately after an infraction.

People leave organizations because of ill-timed or inappropriate words. Customers stop doing business because they felt disrespected. The cost of leaving a mess behind is real.

The lesson is simple: do not leave a mess for someone else to clean up. Whether it is a physical space, a conversation, or a relationship, take responsibility, make it right, and move on with integrity.

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