Week 69 - Franzi's Perspective

This week was a bit quieter again, as the resort is not fully booked. But this was definitely good for us to get settled in, understand processes, and improve.

We thought that this week Franzi would describe her work in a bit more detail, and Julian will do it next week. This way, it's not too much at once :-)

Franzi's tasks are generally divided between Housekeeping and Kitchenhand. Within Housekeeping, there are two different areas of activity: On Mondays and Thursdays, there are check-outs and check-ins – which means that each chalet receives a deep clean. Every surface has to be wiped down – for example, baseboards, picture frames, heaters, but of course also bed frames, kitchen units, every drawer, etc. The bathroom is also completely cleaned. Not a speck of dust or a hair should be left behind.

Franzi is supported by the runners, who change the bedding and vacuum and mop the floor.

On the other days, there is quick Housekeeping, where only the bed is made, the toilet is cleaned, and glasses and cups in the kitchen are washed. Trash is of course emptied daily. Towels can also be exchanged upon request.

Housekeeping is always done during the day when guests are at lunch, in the sauna, or out on a tour. Ideally, guests do not notice at all when someone comes to clean the room. Consequently, Franzi’s shift is also somewhat fragmented, as she has to wait until the guests are not in the room.

The shift as a Kitchenhand starts at 6 PM and goes until 10 PM. In this role, Franzi washes every used item from the chef and the used dishes and glasses of the guests. Everything must be rinsed well in order to be washed in the dishwasher afterwards. Then everything is dried and tidied up. Glasses and cutlery are polished. To keep things interesting, Franzi helps the chef to plate dishes and prepare small items.

Franzi really enjoys the kitchen because you are always busy, and time flies by.

The working hours for both tasks do not really align with her biorhythm, so it can sometimes be hard. Work doesn't start here before 10 AM; it's often closer to noon, and the kitchen stays open late in the evening. Hopefully, she can adjust to this a bit better.

She also needs to get used to the time pressure in Housekeeping. When the resort is fully booked, there’s considerable time pressure to clean the chalets during a tour.

Fortunately, we are provided with lots of things, like winter pants and winter jackets, as well as shoes. Additionally, there’s a car that we can use for free.

We still can’t quite believe that we are really working in such an upscale and expensive resort. We are given a lot of trust and are motivated not to disappoint the owners.