How to Use Morning Shifts to Prepare for the Rest of the Day

Mornings are crucial in hospitality. Many people wake up with requests, while others need assistance resolving issues that arose overnight. A well-run morning shift sets the tone for the entire day. Yet, in hotels where the morning hours tend to be quieter, employees may take a more leisurely approach, scrolling through social media instead of tackling tasks that could benefit their colleagues later.

Instead of allowing this downtime to go to waste, employees should focus on the work that will help their colleagues who chose the later shifts in the day. Managers play a critical role in shaping this culture – leading by example and setting clear expectations.

Aligning schedules to maximize productivity

According to Hospitality Technology, some leaders can easily curry favor among their staff by allowing them to pick their own schedules. In theory, this approach guarantees contentment—at least regarding work hours and responsibilities within hotel operations. Someone who prefers to limit social interaction, for instance, might opt for the graveyard shift.

Managers have a responsibility to find out what circumstances work best for their employees. If some staff can work longer shifts, let them do so. If others can only manage three- or four-hour shifts while staying productive, that should be an option. Research indicates that longer shifts often lead to employees spending a significant portion of their work time engaging in leisure activities. A possible solution, as researchers suggest, is shorter shifts that require employees to better focus their time. With less time to complete tasks, employees must operate under more pressing constraints—encouraging productivity and accountability.

Essential morning shift tasks that support the team

Front desk agents routinely handle guest requests and inevitable issues. Even on slower mornings, they should be proactively managing shortages of frequently requested guest items, such as towels or toiletries.

HelloShift suggests that early morning rounds provide an optimal time for inventory checks, especially for housekeeping supplies that guests frequently request. Instead of viewing these tasks as separate from their own responsibilities, employees should recognize how their work directly impacts the success of their colleagues.

Creating a proactive culture across shifts

Having night auditors who struggle to fill all their time is a common industry challenge, and the same issue often arises with staff working slower morning shifts. One way to prevent distractions and inefficiencies is by implementing a defined list of morning shift tasks that ensure seamless operations.

Niagara professor William Frye emphasizes that towels are especially important in hotels due to high guest demand. Simply ensuring that as many towels as possible are cleaned and available can make a significant difference for staff working later in the day.

While hotel leaders and staff cannot plan for everything, they can prepare for the inevitable challenges. Given the importance of guest satisfaction, the stakes are high. The sooner employees recognize that all shifts work together, the smoother the hotel will run—and the better it can serve the guests who choose to stay within its doors.