PERSONAL HYGIENE AND GROOMING FOR FRONT OFFICE STAFFF

Hotel industry expects high level of personal hygiene and grooming from all employees which complement the facilities of the hotel. Feeling and looking good are important to each employee’s emotional and physical well being. Presenting in a tidy appearance towards the customer represents highest standards of services. Personal hygiene which is also referred to as personal care includes bathing, showering, shaving, caring and cleaning of teeth and gums etc. Personal hygiene involves proper care of body by keeping it clean and healthy while allowing you to look confident and feel at your best. It is also a highly effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep protected from various illness and infection. Oral hygiene or the process of caring for the teeth and gums is vital for optimal health and attractiveness. Regular face and hair washing, application of deodorant, and the use of soap and feminine hygiene products are other important aspects of personal hygiene to consider.

IMPORTANCE OF GROOMING

Good Grooming is an essential part of personality and related to person’s appearance, daily bathing, clean hair, shaving, moderate make-up, clean clothing, lack of odors, oral hygiene, trimmed finger and toe-nails. Appropriate clothing are common things that are generally expected. There is a great significance of grooming with regard to personality of an employee. Well groomed employee feels confident and always gains a respected by other employees or guests. Obviously, appearance is not that a case sensitive, but still it plays a significant role. However, it is frequently realized that a dirty employee always rescue himself from various works related with guest dealing whereas a perfectly groomed and attired person is necessarily functional and efficient. Hence, there are many factors that contribute to feeling and looking good.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF GOOD GROOMING IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

1. All employees need to be well groomed as it makes a positive impact on guests as well as on the organization. There is an attitude that radiates throughout the organization due to good grooming.
2. Image Building/Enhances Organizations Image: Working at a hotel means you are the face of the hotel, whether you are greeting a guest on arrival or cleaning their rooms. So, it is of utmost importance to have high personal grooming standards and be well maintained.
3. Reveals Positive Guest Service Attitude: If employees of the organization are well groomed, project a positive guest service attitude, and make their interests known to others in the organization there are more chances they will be noticed because of employees’ empathetic qualities, appropriateness in grooming, attitude and disposition, they can also help other employees to improve and uplift the standards of the organization.
4. Fulfils Guest Expectations: Guests expect a high level of personal grooming and hygiene from all employees. As they pay high room rates therefore, they expect there to be high standards of grooming and hygiene which complement the facilities of the hotel.
5. Delivers Good Quality Service: Employees feel good if they look good and provide services as per guests’ expectations.
6. Boosts Self-Confidence: In hotel industry looks make a lot of difference. It boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. One feels very reassured when other people admire them and prefer to associate with them as they find them good.
7. Guest Comfort: A pleasing face is nice to look at. Guests like to relax in the presence of beautiful things. A pleasant face can relax the mind. Those with an aesthetic sense like to admire beautiful people and things.
8. Influences Overall Personality: Grooming extends hygiene as it pertains to the maintenance of a good personal and public appearance. Physical appearance does affect overall personality. Looks matter a lot in many situations. Every person wants to look his best. Those who are fortunate to be born beautiful or handsome have an edge over others in their public dealings.

GROOMING STANDARDS FOR MEN

To achieve the best groomed look below is enlisted a list of standards, which need to be followed by all Gentlemen, working at any level in the hotel/restaurant.

HAIR

• Hair must be cut and tapered, so that it does not touch beyond, or cover any parts of the ears.
• Hair should not touch the collar line of shirt.
• Conservative and well maintained, short neatly cut.
• Sides not covering the ears.
• Should not fall on forehead.
• Should be neatly styled and pulled back from the face.
• Neatly combed, and not permed.
• Non-oily appearance.
• Avoid excessive use of hairsprays and gels, as they can make the hair look stiff and unnatural.
• Only conservative hairstyle permitted.
• Use of hair colour, bleached hair not permitted.
• No long sideburns.
• Sideburns should be neatly trimmed and may not extend beyond the middle of the earlobe.
• Brush hair before going on duty.
• Every day shaving needs to be done.
• Beard only permitted as part of religious sentiments.
• Moustaches neatly trimmed.
• Moustaches should not cover upper lip.
• Proper care of hair and beard should be taken by employees and must wear turban while on duty.
• Mild aftershave and mild deodorant should be used to keep body odour fresh and natural.

NAILS

• Fingernails must be clean and presentable all times.
• Nails should be trimmed, filed and well maintained.
• Clean and dirt free.
• No nicotine, carbon or ink stains on the fingers

ACCESSORIES GUIDELINE

• Only one simple ring on each hand is permitted.
• Wearing rings is prohibited for food handler.
• Earrings for men are unacceptable.
• No chains, bracelets or bands (Excepts for Religious Reasons).
• Watches should be conservative and not flashy or too large.
• Leather strap should either be black, brown or tan.
• Metallic strap should be gold or silver.
• Spectacles should have plain glass, without chromatic effects and the design and look of Spectacles should be conservative and simple.
• Not allowed to have any sort of tattoos in visible parts of body.

UNIFORM

• Uniforms should always be fresh, well ironed, immaculate and spotless.
• Always wear a Vest. (Cut Banyans).
• Light colour formal shirt, full sleeves.
• Shirts must be well laundered, with clean collar and cuffs.
• Shirts must be inserted inside properly, while on duty or in work premises.
• Formal trouser, front creased.
• Matching Tie.
• Change uniform regularly at Housekeeping Linen Room.
• Cuffs and Collars to be stain free and clean.
• Clean pressed uniforms must be worn with neatly brushed hair, polished shoes, clean name badge and no buttons missing.
• No Loose threads or broken buttons.
• Contact Housekeeping Uniform Linen Room if buttons are missing.
• Contact HR Department if name badge is damaged or lost.
• The socks must be in black colour and of a plain design or no design. It should be changed daily.
• Shoes must be black in colour and as per the uniform specification of the company.
• The Belt is essential. It should be plain black or brown in colour with matte finish.
• It should not be cracked and the buckle should have simple and conservative look.
• A clean, white, well-laundered handkerchief should be carried.
• Check appearance in a mirror in the locker rooms before going on duty.

FOOTWEAR

• Only black oxford shoes are permitted.
• Shoes must be well maintained and in good condition.
• Ensure that shoes are clean and well polished before going on duty.
• Socks to match the colour of the shoes or trousers.

SMOKING

• Employees should avoid smoking while in uniform so that they do not run the risk of smelling likes stale cigarette smoke while dealing with guests.
• A designated smoking area shall be provided at each hotel and can be used only during break hours.

DON’TS FOR MEN

• Expensive and showy watches
• Piercing of the earlobes
• Visible tattoo marks
• Use of rings
• Wearing chains and bracelets
• Carrying and usage of mobile phone in the campus
• Smoking while on duty
• Any sort of chewing gum during work timings

GROOMING STANDARDS FOR LADIES

Ladies working at any department of a hotel should follow the mentioned standards, to achieve a look of a professional lady.

HAIR

• Hair should be neat and clean, well styled and should appear professional.
• Hair should be trimmed regularly, neatly combed and in place always.
• Short hair must be styled away from the face and kept off the shoulders.
• No fringe hairstyle is permitted.
• Shoulder length hair should be neatly pinned to keep away from face
• Hair longer than shoulder length should be cut straight evenly and must be tied/ bundled in a pony tail or plait.
• Long hair should be tied in a bun.
• The bun must be secured at the back of the head or slightly above the nape of the neck with a plain black net.
• Hair pins, clips, ribbons and hair bands used to keep the hair in place must be conservative and black in colour.
• Do not use colored bands.
• No flowers should be put on the hairs, while on duty.
• Hair should be free from greasy/oily appearance.
• Use of hair colour, bleach and streaking not permitted.
• Permed and curly hair should be kept neat and restrained.
• Dry or Fly away hair must be gelled or sprayed.

FINGER NAILS

• Nails must be well maintained and clean.
• Ensure nails are neatly trimmed, shaped and filed.
• Excessively long nails are not allowed.
• Use only light and neutral color of nail enamel.
• Nail enamel should cover entire nail.
• Maintain nail enamel properly, it should not be chipped or unclean.

JEWELLERY ON HANDS

• Conservative and elegant.
• Only one ring on each hand is allowed, rings should be sober, conservative and not too large.
• Food handlers are prohibited of wearing rings.
• A bangle or Bracelet of simple and conservative design is allowed to wear in each hand. 1. Only black Bindi, small in size (1/2 cm diameter) is permitted. For married 2. Only one set of small earrings can be worn
• Dangling or flashy or large size earrings are not allowed.
• Watches should be conservative and not flashy or too large
• Only a small nose stud can be worn, Nose rings are not allowed.

 ACCESSORIES

• One thin Gold/Silver chain, string of pearls or ornaments related to religious beliefs around the neck is acceptable.
• Anklets are not allowed to wear during working hours in any conditions or circumstances. A simple conservative design toe rings can be worn by married women only.
• If Spectacles are used it should be simple and conservative.
• Spectacles should have plain glass, without chromatic effects and the design and look of Spectacles should be sober.
• Women are not allowed to have any sort of tattoo work in visible parts of body.
• One thin Gold/Silver chain, string of pearls or ornaments related to religious beliefs around the neck is acceptable.
• Anklets are not allowed to wear during working hours in any conditions or circumstances. A simple conservative design toe rings can be worn by married women only.
• If Spectacles are used it should be simple and conservative.
• Spectacles should have plain glass, without chromatic effects and the design and look of Spectacles should be sober.
• Women are not allowed to have any sort of tattoo work in visible parts of body.

SIMPLE AND BASIC MAKEUP

• Women should wear basic, neat cosmetics.
• Make-up worn should be light and natural looking.
• Light cosmetics with colours that complement the uniform and skin tones may be worn.
• Appropriate Foundation suited to each skin should be used to avoid oily looks.
• Eye Shadow to be subtle and not too loud.
• Avoid vivid colours, like bright blues or violets around the eyes.
• Eyeliner to be thin, straight and applied neatly.
• Use light blusher, make sure the blusher does not look too dramatic.
• Lipstick of a suitable colour must be worn at all times.
• Bright lipstick colours should also be avoided.
• Mild deodorant/perfumes can be used to keep the body odour fresh and healthy.

UNIFORM

• Immaculate, smooth, clean, without creases or stains.
• If Saree is uniform, it should be conservative and simple design with proper matching of blouse.
• The fabric of Saree should be made of silk, cotton or cotton blend only.
• Sari to be draped neatly.
• All Pleats must be pinned.
• Pins should not be visible.
• The Blouse must be long sleeved, extending up to one inch above the elbow.
• If Trouser & Shirt is uniform in that case a light colour formal shirt with full sleeves should be worn.
• Formal Trouser, Front Creased.
• Matching silk Scarves.
• Name badge in good condition to be worn.
• Check your appearance before going on duty.

FOOTWEAR

• Proper Footwear should be worn all the times.
• Preferably black low heeled non-slip leather bellies/court shoes are to be worn.
• Shoes must always be clean, well polished and in good condition.
• Change your socks daily.

DON’TS FOR WOMEN

• Use of Henna not permitted.
• Flashy earrings and nose pins.
• Dangling earrings should not be worn.
• Expensive and showy watches.
• Visible tattoo marks.
• Too much use of jewellery & strong perfumes.

Please note: All grooming standards are also influenced by social factors of the region and in-house policies of the workplace.