Kao Professional Services Innovates Cleaning Standards for Hotels in Oita Prefecture

Kao Professional Services (KPS), a subsidiary of Kao Corporation specializing in B2B hygiene services, is embarking on a significant initiative to transform the cleaning processes within hotels and inns in Oita Prefecture. Working alongside the Oita Prefectural Association of Inns and Hotels, the Japan Ryokan Association’s Oita chapter, the National Promotion Council for Inbound Tourism, and the Oita Tourism Bureau, KPS aims to effectively address the current challenges faced by the hospitality sector due to rising inbound demand.

Background and Challenges

As the hospitality industry in Oita Prefecture evolves rapidly to accommodate increasing tourist demands, it grapples with profound challenges such as labor shortages and efficiency in operations. Among the most pressing issues are the extensive labor demands associated with cleaning facilities, especially in water-related areas like public baths, guest bathrooms, and toilets. This situation underscores the necessity for enhanced safety for employees and improved job satisfaction.

KPS recognizes the critical need to accurately assess the cleaning burdens faced by hotels and inns in the region. This assessment is informed by surveys and direct hearings conducted at various lodging establishments to gather insights about their operational pains. The focus is primarily on the arduous tasks linked to cleaning water facilities, prompting KPS to take credible steps to alleviate these strains.

Collaborative Initiative

To address these challenges, KPS has partnered with the Oita Prefectural Association of Inns and Hotels and other related bodies to develop a comprehensive cleaning guidebook. This guideBook is designed specifically to simplify the cleaning processes of problematic areas and reduce labor burdens within the room cleaning sector. Leveraging modern methodologies, this guidebook incorporates actionable cleaning procedures, safety protocol tips, and visualizations of labor requirements, making it accessible for all staff members.

The guidebook will be available for free download through KPS’s dedicated website and the Oita Prefecture website, allowing easy access for hotels and lodging facilities seeking to enhance their operations.

Key Features of the Guidebook

- Targeted Content: The guidebook focuses on high-impact cleaning areas that pose significant challenges for hotel staff. It reflects a grounded approach taken from actual workplace data, ensuring that its recommendations are both relevant and practical.
- User-Friendly Format: The guidebook is structured to make it easy for employees to understand and implement the cleaning procedures and safety measures listed.
- Enhanced Visibility: KPS employs the METs indicators as delineated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to provide a clear visualization of the energy consumption involved in cleaning tasks, promoting efficient practices.

Support and Partnerships

This initiative is bolstered by the support of key organizations, including the Japan Ryokan Association and the National Promotion Council for Inbound Tourism, which assist in disseminating the guidebook and organizing informational seminars alongside public relations activities via web platforms.

As KPS progresses, it plans to strengthen its collaboration efforts further, extending its reach beyond Oita to influence the cleaning standards in hotels throughout Kyushu and ultimately nationwide. The goal is to not only tackle labor burdens within hospitality but also contribute positively to social challenges through effective hygiene management.

About Kao Professional Services

Founded on October 1, 2004, Kao Professional Services operates from Sumida, Tokyo. The company manufactures and sells products tailored for sectors including food service, medical healthcare, and recreation services. In addition, KPS offers consulting services and solutions related to hygiene management, establishing itself as a leader in improving operational efficiencies for service industries.

For further inquiries about this initiative, please contact:
Kao Professional Services Co., Ltd.
Phone: 03-5630-7141
Website: Kao Contact