13 years
In my experience, backpackers often don't do a great job with housekeeping when they are just random people working for free with high turnover. It's hit or miss whether you find the right people.
Hiring backpackers
General Hostel Operations
Hi there,
Do you reckon it is ok to hire backpackers staying in your hostel to do 3-5 h/day of housekeeping/front desk work for free accommodation?
It seems to be cheaper for the owner than just hiring two part-time housekeeper.
What is your opinion about this practice?
- Comments
13 years
Agree with hostels on this, you can end up with good people, but by the same time you can end up with some pretty unmotivated people, which isn't really surprising as they aren't being paid. Also depends a lot on local laws - even though they aren't being paid in many countries accomm would be considered a payment in kind for tax reasons - and leave the owner open to problems if the arrangement is discovered - or a disgruntled employee informs on them.
Also depends on how busy you are - if the hostel is full and you are turning people away then that bed you are giving them in return for work is costing you money. If you aren't full then it's not costing you much. I have certainly heard of it working quite well, but just remember that the people you are employing are on holiday, and may not have the same work ethic of someone being paid.
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