At a time when the hotel industry is facing major challenges—from talent acquisition to social sustainability—at MarSenses Hotels & Homes we have chosen a clear path: placing people at the center. And not as a corporate slogan, but as a real, measurable, and transformative strategy.
In recent years, we have implemented a series of profound reforms that have redefined workplace dynamics, especially within the housekeeping department, historically one of the most demanding areas of the sector. These measures not only improve the lives of our employees; they also elevate the quality of service we offer our guests and strengthen a more responsible and sustainable hotel model.
One of the most notable initiatives is the option for employees in the department aged over 58 to reduce their workweek to 32 hours while maintaining their full salary and benefits. This measure has also allowed us to increase staffing ratios, leading to an overall expansion of the team.
It is a pioneering and courageous decision—one that acknowledges the physical demands of their daily work and, at the same time, honors their experience by offering a healthier and more dignified professional transition.
This decision is not just about well-being: it is about listening, understanding, and acting. And about proving that age should never be an obstacle to continuing to contribute value under optimal conditions.
But this transformation goes beyond the senior team, because our workforce is a fundamental pillar of the company’s structure. Since last June, the entire staff has been working 37.5 hours per week (down from the 38.5 hours established in 2024), a reduction that has not involved any loss of salary. On the contrary: we have strengthened the economic stability of our teams with a total salary increase of 8% over two years, including an additional 5% applied in anticipation of the upcoming collective agreement.
This is complemented by a monthly €100 departmental bonus, which recognizes collective effort, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
In a sector where improvements often arrive slowly and in small doses, these decisions represent a significant leap forward, aligned with our vision: a satisfied team is the foundation of a memorable guest experience. We are creators of experiences—both for our guests and for our staff.
Reducing working hours only makes sense if accompanied by a redesign of daily tasks. For this reason, we have limited housekeeping to 8 rooms per person per day, with a maximum of two check-outs. Compared with the industry’s usual standards—which may reach between 20 and 30 rooms—this measure marks a structural shift aimed at protecting the physical well-being of housekeepers and ensuring a sustainable work pace.
Less rush, more quality. Less strain, more attention to detail. It is an investment that benefits both the team and our guests.
Since 2024, we have introduced a dry-cleaning system that significantly reduces the weight carried by housekeepers by eliminating the constant use of water buckets. This new system not only improves ergonomics but also optimizes resources and reinforces our commitment to environmental sustainability.
In this way, we care for those who care for our rooms and move towards a more efficient and respectful model.
The improvements have quickly started to show in key indicators. Thanks to the reduction in working hours across all operations, we have observed a sharp decrease in absenteeism, accompanied by a tangible increase in motivation, commitment, and workplace climate. Our staff feel more satisfied, more supported, and more connected to a vision that includes them as essential contributors.
At MarSenses, we see the housekeeping department—and our entire team—as an essential part of our family. Their well-being drives our excellence. This is why we will continue working on policies that put people first and foster a more human and responsible tourism industry.
If you would like to learn more about our social sustainability initiatives, corporate culture, and workplace well-being programs, we invite you to explore our website and join us on this transformative journey.
Here you have a video so you can have a look at it.
