A multi-week evaluation proving up to 40% faster bed-making, reduced physical strain, and measurable long-term cost savings.
- Up to 40% reduction in bed-making time
- Clear path to long-term cost savings
- Reduced back, shoulder, and hand injuries
Client:
University of Georgia – Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
Industry:
Higher Education | Hospitality | Facilities Management
Location:
Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia’s Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel faced a familiar but costly challenge: the physical strain of bed-making. Every day, housekeepers manually lifted heavy mattresses dozens of times to replace linens and clean under frames — a repetitive task leading to frequent back, shoulder, and hand injuries.
Seeking a safer, more ergonomic alternative, UGA partnered with Atkinson BedLift™ to evaluate the system’s impact on employee well-being, housekeeping efficiency, and overall operational cost.
Over a multi-week evaluation, the BedLift™ proved to reduce bed-making times by up to 40 percent, lower physical stress on employees, and demonstrate a measurable path toward long-term cost savings through fewer injuries and faster room turnovers.
Why Change Was Necessary
The Georgia Center operates over 100 guest rooms, balancing both hospitality standards and university service expectations.
Leadership noted recurring musculoskeletal injuries among housekeeping staff, causing:
- Lost work time and temporary staffing costs
- Increased workers’ compensation claims
- Declining morale among staff covering for injured peers
Evaluation Approach
UGA conducted controlled timing and workflow comparisons between:
- Standard metal bed bases
- Beds equipped with Atkinson BedLift™ systems
- Lang platform bases
- Sealy mattresses
Housekeepers completed full bed-making cycles, including lifting, tucking, and pillow placement. Time, perceived effort, and ergonomics were recorded.
Configuration & Cost Context (PDF Table)
| Component | Traditional Setup | BedLift™ Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Base | Standard Metal ($135) | Lang Platform Base ($380) |
| Mattress | Sealy + Box Spring ($576) | Sealy Mattress Only ($456) |
| BedLift Unit | N/A | Atkinson BedLift ($350) |
| Installation | Minimal | Est. $100 per bed |
| Total per Bed | ≈ $711 | ≈ $1,288 |
Measured Results, Ergonomics & Injury Reduction
| Setup | Housekeeper A | Housekeeper B | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing Bed | 6m 39s | 7m 59s | — |
| BedLift™ Bed | 5m 47s | 4m 46s | Up to 3m 13s faster |
Both participants described the system as “amazing — easier and faster.”
Time savings averaged 20–40% per bed made.
UGA’s HR records documented injuries directly related to bed handling:
- July 2023: Tripped on hanging sheet (1 week lost)
- Dec 2022: Broken nail bed from tucking sheets (1 week lost)
- Oct 2022: Back pain from crouching (1 week lost)
- Jan 2020: Back strain while lifting mattress (2–3 months lost)
The BedLift™ eliminates the need for manual lifting entirely.
Beds rise smoothly to waist height, eliminating crouching, bending, and tuck-related strain.
Implementing the Atkinson BedLift™ at the University of Georgia has been transformative for our housekeeping operations. Over the multi-week evaluation, we saw bed-making times decrease by up to 40%, and our team experienced markedly less physical strain. The ergonomic lift system has helped reduce back, shoulder, and hand injuries, improve staff morale, and set us on a clear path toward long-term operational cost savings.
Director of Facilities Management
University of Georgia
Implementation Outlook & Scalability
UGA plans to extend BedLift™ deployments to more floors as budgets allow.
Because the BedLift™ is modular, it integrates with existing platform bases and mattresses — enabling gradual conversions without major room renovations.
The pilot also supports future ergonomic investments across:
- Residential facilities
- Conference services
- Hospitality training labs
Hospitality organizations inside education & healthcare settings are increasingly adopting ergonomic tools to combat:
- Labor shortages
- Injury claims
- Staff burnout
By quantifying real-world impact rather than relying on anecdotal feedback, UGA created a strong model for evidence-based decision-making.
Return on Investment
- Fewer injury claims & lost days
- Average workers’ compensation cases: $2,000–$5,000
- 20–40% faster turnovers → lower labor hours
- Improved morale → better retention
- Procurement advantage → state contract exemption
Over time, benefits compound into a safer, more productive housekeeping operation.
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
| Category | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Safety & Ergonomics | Eliminates manual mattress lifting; reduces strain injuries |
| Efficiency | 20–40% faster bed-making |
| ROI Timeline | 1–2 years |
| Employee Retention | Improved morale & reduced turnover |
| Scalability | Fits hospitality, residential & healthcare settings |
The University of Georgia’s evaluation demonstrates how Atkinson BedLift™ redefines housekeeping operations. With quantitative time savings, strong employee feedback, and reduced injury risk, the BedLift™ provides long-term operational and human value far beyond initial investment.