Whether you own, manage, or market for a hotel, your top priority should be safety. Keeping your staff and guests safe, especially during these unprecedented times, will create a positive workplace culture and a place that makes people feel comfortable and cared for.
There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic caused hotels to take a hit. While we’re still not out of the woods when it comes to the pandemic, some things have started to return to a sense of normalcy. But, it’s more important than ever for hotels to take a look at their existing safety measures and make improvements wherever possible.
So, what can you do to boost your safety procedures and make your guests feel safe? Furthermore, how can you market those improvements to draw in more visitors in a time when people are still wary of traveling?
Get Your Staff on the Same Page
Of of the challenges hotel managers have is dealing with a segmented staff. You want your facility’s services to be available around the clock, but that often means having to communicate with employees in various operational areas at different times.
Unfortunately, that can cause certain aspects of safety to be missed by different departments.
Making sure all departments of your hotel are completely briefed and trained when it comes to safety measures is crucial. Not only will it make your staff feel more comfortable, but you can have peace of mind in knowing every employee is doing their part to keep your guests safe and keep your business open.
Your safety improvements can be different for each area of your staff. For example, updated kitchen health and safety measures aren’t going to affect your front desk staff. So, hone in on each segment and make sure every employee knows their responsibilities depending on where they’re working.
Training your staff and educating them in safety measures will benefit you in a variety of ways, including:
- Reduced costs
- Improved productivity
- Increased retention
- Greater employee satisfaction
Plus, you can use your training measures as a marketing tool. Your guests will feel more comfortable and eager to book knowing that every member of your staff takes their health and safety seriously.
Follow the Latest Guidelines
The biggest safety threat on most people’s minds right now is the COVID-19 pandemic. With new variants threatening the globe again, people are taking more precautions and want to know they can stay safe on their travels.
One way you can ensure that safety (and attract more guests by advertising it!) is to follow the latest guidelines from the CDC. For your guests, that might include things like requiring masks in communal areas, social distancing or showing proof of vaccination. You can also let your guests know about your cleaning and disinfecting policies to assure them that their rooms are safe places.
When it comes to your staff’s health and safety, it’s important to take extra precautions. Hotel workers are often in close contact with others and frequently have to touch surfaces and items that other people have recently touched. Encourage frequent hand-washing, wearing gloves, and implementing a mask policy when on the clock.
It’s also important to have a quarantine policy in place for your staff. If someone is sick, make sure they know how crucial it is to stay home. If someone tests positive for COVID, have a plan in place to inform your other staff members that may have been in contact and follow safety guidelines so the right people quarantine and keep away from others.
Upgrade Your Security
The pandemic might be on everyone’s mind, but it’s not the only thing you should concern yourself with when it comes to hotel safety. Now is a perfect time to take a look at your existing security measures and determine what can be improved.
Thanks to advancements in smart technology, it’s easy to monitor activity anywhere in your hotel or around the grounds – even when you’re not there. Different systems can alert you to certain threats or suspicious activity, so you don’t have to rely on outdated cameras to catch someone doing something they shouldn’t. Other security improvements to consider include:
- Locks that can track who enters and exits a room
- Adding a cybersecurity department
- Holding regular staff meetings about security
- Guard houses and staff in parking areas
Safety has always been important for hotels. But, the world we’re living in has brought it to the forefront of every traveler’s mind. Most people want to relax and not have to worry about a thing when they’re staying in a hotel.
You can make that happen by improving your current safety measures, and making sure your guests know that their well-being is your number one priority. These ideas can help you to get started, but it’s never a bad idea to go through a complete safety overhaul and determine any problem areas that could be better. Your guests and your staff will thank you for it.
Credit
Jori Hamilton is an experienced writer residing in the Northwestern U.S. She covers a wide range of topics but takes a particular interest in covering topics related to the hospitality industry, business productivity, and marketing strategies. To learn more about Jori, you can follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Over to you
The hotel industry is always changing, especially during a time of crisis. Make sure to future-proof your business and continue attracting new guests by investing in these solutions.
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Related article: Keeping Your Hotel Safe for Visitors
We are in this together!
I need to let you all know that we are in on this together. If you need to vent, talk, cry, or just have some to talk with, I am here listening. Since I am working part-time at the local Kroger, I will best work it out around my schedule to the best of my ability.
Where to reach me
Email: hotelblogger@aremorch.com
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We will get through this unprecedented event together! #hotelstrong #hospitalitystrong
For any specific information on COVID-19, I recommend going to CDC, WHO, AHLA, AAHOA, and HSMAI. Also, follow information from your local authorities.
NOTE
The hotel industry still is facing some uphill challenges. Make sure you follow their guidelines and say THANK YOU to those that now show a unique spirit to serve, and help us all get through this!! #hotelstrong #hospitalitystrong
About Are Morch
Hi, I am Are Morch. Your Digital Transformation Coach helps hotels create unique and unexpected experiences by freeing up resources to focus on new ideas through value innovation and a growth mindset.
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