In recent years, the hospitality industry has placed increasing emphasis on staff safety, responding to reports that 58% of hospitality workers are victims of harassment or assault. As the safety and satisfaction of hotel staff are critical to ensuring a quality guest experience, it’s essential for hotel owners and operators to adopt technologies that empower their staff to feel secure while on the job.
Many hotel brands have taken steps to enhance employee safety by providing staff alert devices, such as panic buttons. These devices allow employees to quickly and easily request assistance in emergencies. As of now, thousands of hotels need to choose and deploy solutions that meet the specific requirements set by local municipalities, trade unions, and brand specifications.
A Bit of History
In September 2018, major hotel brands, together with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), signed the 5-Star Promise, committing to provide hotel employees across the U.S. with employee safety devices (ESDs). These devices are part of a broader effort to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and assault in the hospitality industry.
Along with HTNG’s Staff Alert Workgroup, the AHLA formed a task force to create an implementation framework for these safety measures. As a result, many vendors have developed solutions tailored for the hospitality market, collaborating with major brands and hotel organizations to ensure the devices meet industry standards.
Understanding Your Needs as a Hotel Owner
As a hotel owner or decision-maker, it’s essential to select a staff alert system that fits the unique needs of your property. Providing as much information to the vendor as possible can help tailor the solution. Some common discovery questions include:
- Number of properties and locations
- Number of employees to receive the alert devices
- Hours of operation for the security team
- Specific areas that need coverage (e.g., guest rooms, public spaces)
- Description of your IT infrastructure and layout (e.g., campus vs. high-rise)
- Understanding operational limitations, such as the presence of a security team or emergency responders
In addition, it’s vital to stay informed about local, state, and government regulations that may require specific compliance.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Hotel
As the need for staff alert solutions grows, it’s important to differentiate between vendors to find the best fit for your hotel. Here are some key questions to ask during your decision-making process:
General Product Information:
- Location Tracking: How does the system track the employee’s location when the alert is activated? Does it have a “follow-me” feature if the employee moves after activating the device?
- Communication Technology: What technologies are used for communication between the device and the receiving system (e.g., BLE, RF, WiFi)?
- Alert Handling: How are alerts received, and what are the available options for escalating or handling alerts?
- Power and Connectivity: Are there any conditions (e.g., power outages, internet outages) that could prevent the system from identifying a staff member’s location?
Additional Product Information:
- Does the system have mobile apps for iOS and Android, or a web dashboard?
- Are real-time incident reporting and historical insights available?
- Does the device emit a local audible alarm when activated?
Installation and Deployment:
- How is the system installed at the property? What are the pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation steps?
- What are the site access requirements (e.g., rooftop access)?
- How long will it take to deploy the system in a 200-room hotel?
Training:
- Does the vendor provide on-site training for device users? Are there ongoing or online training programs available?
Pricing:
- What are the initial setup costs, including equipment, installation, and professional fees?
- What are the ongoing costs, such as maintenance, software licenses, and hosting fees?
- Are there any additional fees (e.g., for 24/7 support, customization, or integration)?
To Tie It All Together
Choosing the right staff alert solution is crucial to ensuring the safety of your employees. While you may not be able to know every technical detail, it’s important to ask the right questions and provide the necessary information to vendors to find a solution that meets your hotel’s specific needs.
If you need assistance in choosing the best solution, feel free to schedule a call to discuss your options. We’re here to help you make the right decision for your team.
Vendor Spotlight: RelayPro
RelayPro is a leading provider of hotel panic button solutions, recently approved by Marriott, IHG, and Choice Hotels. RelayPro has been installed in nearly 2,000 properties, offering both 4G/Wi-Fi walkie-talkie and cutting-edge panic button features with voice communication.