It’s difficult for a lot of businesses to cope with changes today. There are many different factors that can directly affect how a business is running. Profits can be difficult to gain as most people are staying at home. The hotel new normal has to be implemented in order to keep businesses afloat. There are many strategies to choose from. All of which can be broken down and curated to your business. Here’s how you can improve with the new normal.
Take Care Of Employees
Taking care of your employees should be a priority. As much as possible, try to make sure that your employees are taken care of during the pandemic. They’re the backbone of your operations. You must take great care of them especially during this crucial time. Check in on them from time to time. For their compensation, try to pay it in full as much as possible. If you’re unable to pay them in full, there are many alternatives to try such as a donation pool or half compensation. Any bit of cash will help them out.
Look For Sanitation Strategies
Sanitizing your work area will be crucial during the pandemic. As a hotel business, you can’t leave any area open at risk. There are numerous facts that support that COVID-19 can stick to surfaces up to weeks. It’s important to leave everything sanitized and clean even when no one is using it. If you have security and maintenance staff working during the pandemic, this is more important than ever to prevent spreading pathogens from person to person. Extra enhanced protocols when it comes to cleanliness and sanitation should be offered especially for function all events, room service, and more. New technologies can be invested in to benefit both your guests and staff. This ensures that your hotel is future-proof even post-pandemic.
Always try and practice the proper guidelines by your local government and proper resources. They will most likely have the useful tips and tricks you may need. All the necessary information should be available to you via internet or local government guidelines.
Minimize Direct Contact
There are many modern ways to minimize direct contact with guests. This is especially important during the pandemic and can help save a ton of lives. This will ensure all guests in the foreseeable future are safe as soon as travel restrictions are lifted. It’s still possible to offer the human touch, without making physical contact. Instead of going face-to-face, there’s technology that can allow you to go fully digital.
For example, you can implement automated check-ins via cell phone applications and local wi-fi. This will allow guests to book their reservations online and pay it online. There’s also a possibility to use this technology for room access. A simple QR code or application can be detected by the latest lock technologies and allow for a keyless experience. There’s also social distant dining, pre-made meals, and limited elevator rides. All of this can be done without interacting with the front desk and staff. If you can afford it, investing in robotics is also a new venture you can try.
Strict Health Procedures
It’s more important now more than ever to implement the latest health and safety procedures. This is for both you and your guests to make sure you feel secure. For any business opening again, it’s vital that you evaluate your establishment’s current health and safety policies. You will need to be strict with the implementation to make sure all sides are covered. Making sure that the proper materials are used and updating your serving options may seem like a simple step but it can be very effective. If you rely on in-person reactions, try offering an alternative. For example, buffets can go with pre-set menu items or ala carte options for the time being. This is easier to prepare, light on the budget, and not manpower intensive.
Remember, even after social distancing eases, guests will be looking for hotels that practice proper sanitation and cleanliness protocols. You will still need to make sure that you’re practicing the protocols you’ve created in order to keep up with the business. It’s also a good idea to listen to potential guest concerns as soon as possible.
Key Takeaway
The hotel new normal will take some time to adapt to but that will not be a problem as the hotel industry will stand strong and bounce back. It’s forecasted that the industry will emerge stronger than ever, even with these challenges. Adjusting for the sake of business is not a new concept and you may find traditions will be challenged. But all of this effort will be for the benefits of all, including guests, employees and management. Try these out and see how you can further improve your business during this time.