Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” In the hospitality industry, the ability to adapt to new technology is often the determining factor for success. However, despite the potential benefits, resistance to change is common, with studies showing that about 70% of change initiatives in companies fail, and 39% of employees resist change. This resistance can be an obstacle for hotels looking to adopt new employee safety technology and improve their on-property safety standards.
So, why is resistance to change so prevalent, and how can hotels identify and overcome these barriers to technology adoption? One common reason is fear of the unknown and a lack of understanding of how the technology will impact work processes. Additionally, some staff members may feel that technology will take their jobs or reduce their autonomy. Resistance can also come from a lack of training or support during the implementation process.
To overcome these barriers, hotels can take several steps. First, it’s crucial to involve employees in the decision-making process and ensure that they understand the benefits of the technology. Providing comprehensive training and support during the implementation process can also help to ease any concerns and facilitate a seamless transition. Furthermore, hotels can encourage feedback and make adjustments to the technology and processes based on employee input.
How can hotels ensure a seamless adoption of employee safety technology?
Employee safety platforms are crucial for protecting and empowering staff, but their effectiveness depends on their ease of use. When selecting a new staff safety platform, the user experience should be a top priority for hotels, especially in an industry like hospitality with high employee turnover rates. It’s essential to make the lives of employees easier with the introduction of new technology, not more complicated.
Studies have shown that nearly half of employees worldwide wish their workplace technology performed like their personal technology. Outdated processes and technology make the job more difficult for 55% of employees in state and local governments in the US. Therefore, it’s not enough to invest in new technology or processes; hoteliers should focus on selecting a technology vendor that has vetted and fortified their solution from the staff’s perspective.
For employee safety devices (ESDs), hotels should select a solution that is wearable, intuitive, simple to use, discreet, and highly accurate. The platform should offer a stand-alone LTE button for employees without a tethered smartphone, an easy-to-use mobile app, and a Bluetooth sidekick panic button that pairs with an employee’s mobile device. By providing a variety of user-friendly formats, hotels can streamline the implementation process and ensure that staff can easily adopt the new technology.
The key to ensuring a seamless adoption of employee safety technology is to select a solution that is built specifically for staff and their unique needs. By prioritizing the user experience and selecting a solution that is intuitive and easy to use, hotels can empower their staff and improve their on-property safety standards.
How can hotels ensure the safety of their staff in emergencies?
The hospitality industry isn’t immune to on-property incidents, and medical emergencies or issues of harassment or assault can create dangerous situations for staff. In a 2019 survey of hotel workers in Vancouver, 73% of surveyed workers reported that a guest had made them feel uncomfortable, highlighting the importance of having systems in place to respond to these situations promptly.
When it comes to staff safety, accessibility, discretion, and location accuracy are paramount. In emergencies, staff should be able to trigger an SOS using Bluetooth beacon technology, whether from the app on their phone or the click of a sidekick device.
One of the best things about that kind of ESD is that it requires little to no training to use. With a simple install of a customized safety solution, employees can trust that support is always only a click or tap away. The platform is designed to be easy to use, providing a safer, tech-enabled environment for staff without the need for lengthy training sessions or complicated manuals.
By implementing a solution like that, hotels can ensure the safety of their staff in emergencies and provide them with peace of mind. With safety only a click away, staff can feel secure knowing that help is always available when they need it most.