Article recommends installing ‘panic button’ networks to improve retention

AS HOTELS CONTEND with the economic struggle caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they may want to take time to acquire technology that increases employee safety and communication, according to an article from Robb Monkman, founder and CEO of emergency communications technology company React Mobile. Doing so can improve employee contentment and contribute to retention, Monkman says in the article.

Monkman cites several surveys in his article to show that retention improves because employees are more likely to stay with an employer who they think is concerned with their well-being.

“Proactive hotel companies are using this time to tackle technology projects that are easier to accomplish during low occupancy,” said Monkman in the article. “Some are seeing immediate benefits and improved efficiencies by implementing a digital employee communication platform that enables them to communicate in real time with furloughed workers. Ensuring that everyone has the procedural information they need while on leave will make it easier to onboard employees when business resumes.”

Now could also be a good time to install beacon networks for communicating with employee safety devices, otherwise known as “panic buttons.” The devices, which are one of React Mobile’s products, have become a growing interest to hotels across the U.S. for the past several years as some local governments are requiring their use.

Monkman cites legislation in New York, New Jersey, Miami, Illinois, Washington State, Las Vegas, and California that requires hotels to add employee safety devices. He also mentions the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s “5-Star Promise” program begun in 2018 to distribute the devices.

“Putting panic buttons in place today will help hoteliers fulfill their social and legislative responsibilities for keeping their service employees safe,” Monkman said. “Both will go a long way towards reducing turnover post pandemic.”