If you have plans to run a business in the hotelier industry, or in fact already run one, you have an abundance of factors that you must consider. Some may depend on the market you plan to tap into, as you’ll want to stand out from the crowd. To do so, you’ll have to conduct in-depth research on your competitors to discover what is working and what would be a waste of time.
It’s important that you create a market plan in order to make a positive return on your investment. Figuring out your unique selling point is key to succeeding. However, one aspect which must be the same throughout every hotel is safety. Your guests’ safety is paramount to your business. Here, we look at how you can correctly safeguard your hotel:
CCTV
A key way to build your guests’ confidence in your establishment is by installing cameras. However, just having a surveillance system in place isn’t enough. Be sure to constantly monitor your set-up, even if this means hiring a third-party company to do so. Certain systems also come with a voice command option, which means that if you spot any wrong-doing, you can quickly warn those involved to stop their actions.
Have a clear emergency response plan
Your team must know how to react in an emergency. Regular meetings with law enforcement and emergency services should be scheduled so you have a good communication plan in place and can update it as and when required. In doing so, you can prepare your staff so that everyone is calm and knowledgeable in a worst-case scenario.
Aneil Handa, Director of the Cairn Collection, said: “We make sure all our staff have sufficient training to know how to act in an emergency. Communication is key as it’s clear we must be calm and composed in critical moments as this can help us make sure both our guests and staff members are as safe as possible and can help avoid possible catastrophes.”
Staff uniform
Having corporate uniform may sound like an obvious point, but it really is a must. Not only does it help your business look professional and smart, but it also gives your guests a clear view of who they can approach about a query, and who indeed is allowed in certain areas of the business. In guest areas, knowing who members of staff are is essential. This is because it shows that your company have guests’ safety at the forefront due to staff always patrolling the areas.
Electric
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are a crucial factor that’s required by anyone who runs a hotel or guest house. This is because, since your business is constantly running, your systems can be subject to wear, tear, corrosion and overloading. Such a report, which must be carried out by a qualified electrician, will ensure that the electrical appliances in each room are fit for purpose.
If you carry out these checks on a regular basis, you will limit the potential risk of electrical shocks, fires and accidents. This will therefore reducing accidents in the workplace – something which is a legal requirement since the introduction of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Gas
Like electric, it’s important to periodically check your gas mains and appliances. The Gas Safety Regulations 1998 states that you must arrange annual gas safety checks for any appliances that are serving guest accommodation, even if it’s sited away from the guests’ rooms.
It’s also crucial to provide your staff with the relevant training so they know how to use any gas appliances. Showing them how to carry out visual checks can help them easily spot obvious faults. This could include any damaged pipework or connections. While any new installations must be carried out by someone who is Gas Safe-registered, anyone can change a LPG gas bottle or hose once they are competent to do so.
Fitting a carbon monoxide and dioxide alarm is also imperative. These alarms can signify any fault and help you avoid any catastrophes. They should give an audible alarm when levels are dangerous and should be able to automatically shut off your gas system.
Online data
You shouldn’t just focus on physical safety, either. Hotels have become a prime target for cyber attacks. According to a report by PwC, the hospitality industry has the second-highest number of cybersecurity breaches, with most of the prominent hotels in the industry having fallen victim to breaches.
You can minimise this risk by regularly updating any systems you use. You should also be making sure that backing up your data becomes a habit, so you can eliminate the risk of losing it or having it irretrievably damaged. A recommended strategy is to use a cloud service daily, have weekly server backups, and follow these up with quarterly server backups and then yearly backups.
Think about the password you use. Just as you would for your personal devices, be sure to change it often and make sure you change it any time a staff member leaves to avoid any breaches.
The hospitality industry has a huge reliance on safety. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep on top of the methods you are using. Following the above steps should help provide your business with a great insight on how to keep your guests as safe as possible.
