Hospitality labor shortages are at the forefront of every hotelier’s mind in recent years, and certainly in light of the recent labor strike that our industry experienced a few weeks ago. It goes without saying, the impact of these events to both employee and guest satisfaction is at an all-time high.
In the current climate, these issues may not be going anywhere immediately. According to data from EHL Insights, “Hotels will struggle with staffing shortages until 2025 when the industry is expected to make a true adjusted recovery”. So, embracing innovative technology is going to be the game-changer hotels need to tackle these challenges head-on, even in anticipation of a future adjusted recovery. Not only to the benefit of your staff, but just as importantly to guest satisfaction.
How can you, the hotelier, integrate technology to ensure a smoother staff and guest experience regardless of volatile times? According to Kevin Miller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bodhi, “Platforms like ours and those like Upkeeply are designed to streamline operations and alleviate staffing challenges by automating essential tasks, optimizing resources, and ultimately enhancing both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. In today's climate, where staffing shortages and labor strikes are pressing concerns, embracing technology to fill operational gaps is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for hoteliers.”
Let’s break down the automation piece. With tools like IoT management systems and operations solutions, hotels can automate routine tasks that once took up valuable staff time which could be utilized in better ways- i.e. enhancing the guest’s on-property experience. Imagine this: cleaning schedules that adjust automatically based on guest arrivals and departures, occupancy detection features to ensure check-ins go smoothly, or maintenance tasks that get flagged and fixed before they become a problem. Sounds pretty great, right?
Automating tasks is impactful… Less stress for your staff, fewer chances of human error, and a smoother overall operation. And the best part? Your team can focus on providing exceptional guest experiences rather than getting bogged down in repetitive tasks.
Now, let’s talk about resources. With the right tech, hotels can make smarter decisions about how to allocate their limited resources. According to Jeff Bowes, Founder and CEO of Upkeeply “technologies like ours can offer real-time data that helps managers see where their staff and resources are most needed. This means you’re not just throwing people at problems; you’re making data-driven choices that can actually lower costs and boost productivity.”
Imagine a system that can provide insights into peak times for various services, helping you schedule staff more effectively.
When going to market for solutions that increase efficiencies, what is key to look for? First, look for real-time communication features between both staff and guest, and staff to staff. Next, ensure seamless integration between all of your systems. We know integration is not only important, it’s pivotal. And lastly, ensure you are fully able to implement these platforms and support them, so as not to create more issues in the future. And of course, as you are able to provide an incredible guest experience in return, you’ll likely reap the benefits through positive word-of-mouth and reviews.
At the end of the day, it’s all about people. Your staff, your guests, and your future guests. Even when labor availability is tight, innovative technologies ensure that your guest’s needs are handled quickly. Here’s to embracing the future and making the most out of these incredible tech tools! Stay ahead of the curve, and let technology help you turn challenges into opportunities.
If you’re curious to learn more about available technologies to improve your efficiencies, check out Affixify, your complimentary platform designed to help you navigate tech selection for your hotel.
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