I think we all realise that as the hospitality sector slowly starts to return, many things will be different. Hotels have rightly moved quickly to partner with cleaning companies and to implement new measures to reassure guests that their establishments will be fit for the new purpose.
This is very important and we all recognise it. However, how about the staff? What will happen to them? Furlough is slowly coming to an end and there are obvious concerns about how the new workforce will look.
How will previous jobs vary? We know housekeepers will be busy with even higher pressures and expectations. Let’s hope they will be valued and recognised accordingly. But, what will waiters do if the restaurants are closed? How about porters and receptionists and guest experience with minimal guest contact?
For everyone, surely the time has come to be multi-functional. It happens in small hotels when staff do a variety of different jobs, so isn’t it now time for the larger hotels to follow suit? Staff can learn new skills and will be much more engaged. Hotels will then be able to be flexible with their teams and change roles depending on demand.
Furthermore, you can then share this with guests who will appreciate this new approach. Happy staff = happy guests. It will also mean a better quality of service as every team member will be far more aware of all areas of the hotel.
I would also include some office and commercial positions in this too. Not just in a token way but why shouldn’t everyone get involved?
This is the time to try something different and not to return to the way it was before. Let’s be better, diversify and more inclusive in the future!
Please let me know your thoughts below and reshare.
Thank you
Richard
07578 462562
