The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) recently launched Safe Stay, a new initiative that will help hoteliers improve hotel cleaning, social interactions and protocols while offering guests increased transparency so they know they are well cared for.
Following AHLA’s leadership and to assist industry-wide recovery efforts, Uniguest is offering ideas and technology solutions to help operators follow and exceed these guidelines as detailed here.
Tip: Utilize digital signage to communicate your safety measures with guests.
1. Front of House Signage
Stay Safe Guideline for Front of House Signage
“During all times in which the usage of masks is recommended by the CDC and/or other local health authorities, health and hygiene reminders shall be placed at high-traffic areas on property, including the front lobby area at a minimum, indicating the proper way to wear, handle and dispose of masks.”
It can be difficult to grab attention to the guidelines with outmoded printed signage. Uniguest’s digital signage solutions can help by providing engaging, easy-to-follow displays that are accessible to all guests and easy for hotels to manage. It’s also an opportunity to show guests how you are going the extra mile and connect them to any resources you’re offering for their safe stay. Find out more about our digital signage solutions for guests here.
Tip: Keep guests in-the-know even when they’re in their rooms with interactive IPTV.
Some guests may also want to get right to their rooms and away from public spaces. You can still keep them informed by leveraging in-room television. Our interactive IPTV and guest room entertainment product can help you meet guests where they are with the information that will keep us all safe and successful. Learn more here.
2. Back of House Signage
Stay Safe Guidelines for Back of House Signage
Signage shall be posted at a minimum in the employee break room and cafeteria, and other areas employees frequently enter or exit. Signage will remind employees of the proper way to wear, handle and dispose of masks, use gloves, wash hands, sneeze and to avoid touching their faces.
Hotels can go above and beyond by not only keeping employees in touch with safety information, but also sharing motivational messaging and other content that helps rekindle your team atmosphere. It’s important in this time to ensure your teammates feel connected. Strategic messaging through use of digital signage can help. Learn more about how Uniguest can help with Employee Engagement here.
Tip: Make team members feel informed, cared for and recognized as they return to work with digital signage.
3. Cleaning Products & Protocols for Public Spaces, Communal Areas and Shared Equipment
Stay Safe Guidelines for Cleaning Products & Public Spaces
Cleaning products and protocols shall include EPA-approved disinfectants that meet CDC requirements for use and efficacy against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens.
Cleaning is crucial for the physical and emotional safety of your guests, especially when it comes to frequently-touched surfaces like door handles and elevator buttons. Uniguest has vetted and developed a line of products to AHLA’s standards that will both help clean surfaces in your public spaces and help show guests the level of precaution your property is taking. Learn more about Guest Protect here.
Tip: Implement cleaning protocols based on Safe Stay guidelines and communicate those measures to guests and staff through digital signage.
4. Communicating Safe Stay Guidelines and Information
“Stay Safe will seek to change hotel industry norms, behaviors and standards helping to ensure both hotel guests and employees are confident in the cleanliness and safety of hotels once travel resumes.”
Chip Rogers
Guidelines are likely to evolve as we work together to move forward and look ahead. Technology is here to help keep your guests and employees informed on the latest as we navigate these new waters. Uniguest is ready and equipped to be a partner to our hotel friends — just raise the flag and we’ll be there.
We’re proud to stand with our industry peers and support the AHLA’s Safe Stay initiative.
Find the full list of standards on AHLA’s website here and be sure to endorse the Safe Stay initiative through this form.