2020 had not even crossed its first quarter and the world has been gripped by a pandemic caused by the novel Corona Virus (COVID – 19). With the ongoing threat of COVID-19 looming over the world, Hoteliers/Hospitalians all over the places will be dealing with the dilemma of how they can cope with the ongoing crisis.
One of the industries that has taken a big knockdown is hospitality: it’s becoming difficult to be a hospitalian/hotelier at this time. And being a consultant, we would like to provide you some tips to help you get through the COVID-19 crisis:
EDUCATE! EDUCATE! EDUCATE!
Knowledge about the situation like this is a must. Because you cannot contain a pandemic by not knowing about it! So, in this case the first thing you should consider doing is EDUCATING your own self and those around you by every possible means.
There are various resources available at your disposal, and as your insights of the virus gets deeper in the coming weeks, it’s important to arm yourself with as much up to date information as possible. Also make sure that any information you get is from a trustworthy and reliable source as fake news or information could have many consequences.
TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE WELLBEING OF YOUR GUESTS
Now that you are equipped with a collection of useful knowledge, it’s time to take it into the place of work. Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent the Coronavirus, that can be utilized stop or contain it:
- Implement strict handwashing and hygiene guidelines and make sure that all employees stick to it.
- Always make sure the information which you have collected, make sure you pass them to your guests as well as this is also a panic situation for them as well.
- Put accessible handwashing stations throughout the property and Educate and encourage guests to maintain the same hygiene standards expected of you and your colleagues
- Take the Social distancing very seriously by taking measures such as in dining and lounge rooms, make sure that all seating areas are arranged to allow for guests to remain at least 1 meter apart.
- Clean and Sanitize all surfaces multiple times throughout the day, ensure that all staff (especially kitchen) are aware of the difference between ‘cleaning” and sanitizing, stick proper instructions and guidelines for staff wherever appropriate.
- Urge all back-end or non-operational employees to work from home whenever possible
- Make sure that your workplace is fully equipped with the necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves and masks.
- It is highly recommended that the emergency contact and medical information of yourself and your colleagues are fully up to date.
- Strictly follow all the advice given to you by your local authorities and government, this includes staying home if necessary!
PUT YOURSELF FIRST
Being a dedicated professional at work you might be used to prioritize the safety and security of your guests first but its high time to put that habit on hold.
Firstly you should be taking responsibility for your own health, it means taking steps both in your personal and professional life and if you are feeling any symptoms of illness, both related to COVID – 19 and otherwise.
Lastly, if you work in a country in which the CoronaVirus has caused a nationwide quarantine, follow this quarantine and stay home! It may not be interesting, nor will it help you in advancing your career, but once the virus has gotten to this stage, the only way we can fight it is at home.
MAKE MOST OUT OF THIS CRISIS.
Like it or not, In the next few months life will be quite different than usual, borders will close, quarantines will come into effect, visitors/guests will become afraid to travel or visit your hotel/restaurant and you will see a significant drop in business(if you haven’t already). You might feel very hopeless and will have to just sit out this crisis until normal business can resume, but don’t fall into this trap! This crisis is what you make of it, and the extra time you now have could be a way to explore new avenues that your business can take. Here are some examples for you:
- Carry out team trainings.
- Experiment new recipes.
- Create media content for your company, you now can be creative and make sure your guests/customers don’t forget about your business in this temporary lull
- Explore the possibility of using delivery services like Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats,etc to sell your food.
FOCUS AND DON’T PRESS THE “PANIC’ BUTTON!
Our obligation as Hotelier/hospitalians should be to set an exemplar for your guests and colleagues. It could be normal to see people following the fear that is befalling the rest of the world, but it is our duty to put on a smiling face and reassure our guests and customers.
Also by stating the above we don’t intent to say that you should be living fearlessly, STAYING SAFE is the need of the hour and the safety of you and those around you should be a priority.
