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As a hotel-resort-bed & breakfast etc. owner/manager, your goals are to operate at a profit and keep your guests and employees happy and safe.
To achieve the last goal, it is imperative to boost security at your hospitality property.
Welcome to another edition of Hospitality Property School.
I am your instructor, Gerry MacPherson.
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Trying to make sure your guests have an enjoyable and worry-free stay at your property comes with its own share of challenges. From making sure it’s safe from viruses to hiring great employees to help operate it, to verifying that the breakfast buffet will be ready on time, you regularly have your work cut out for you.
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One issue that often arises for many hotel-resort-bed and breakfast etc. owners and managers is the question of security. It’s a common misconception that only lower-star properties labour with these types of issues, but this could not be further from the truth.
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Even higher-end properties can encounter problems like petty theft, unpleasant parties lurking outdoors, and rowdy guests getting into trouble.
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If you want to improve the safety and security of your property without alarming your guests or invest in methods that don’t work, then these seven measures can help you gain the peace of mind you deserve.
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Compassion Matters
One of the most effective ways to help bolster the security at your hospitality property is by spreading a little bit of human compassion.
This works in two ways.
For starters, one of the biggest security issues many property owners and managers face is employee theft. It’s very easy for an unhappy employee to pocket things that aren’t theirs, or to lie on their reported hours during a work shift. By treating your staff with compassion, you can help reduce the chance that they’ll steal from you and your property.
And your guests. It’s no secret that providing an exceptional experience is the cornerstone to making sure they want to return. However, this very same customer service also allows your staff to keep tabs on your guests as they come and go. This sends a subtle message that “we’re aware of you and your activities,” and gives your employees the ability to identify any odd behaviours.
Locking non-designated areas
Like any hospitality property, yours probably has designated guest areas, as well as areas that are shut off to the public, such as supply closets, kitchens, employee break rooms, and other guests’ accommodations. The last thing you want is guests rummaging around where they don’t belong, giving them access to expensive equipment and inventory. Instead, find ways to gently restrict access, for example by using access control solutions with keypad locks.
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More Thorough Check-Ins
You have the right to know who is staying at your property, and one way you can do this is by being careful in the check-in and registration process.
The best practice is to ensure staff fill out the information contained in registration forms themselves by asking relevant questions. Ask for several pieces of I.D. from each guest; ask questions about the number of people staying in the room and potential visitors; check license plate numbers. In addition to this, keep easily accessible records, introduce more secure payment systems, and ensure data protection policies are adhered to.
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The Importance of Appearances
It has been said that one should never judge a book by its cover, but as humans, it’s our nature to do so. This is also true for your property, and failing to meet these appearance expectations can be incredibly detrimental to your business. The “broken window” theory rings true here, and if you have a lawn that’s unmaintained or spray paint tagging on the walls, it could invite further trouble from dishonest people.
Bright lighting in the parking lots and by the entryways, painting, gardening and cleaning up litter from your property sends a message to potential transgressors.
Additionally, a well-maintained exterior also improves client perception of your establishment.
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Do these make sense so far?
Let me know in the comments.
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Security Guards
Security guards can also be an incredible way to help keep your property secure and free from theft, crime, and overall disorderliness. The simple act of placing a uniformed party at the doorway can be enough to cause a would-be criminal to hesitate. Security guards don’t tend to alarm guests instead, it often helps make them feel more confident that they’re being protected during their stay, allowing them to relax and focus on enjoying their stay at your property.
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Lighting in your property
I mentioned earlier that bright lighting in the parking lots and by the entryways can go a long way in discouraging criminal activity. This also goes for any isolated spaces or dimly lit hallways and alleys within your property. Make sure light bulbs are checked on a regular basis and replaced when broken, or even improve your property lighting systems.
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Personal Panic Buttons
Delivering a fast response when employees or guests are in danger is key to delivering effective help or stopping incidents from escalating. Personal panic buttons offer this type of functionality, providing an inconspicuous safety net for employees in trouble and allowing them to alert security if guests are in danger, without also placing themselves in harm’s way.
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If you are a member of the Hospitality Property School Group, as a bonus, I am going to share 6 more ways to boost security at your hospitality property.
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In conclusion
For hoteliers and innkeepers, improving hospitality property security, and subsequently, safety is an element of management that cannot be overlooked especially with today’s labour shortage. The good news is that this can be achieved with a few simple changes and the introduction of market-ready technologies.
While springing for extra training, security personnel, and even heavy-duty locks can come with an initial set-up fee, it’ll be more than worth it once you see how effective they are in safeguarding your property. And in turn, you can worry less about these concerns and more about the things that truly matter to you.
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We cover more on employee development in “The Guide to Owning & Operating a Hospitality Property – Successfully” book & course. You find more information at KeystoneHPD.com
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What have you done to boost security at your hospitality property?
Let me know in the comments.
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You will have access to this episode for the next six weeks and then it’s locked in the vault for Hospitality Property School Group members only.
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To see all the other valuable material you’d have access to as a member of the Hospitality Property School Group, check out the short video in the episode post-show notes.
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In the next episode, I will talk about Things the Will Hurt Your Productivity.
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That’s it for today’s episode,
Until next time, have a fun day.
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Are you getting your weekly INNsider Tips? You can find the link in the show notes.
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⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
https://keystonehpd.com/7-verified-techniques-to-boost-security-at-your-hospitality-property-282
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