How to market your hotel as the perfect ‘Home Office’
The working world has changed since the 2020 pandemic, with just under half of Britain’s working population (about 13.4 million) now swapping the office for remote or home working. Ladders research shows that in 2022, the trend for remote working in the US has also accelerated faster than their most optimistic estimates– hinting that it is here to stay
While the business world enjoys working remotely, some workers are keen to escape the distractions or technical limitations of home life and boost their productivity with social interactions and a change of scenery. Many make the most of their digital desk by working in hotels.
What does this ‘work from anywhere’ trend mean for hoteliers?
Historically, hotels have served the business world with big corporate event spaces, large meeting rooms, and large-scale F&B catering. Big event spaces don’t solely cut it any more.
The workforce is changing, and while corporate event spaces will likely still be needed by some businesses, the demands of remote workers differ in big ways. For a productive work-day, workers require the following:-
Smaller meetings rooms - for when privacy or quiet time is required or you want to have a meeting with other poeple.
Quiet workspaces - an area where there’s no overhead music playing or people congregating.
Daytime availability - space set aside for workers that’s not occupied by leisure guests.
Power sockets and lightning-quick Wi-Fi - this is a must in today’s age.
Comfy seating and tables - everyone wants a comfortable ‘workstation’ as they could be there all day.
Easy access to online ordering of food, drink and refreshments - everyone needs to keep their caffeine levels topped up and have a lunch break; digital menus will suit tech-savvy workers and save them time and effort.
By meeting the demands of this new workforce, hoteliers can keep professionals working at their hotels for longer and encourage them to not only return but also recommend your hotel as a co-working space.
How can hoteliers meet the needs of remote workers?
Turn your unused bedroom stock into new remote offices. Offer a variety of spaces for remote workers, including quiet zones and small meeting rooms.
Consider seating and tables carefully and make sure that all workspaces are comfy and practical – make them not want to leave!
Ensure enough power sockets are available and Wi-Fi is strong throughout the hotel - including restaurants, workspaces, and bedrooms.
Provide online F&B ordering (via a digital menu or app) so it’s quick and easy to order a range of refreshments - no need to leave their desk to keep the caffeine topped up, even if they’re in the middle of a long meeting!
If there’s a few people in a meeting, enable guests to order their F&B items online, then charge it to a business account and have it delivered to a specific meeting room - no need to look for a menu or go to the bar to order and pay.
Provide online service requests so your workers can message your front desk - perhaps they need to order a taxi or hire a big screen?
Offer an online booking tool for rooms, desks, and tables so workers can check availability and reserve a space ahead of arrival.
How can hoteliers benefit?
If hoteliers create a productive and attractive workplace for remote workers, they can enjoy a wealth of benefits:
Increased revenue - through increased F&B sales (these workers need to keep well hydrated throughout the day and will need lunch and snacks!) and hiring out the space - either a dedicated desk, hot desking or a private office. Place handy QR codes on desks and communal areas so workers can easily access and order from digital menus and apps.
Boost in daytime business - enjoy more visits and more sales during the quieter daytime hours; workers will appreciate a little less hustle and bustle and you’ll enjoy more revenue! You could reach out to local businesses and networking groups, put on special offers during the hours or days that you’re least busy to encourage footfall.
Attract a new type of guest to your property - these workers are more likely to be local and have different needs from your typical guest. It’s great marketing opportunity to get new people through the doors to experience your property. Hopefully they’ll like what they see and return as a leisure guest in the future or stay at one of the other properties in your group - and even recommend your hotel to their colleagues or peers!
Incremental sales - after a long day in front of their keyboard, your guests might like to try out some of your other facilities – perhaps a spa treatment, a soak in the pool or a delicious cocktail to unwind! Advertise all your facilities, amenities and F&B delights in your digital guest directory so they’ve got all the information they need at their fingertips.
Next steps
The first step is ensuring that you have the right spaces for remote workers and all the amenities they need. The second and more important step is making sure they have easy access to these facilities.
Being able to order a coffee or lunch online (and for it to be delivered to your workstation) or book a desk is essential - and being able to do it easily is even more important. Remember that remote workers are experts at digital. They expect things to be done online or through an app.
Meet these remote workers where they are, online, and be sure to delight them. This is where the real opportunity lies – through a seamless guest app or digital menu, you can build rapport with the digital workforce, meet their needs, and keep them coming back for more.
“There has been a huge gear shift in employment, and many roles have permanently transitioned to a remote status.
Business owners and their employees have adapted remarkably to working from home. However, it’s not all positive for some workers who have slow Wi-Fi, lack space or quiet at home, want a break in their routine, or need some social interaction for their mental well-being.
This is where hoteliers have a real opportunity to offer alternative solutions for workers and generate additional revenue streams at the same time.”
Ready to encourage daytime business during quieter hours, achieve more F&B sales, and maximise the potential of your whole property?
At IRIS, we specialise in developing digital menus and guest apps for hoteliers who accommodate remote workers. Get in touch with our friendly team today and discover how we can help you personalise your app experience to satisfy the new demand for this growing workforce.
