One of the questions we asked in our recent survey was how likely our audience was to go back to school or pursue additional certification during this time. 38.9% of respondents said they were less likely to do so, however, many are hoping to see more employee training made available upon their return to work. 

With the slew of guidelines and policies that have been released to make sure hotels and restaurants are properly sanitizing after each guest interaction, and employing new technologies to minimize the possible spread of covid-19, employees will need to be up-to-date on how and when to use disinfectants, and how to interact with the public. 

Implementing more trainings 

“It would be beneficial for hotels and restaurants to offer several learning programs for its employees.”

Some respondents believe that companies should turn to professional consultants to train upper management, housekeepers and maintenance employees to ensure proper protocols are upheld to maintain the hospitality industry reputation. 

As we discussed in our safety and sanitation post, the most important thing for guests will be how apparent cleaning is throughout their experience. Employees will need to sanitize surfaces in between guest interactions, and cleaning supplies and disinfectants should be in plain sight. 

Once the first round of employees has been trained, companies can put in place educational systems to have trained employees help train and monitor the following rounds of employees. Since companies are planning on bringing back staff in waves to meet the bookings and reservation demands, they can use those waves as the groups of trainers and trainees. 

It will also be important for companies to train their staff on how to answer any questions guests may have about how their particular hotel or restaurant is implementing cleaning procedures, what new check-in/check-out or dining procedures are, and any new technology the company is using, like self-check-in/check-out machines, or tablets at dining tables for self-pay. 

Keeping the best talent

There is an overall feeling that companies will be hiring less qualified candidates in order to save costs on salaries, however our respondents mentioned this would be a good time for companies to focus on hiring staff who care about being trained and keeping up with the new sanitation standards. 

“Employers should be more focused on productivity and concentrating on hiring employees with experience and retraining the existing workforce.”

“They need to look well beyond just those who have experience, such as retirees or those who were job eliminated from other industries.”

Others also mentioned that companies will be cross training employees to eliminate some of the front of house positions, and other positions that may not be necessary while we are still increasing bookings and reservations. 

Hospitality certifications 

34.7% of respondents answered that they were more likely to look into going back to school or pursuing additional certifications. 

There are many certifications hospitality workers can explore depending on the specific career path they are interested in taking. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) have a multitude of certifications available, all of which can be found here.

Providing proper training for all new and returning employees will be crucial for guests and employees to feel safe when coming to work or when staying in a hotel or dining at a restaurant. Companies will want to make sure sanitation procedures are being followed correctly, and that stay are able to help answer any questions guests may have during their experience. 

In the coming weeks, we will dive deeper into the separate survey result topics including; new practices and guidelines, and responses about the general outlook on the hospitality industry moving forward.

Make sure to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook for the latest updates on these results and topics.