BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International is ramping up the deployment of alert devices for housekeepers and other on-property associates. The company will be making associate alert devices a new standard across its portfolio of more than 5,000 managed and franchised hotels in the U.S. and Canada and is exploring similar technology solutions to meet the needs of its global hotel portfolio and workforce.
“No one should ever be fearful doing their job, least of all associates on-property who are so vital to the success of our company and our industry,” says Arne Sorenson, president and CEO, Marriott International. “The safety of everyone at our properties is always a top priority, as is deterring and combatting harassment of any kind. I’m deeply proud to say our entire industry is unified around these important goals.”
The devices allow staff to discretely summon help if they feel harassed in any way, need quick support or spot a guest in distress. The associate alert technology rollout is projected to continue through 2020 as the company and its franchise partners fine-tune and tailor installations at individual sites ranging from high-rise city properties to sprawling resorts to suburban hotels.
At testing locations to date, many housekeepers have expressed relief and described heightened peace of mind, not because they’ve had to use the device, but because they know they can if trouble arises.
“I’ve spoken with housekeepers who describe the feeling of walking into a guest room and not knowing what’s on the other side of the door,” says Erika Alexander, Chief Lodging Services Officer, The Americas, for Marriott International. “Realizing they now have a device right at their fingertips is automatically empowering and it reminds them they’re not alone. I hear the relief and confidence in their voices, I see it in their faces. Not only does it make them feel better, it makes their families feel better about the work environment they’re in. That’s why we’re doing this.”
