Protecting hotel staff from sexual harassment
Hotel employees, especially females working alone in guestrooms and restrooms have for long endured the dangers of sexual abuse in an industry that is not necessarily proactive. Protecting workers from sexual assault became headline news after a housekeeper at a New York hotel accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn, then head of the IMF, of sexual assault. Strauss-Kahn denied the allegations and reached a settlement with the housekeeper, but the high profile case resonated throughout the industry.
In New Jersey, USA, a new law requiring hotels with more than 100 guestrooms to provide housekeeping staff with panic devices will come into effect in January 2020.The law is to help protect hotel employees from sexual harassment and other dangerous situations encountered while performing their duties and enable them to summon immediate assistance if they are in danger. Already, five major brands – Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriot and Wyndham have indicated that they will roll out the devices in all their US hotels by 2020.
The law also mandates hotel employers to develop and maintain a program that educates employees on the use of panic devises and their rights should they use one. Failure by hotel employers to comply with the law will result in a US$ 5,000 penalty for first time violation rising to $ 10,000 for each subsequent violation.
Carrying a panic button is the first step, but, other steps need to be in-place. An employee carrying the safety device must know how it works, when it should be activated and what type of response they can expect. Likewise, all team members who become aware that a safety device has been activated must know how to react and respond. When the button is pressed, one needs a standardised procedure in place, almost like a fire drill.
Investing in this type of safety net can create a safer workplace; make employees feel more valued and protected at work…and in certain instances, reduce corporate liability premiums. Happy and feeling - safe workers will lead to an improved guest experience.
In September, last year, the American Hotel & Lodging Association introduced the “5-Star Promise”, a pledge to provide employees with greater safety and accountability. In addition to the rollout of personal safety devices, the initiative calls for mandatory ant-sexual harassment policies, ongoing anti-sexual harassment training, a commitment to encourage a culture of safety and partnerships with national organisations that fight sexual violence and assault and trafficking and promote workplace safety.
Ilzaf Keefahs - writes on hospitality related matters that he is passionate about, and likes to share his views with hoteliers and customers alike. |
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