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You are here: Home1 / 20212 / January

5 Reasons Your Team Needs Panic Buttons

January 20, 2021/in Relay for Business

In early 2020, dating app Tinder made headlines when they announced that they were adding a panic button feature. CNN Business reported that while it wasn’t an actual physical panic button, the app had newly added functionality that would alert authorities if someone ran into danger on a date. There was also the ability to check in and let friends know where the date was at any given time. Critics of Tinder’s virtual panic button wondered why instead of creating safer matches overall, instead of adding what felt to some to be a patch instead of an actual fix. ​

In the real world, life sometimes gets bumpy, and that’s when physical panic buttons become a necessity instead of something optional. If you’ve been debating whether or not to outfit your team with panic buttons, we’d like to share five reasons why it’s a really good idea.

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1. To give your staff a sense of security:

One of the best parts of being part of a team is realizing that for better or worse, you can count on others to tell you how to do your job, well, that’s probably the part that might be classified as worse. The better part of working as part of a team is that others help you to do your job and also look out for you. It also means that if one staff member has to head to a remote area of the building, they’ll probably want a fellow team member to be aware of their location. Some people feel uncomfortable continually checking in with fellow staffers every time they head out of the immediately shared work space. Outfitting all staff members with panic buttons allows them to have both a sense of autonomy and security. After all, a dark and deserted hallway feels a lot less intimidating if help is a push of the button away.

Don’t panic tip: Instead of causing your staff to worry about potentially sketchy areas at work, first gather senior staff to do a top-down analysis of areas or situations that could cause potential issues for staffers.

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2. Because your team never met in person:

In an article on ComputerWeekly.com about security issues we might collectively face in 2021, experts discussed how remote working could potentially create a surge in cyber attacks. In that feature, Igor Andriushchenko, director of quality and security for engineering at Snow Software, said, “People have not ever met many of their colleagues who joined companies in 2020 due to the shift towards remote work.” That was an aha moment for us. With ever-evolving staffs and team members, it’s crucial to create a consistent sense of security. Ensuring that every single staff member has a panic button means that they won’t have to wonder if that person in the shadows is a colleague or someone sketchy. And their panic button gives them a sense of security if they feel unsafe in any given situation.

Don’t panic tip: Even if your staff won’t work face-to-face, create an internal database with visuals including everyone’s name along with a recent photograph.

Related: Top 5 Things Your Hotel Pnic Button Must Have

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3. You could potentially save money on insurance:

In recent years, home insurance companies have started reducing premiums for people whose homes have specific smart devices. For instance, Fox Business reported that having a wireless security system with video doorbells combined with monitoring services created a safe home. They also let your insurance company know that you were protecting your space against theft or home invasion. If you outfit your team with panic buttons, you’re creating a safer, more accountable work environment. You should probably also check with your insurance company if that also means that you’re entitled to a discount or added incentives.

Don’t panic tip: Ask your accountant to review current insurance costs and to compare to see if other services offer lower rates for companies using panic buttons.

Related: Businesses Are Increasingly Providing Personal Panic Buttons to Employees

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4. You could be sending the right message:

For the past year or so, New York bodega owners have been pressing city officials to pass a bill that would reimburse bodega owners for panic buttons. An article on MSN reported that owners of small groceries would feel safer knowing they could immediately communicate with law enforcement officials or family members if the worst happened. By creating an instant communications strategy for you and your team, you’re already informing them that you take their safety above all. It’s also a good way of allowing even a casual observer to immediately know that by wearing a panic button at all times, even a staffer who appears isolated is connected to a larger team and potentially to law enforcement officials. Before deciding on your approach, though, it might be wise to have a discussion with local law enforcement officials about expected protocol, since the article also stated that police would prefer to know what they might be walking into in case of an emergency.

Don’t panic tip: Pay attention to trends in both your neighborhood and industry before making a major decision or investment.

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5. You believe in customer service above all:

This one might sound slightly counterintuitive; after all, how can having a staffer wear a panic button show customers how much they’re valued? The answer is two-fold. By having a distraction-free communication device, you’re allowing your employees to have an undistracted connection with your customers. There’s no phone just out of view, distracting them during their workday, and your employees aren’t spending most of the day swiping instead of working. In our first point, we mentioned that giving every staff member a panic button also gave them a sense of security. Your staff can better concentrate on the customers in front of them or tasks at hand. Knowing that help is a button press away allows them to do the best job possible and keep customers happy without distraction. ​

Don’t panic tip: Remember to train staff on best practices for using panic buttons. Hold test drills regularly to reassure staff response rates.

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The Relay difference:

If you’re looking for a solution that’s compliant, affordable and efficient, you’ve come to the right place. Relay is an easy to deploy, flexible panic button. Best yet, it’s also an elevated communications solution, so you’re combining two critical line items into one (with better value). With Relay, you save money, setup is nonexistent, and you offer hotel staff a practical, easy solution.

https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-01-–-14.png 711 1747 Travis Aptt https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/relay_blog.svg Travis Aptt2021-01-20 17:53:532021-03-30 11:24:125 Reasons Your Team Needs Panic Buttons

Next Level Communication Devices: A Talk With Relay

January 19, 2021/in Relay for Business

Relay’s Director of Product, Ibraheem Khalifa, joins IoT All The Things to talk about next generation walkie-talkies and how they work with Wifi and LTE, and bring voice interfaces and instant communication everywhere.

 

https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Blog-01-–-13.png 711 1747 Travis Aptt https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/relay_blog.svg Travis Aptt2021-01-19 15:28:532021-03-30 11:24:21Next Level Communication Devices: A Talk With Relay

What to Look for When Investing in New Walkie-Talkies

January 12, 2021/in Relay for Business

If the past year taught us anything, it’s that there isn’t a single right way to communicate or interact with each other. Some people thrive on Zoom meetings since it gives them a sense of virtual face-to-face connection – and a reason to brush their hair. Some people find that direct messaging through Twitter or Facebook, or Slack gives them a sense of camaraderie that doesn’t overtake their workflow. Still, others have discovered that when managing remote teams, having a walkie-talkie is the only reliable way to have consistent and immediate communication methods…or at least that’s the goal. And it’s a trend that keeps growing.

In mid-December, MarketWatch reported that the global walkie-talkie market was expected to reach $19.7 billion by the year 2027. And previous estimates for 2020 completely changed due to the COVID-19 crisis from a previously estimated $11.5 billion to a whopping $19 billion. That’s a lot of walkie-talkie buying.

In case walkie-talkies are in your future, we compiled a list of things to look for before buying your walkie-talkies:

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  • Ease of use: No matter your age, learning how to use a new piece of technology can be incredibly time-consuming, not to mention annoying. Ironically, it’s the youngest among us who seem to be the most fearless about trying new things. On the opposite end of the spectrum, an article on Slate from July 2019 discussed why older adults often resist using new technology or aren’t even online. Part of the explanation included the fact that people of any age want the ease of use above all. An interesting takeaway was not that people should be trying harder to adapt, but companies should design devices and software providing value. That holds true for creating products to be used by all.

Before you buy, ask yourself: Is it easy to use for both you and your team? How long will it take for your entire team to feel comfortable using your new walkie-talkies? If you’re worried it might take too long, you’re probably choosing the wrong walkie-talkies.

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  • Reliability: Did you ever notice how some people buy the same car or phone brand with only the model upgraded time after time? Often it’s less about trading up and more about merely upgrading a product they already know and trust. In late December, Forbes asked 12 leaders from the Forbes Technology Council to share some of their predictions for 2021. We took note of the idea of aggressive infrastructure modernization, especially this part “to make business elastic, available, reliable, and secure—in a word, resilient.” We all want to bounce back after the past year’s uncertainty, but without a reliable communication system, too much can get lost in the process.​

Before you buy, do a reliability test run: How reliable is your new walkie-talkie system? What happens when you have a distanced staff, when the weather is unpredictable or when someone is on the road? If your primary communication device is unreliable, your business and business reputation will suffer.

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  • Grows with you and your needs: Old-time walkie-talkies are outdated in many ways not because of their size (and they are huge!), but because of the limitations. In the early days of walkie-talkies, channels were limited, and there was no way of knowing who was listening in on your conversation. And let’s not even talk about the fact that connectivity was never a sure thing. As your company grows — and your needs change — it’s crucial to have a two-way radio system that almost effortlessly grows with you.

Before you buy, have a conversation: While it’s easy to research any company online, reviews can often be skewed based on their needs and not your own. Relay helps you to create a highly-personalized network for your staff. Contact us to find out how to set up your network or how we can help you grow your communication system along with your business.

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  • The trust factor: As savvy internet and technology users, we’ve all gotten pretty good at understanding scams or unsavory types. It’s a bit harder, though, to figure out when a product or system recommended by a friend or ad, isn’t quite what it seems. There’s a reason that Kelley Blue Book has become the trusted source for reviewing and researching used cars, it’s a definitive guide to shopping wisely or understanding what your vehicle is worth. If only there was a universal source to research every other product as well.

Before you buy, ask around: While it’s easy to rely on glossy advertising, when it comes to buying something like a walkie-talkie system, you’re probably better off asking your colleagues for the companies or brands they trust most. And if you’re not sure which brand is for you and your team, take a step back and pay attention to the companies or walkie-talkies people talk about most often. Sometimes word of mouth is worth the most.

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  • No hidden fees or contracts: Remember when buying a cell phone meant attaching yourself to a prohibitive contract for years? Walkie-talkies are supposed to afford you and your staff a sense of freedom while also remaining connected. Having hidden fees that keep growing, or even contracts that inhibit your company’s growth can detract from the idea of merely being able to communicate whenever necessary.

Before you buy, read the fine print: We don’t mean to brag (okay, maybe just a little), but we’re incredibly proud of the fact that not only are our products almost effortless to set up and use, we don’t hide our pricing structure or surprise users with hidden costs. We invite you to have a quick look at our pricing structure and try out our system for 30 days before deciding if we’re right for each other.

https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-01-–-11.png 711 1747 Travis Aptt https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/relay_blog.svg Travis Aptt2021-01-12 15:17:072021-03-30 11:24:28What to Look for When Investing in New Walkie-Talkies

4 Ways To Improve Hotel Guest Satisfaction With Streamlined Communication

January 6, 2021/in Relay for Business
Guest Blog from ALICE

 

At the heart of a great hotel stay is personalized service that meets and exceeds the expectations of hotel guests. In the hospitality industry, one of the best ways to achieve a high-level of guest satisfaction is with clear, helpful, streamlined communication between guests and staff, and between each department in a hotel.

For hoteliers, excelling at communication can be the difference between a loyal, repeat guest, losing a guest, or the worst case scenario: a negative review. 33% of Americans would consider switching companies if they have even one bad customer service interaction, and now is not the time to lose guests. ​

As hotels struggle with fluctuating occupancy due to the impact of COVID-19 on travel, good communication is essential for hoteliers.

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Here are four ways hotels can leverage streamlined communication to improve guest satisfaction:

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1. Reduce response time for guest requests: 

One of the best ways for hotels to exceed guest expectations is by fulfilling requests not only in a timely manner, but faster than guests expect. This can be achieved only if guests can easily make requests, and employees have a streamlined communication system to assist them in carrying it out.

A request for extra towels isn’t hard to fulfill (in principle), but these requests often meet roadblocks when hotel employees don’t have the proper processes in place to document requests or the proper technology to communicate with each other. Additionally, when requests are sent to the wrong department, a long game of telephone begins in which departments pass the task along, without taking action.

A process which leverages hotel technology enables guests to make requests through an in-room voice-controlled device or mobile app. This request directly enters an operations system where a staff member could accept and acknowledge the request, from wherever they are on the property, and route it to the right employee with the click of a button.

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2. Connect directly with guests: 

With the help of guest messaging software, hotels can communicate with guests before, during and after their stay. Texting is no longer reserved for friends and family — it can, and should, be leveraged by businesses as well.

 

“According to Twillio, 89% of consumers prefer to use messaging to communicate with businesses.”

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Leverage guest messaging software to:

  • Communicate any COVID related efforts or procedures to guests: Build trust with your guests by communicating with them. Let them know exactly how your hotel is responding. Everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to COVID-19. Give your guests links to your website detailing your efforts. Let your guests decide for themselves if they feel comfortable.
  • Drive secondary spend by encouraging guests to pre-book services or upgrade their reservation: Before guests arrive, send them links to your restaurant’s website encouraging them to book a reservation.
  • After guests depart, encourage them to complete a post stay survey or leave a review of their stay by sending them a link to an online hotel review site.

Whether it is automated messaging, or personal conversations with staff via text, guest satisfaction is increased with personalized service.

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3. Improve cross-departmental communication

Many companies suffer from poor internal communication, and it can affect the guest experience. Streamlined and effective communication within and between departments helps break down archaic and siloed communication systems in hotels. Improved cross-departmental communication provides an opportunity for personalization.

When departments communicate and talk to each other, housekeeping knows immediately about any guest requests that were made directly to the concierge. Front desk agents know that guests are celebrating a special occasion, and spa attendants know that guests won’t make their reservation if they can see that they haven’t checked-in yet.

​Improve communication between departments by:

  • Providing staff with the tools they need: Relay’s mobile push-to-talk devices seamlessly connect employees who are on the go. Employees can communicate with each other on the cloud-based platform, accessible from anywhere on a hotel’s property.
  • Leveraging user-friendly operations software: ALICE’s housekeeping software is icon-based, making it easy for multilingual teams to communicate.

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4. Set guest expectations

Transparent communication builds trust, and it is essential for hoteliers to be upfront and proactive in communicating with guests. If your breakfast buffet is temporarily closed, or has been replaced with grab and go items, let your guests know in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Good communication helps guests set their expectations, and ALICE Guest Messaging helps do that. Many hotels have temporarily closed some of their amenities (pools, spas, fitness centers, etc.) in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. While this in and of itself may not be a reason for a poor review, if guests aren’t notified at the time of booking, or with enough time that they can adjust their plans accordingly, this could be a major disappointment.

Be transparent with your guests by:

  • Making sure all of your staff are informed and on the same page: Operations software or communication devices that enable departments to talk to each other ensures that teams are on the same page, with access to all of the same information.
  • Using broadcast messaging to contact all of your hotel’s guests at once with notifications or updates: Connect with every guest at your hotel by sending them a message with the click of a button. Provide updates or extend offers to every guest on your property.

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ALICE is the all-in-one solution that enables hotel staff to do the most impactful work without all the guesses. Task management, real-time communication and operational analytics reduce the complexity and chaos of hotel operations providing the transparency and flexibility needed to run efficiently.

Interested in learning more about how ALICE can help your hotel streamline communication and improve customer satisfaction? Schedule a demo of ALICE today!

https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Blog-01-–-12.png 711 1747 Travis Aptt https://blog.relaypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/relay_blog.svg Travis Aptt2021-01-06 15:22:342021-03-30 11:24:354 Ways To Improve Hotel Guest Satisfaction With Streamlined Communication

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