Hotel automation: friend or foe?
Hotel automation: friend or foe?
How would you vote? In this issue, we share a fictional (but realistic) story about an employee speaking up during a company meeting. Are her ideas wise or risky? Hit reply and share your thoughts.
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Should they stay or should they grow?
Jane sat in a sleek boardroom of Saarma Hotels surrounded by a sea of grey suits and stiff collars. Above the table, she appears calm and composed. Below the table, her palms are sweating. She’s spent day and night preparing for this moment. The research is done. Her ideas are now persuasive arguments. She’s ready to pitch to the board.
In today’s meeting, the future of how Saarma Hotels’ use of technology is up for debate – and Jane’s keen to be heard. After months of internal advocacy to have employees (not just directors and managers) join key company meetings, Jane was chosen by her peers to attend. She hopes to influence the company's direction towards values she and her colleagues believe in, like improving the wellbeing of their working environment.
There’s a clatter of chairs as everyone takes a sit to start the meeting. The CEO, sat at the head of the table, scans the room. Jane seizes her opportunity. “I’d like to draw everyone's attention to an issue I believe is crucial for our growth and sustainability,” she says evenly with conviction. “There’s no doubt we’re an innovative and caring company, but we can do more for our employees.”
A few eyebrows rise. Nevertheless, she presses on about the staff shortage in key areas of the business, increasing the workload and stress for teams who are already overworked. Jane explains how automating certain processes like data entry would relieve staff of the burden so they focus on more meaningful work, like helping guests. She goes over the benefits of investing in technology and how it’ll not only improve efficiency, but open the door for employee growth. She shares case studies and success stories from similar hotels to back this up.
Sadly, not everyone is impressed. Concerns about the cost and the fear of losing employee jobs to machines rise. “What about the human touch? A personalised service is why Saarma Hotels is successful!”, pipes up one manager.
Jane empathises with their concerns but stands her ground by saying: “Automation won’t replace our employees. It’ll empower them – freeing them from menial tasks so they can create a memorable connection with our guests. It’s about finding a balance.”
Jane continues by quoting Yuval Noah Harari, a bestselling author who famously wrote,
‘As we navigate the uncharted territories of the future, let us remember the true power of automation lies in its ability to enable us, to amplify our humanity, and to remind us of the beauty and significance of what it means to be human.’
In one (lengthy) sentence, Harari debunks the myth of technology replacing humans.
The debate becomes heated. Voices rise and opinions clash. Jane’s heart pounds as she plugs her last attempt to sway the room. Finally, the CEO demands silence and calls for a vote. The suspense is heavy as one by one people cast their vote. Anxiety shrouds Jane. The outcome of her pitch is still uncertain. Would they embrace change and prioritise employee wellbeing? Or would they cling to familiar, unsustainable routines?
This story begs the question: how would you vote?
Events: where to catch us
Automation clinics
There are no clinics this month. The only place you’ll catch us outside our home offices is at the beach, soaking up the sun.
Top picks of the month: Summer
🥕 If the slogan, ‘the taste of passion’ doesn’t entice you, Uliassi’s epic dishes will! The elegant ristorante sits beachside overlooking the Adriatic sea. Simple yet contemporary, the cuisine is deeply rooted in the area’s traditions with accents of worldly influences. And the vibe? No matter the season, it’s a ‘yes’ to Uliassi.
🍹 Designated drivers or non-drinkers, don’t despair! Mixologist, Anders Erickson shares his favourite summer mocktails. Try them for yourselves.
🏖️ Dreaming of the beach? Check out some of our favourite spots.
🐚 Praia dos Beijinhos, Portugal
🌅 As Catedrais, Spain
⛰️ Butterfly Valley, Turkey
⛱️ Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, Italy
⛵️ Calanque d’En-Vau, France
Founded by hoteliers, for hoteliers
No one went to hotel school to sit in front of a screen for 10 hours a day. With Aphy, hotel teams don’t have to. Our tech takes the repetitive, labour-intensive tasks off your hands so your team focusses on what they do best – hospitality. This free newsletter is a celebration of our beloved industry and a way to kick-start conversations. Get involved! Share everything from emerging trends, local events or what automation you’re using. We’re all ears.