WHEN HYGIENE EMBRACES TECH

Ryan Fleming

Rentokil Initial Hygiene is garnering a sharper focus within the hospitality industry. HN spoke to

general manager of pest control and hygiene leader Rentokil Initial and regional operations manager – Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, to discover more.

Social media is reflecting customer satisfaction

Through the rising use of social media and online review communities, the hospitality industry is under constant scrutiny, as digital channels encourage greater transparency in customer responses and a bigger audience with which to share them. Figures show that 42 percent of customers share a negative experience online and it takes 12 positive reviews to make up for every one negative experience. This, coupled with generally high customer expectations, increasing competition and more stringent global legislation, makes ensuring good hygiene absolutely critical.

Standards are country-specific

When it comes to standards, food establishments must adopt the hygiene and food safety legislation standards of the country in which they operate. Despite common legislation within the EU there are still in-country differences, which present a challenge for multinational operators who need to ensure they are compliant within each country, while also trying to adopt a consistent process. Regardless of varying standards however, the overarching principle of good hygiene as a crucial factor in creating the right environment and brand experience for a customer, must always be respected. As standards vary, and to ensure compliance and high standards are met however, developing and following a robust hygiene plan based on clear Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles is critical. Employing a professional independent auditing company will also ensure that plans are followed and best practice is undertaken by workers.

Tech-hygiene is here

Connected technology is starting to have a real impact on improving hygiene levels and mitigating risk. For example, Initial’s Hygieneconnect was the first wireless monitoring and display system which has been trialed in multiple sectors across Europe, offering a precise and objective measurement of hand hygiene within an organization. Similar innovative technical solutions have also enabled 24/7 integrated pest control across businesses, meaning hygiene standards can be further monitored and protected on a continual basis, both effectively and efficiently. Connected technology means data is now both instant and constant, enabling targeted mitigation measures and timely intervention of hygiene issues. Coupled with autosensing and auditing programs, technology can boost hygiene statistics significantly. Again, when looking at Hygieneconnect, our trials have seen a 50 percent decrease in handwashing non-compliance. The hospitality industry is turning to technological innovation to help meet the challenges of growing customer expectation, from utilizing it as a tool to enable differentiation through more personalized customer experiences, to improving hygiene standards and operational efficiencies. This is why Rentokil Initial is heavily investing in innovative solutions, so we can enable our customers to adapt to these changing environments and expectations, and ultimately overcome the challenges these present.

Said to account for two thirds of health, hygiene is highly valuable to the sustainability and financial success of all hospitality establishments. The hygiene standards of a hotel are one of the main factors that would-be guests consider when deciding where to stay, whether for business or leisure. In summary, good standards of hygiene are pivotal to ensure that a trip to a hotel is a pleasurable experience, or at the very least, an inoffensive one