Hotels have raised hourly wages by about 25% since Q2 of 2020. Per this May article from CNN, analysts believe wages have grown because of the convergence of pent-up demand for travel with a reduced supply of workers, many of whom are wary about entering into what they view as an unstable or unhealthy work environment. Higher wages have not had the intended effect of stimulating former hotel workers to return. There are many reasons contributing to “worker hesitancy” and the labor shortage in hospitality, and without question, bed bugs play a role in where a person chooses to apply for employment. This stems from their jobs requiring tremendous effort to eliminate them, plus the risks of these pests “hitchhiking” to their homes in their clothing or possessions. Slimmed-down staffs have become the norm across the industry, with the ripple effects leading to lower service quality and potentially increasing the risk of bed bug infestations.
The hotel industry has proven its resiliency through its ability to adapt. For instance, self-service models ranging from check-in via mobile apps to in-app concierge services have allowed hotels to offer expected amenities with no human involvement. Additionally, the shift to less-frequent housekeeping during a guest’s stay has mitigated the overall strain on labor needs and shift structure. However, fewer human interactions during a guest’s stay results in decreased surveillance by hotel personnel to discover bed bugs in a room. Traditionally, a hotel’s housekeeping staff performs an impromptu bed bug inspection every time they change linens. The longer a room remains untended between housekeeping visits, the more likely a bed bug infestation may develop and intensify.
ActiveGuard® Mattress Liners allow hotels to bridge the time gap between less frequent linen exchanges while keeping rooms safe from bed bugs. A liner works 24/7 for two years, reducing the risk of a bed bug-guest encounter. Simply stated, placing ActiveGuard on all beds throughout your hotel changes the entire risk profile of your establishment. When a female bug comes into contact with the patented fabric, it can no longer lay its eggs. This unique ability stops infestations before they occur, making ActiveGuard the perfect tool to support your housekeeping staff and maintain your reputation in a cost-efficient manner. ActiveGuard allows you to manage labor shortages in a cost-effective manner while allowing you to maintain the high standards that guests expect from your brand.