Associate Alert Device Update
As previously communicated, the safety and security of guests, associates, and visitors are among Marriott’s highest priorities. Marriott is proud to announce that we are leading the industry in implementing a new safety alert device for associates. The device would enable hotel associates to press a button that will summon help if they feel their safety is threatened while at work.
Our Commitment
We are committed and invested in providing associates with tools and procedures to assist in creating a safe environment; this alert device will help us achieve this goal. For the past ten months, we have conducted extensive research and piloted different alert systems to find solutions that are:
- Proven to work in various size hotels. Our solution needs to work in large, high-rise hotels with many floors, resorts covering many acres with multiple buildings as well as small, one-level properties.
- Easy to operate for associates to use. We worked with housekeepers to get their feedback on how practical the device is to wear while working.
- Able to be deployed effectively and quickly.
- Cost effective.
Implementation Plan
Based on jurisdictional requirements in Chicago, associate alert devices have been implemented across all Managed by Marriott (MxM) hotels in Chicago. Franchised hotels in Chicago, working with Talent Point by Marriott or other third-party vendors, should also have implemented a solution by July 1, 2018.
In support of Marriott’s goal of ensuring associate safety, we intend to make the implementation of associate alert devices a brand standard for both Managed by Marriott and franchised hotels in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2020.
We are working to determine a solution that will address this need while allowing franchise management companies the flexibility to select a product that best meets their needs. With this in mind, Marriott does not plan to define the type of device or technology required. However, we continue to pilot a solution to determine if we can: scale the solution for the portfolio and leverage our scale for a cost savings for owners. The goal is to find a solution that is accessible, available and affordable for the portfolio. We look forward to sharing additional information to support this effort.
