Why Prioritising Sustainability is Important in Hospitality by Shivani Arora

In recent times, the hospitality industry has widely recognized the growing need for sustainability to maintain the health of natural ecosystems.

Life must be supported for present and future generations, and adopting sustainable practices is essential to ingraining certain behaviors. In order to draw visitors, hotels mostly rely on natural resources like immaculate scenery, beaches, and pure air. But this dependence also puts a lot of stress on these resources, endangering the ecosystem that the business itself depends on.

Hotel operators are turning an increasing amount of their attention to revenue management systems and sustainability initiatives in order to combat rising expenses, more regulations, andfierce competition. During this process, there appears to be an increase in awareness among travelers as well, who are searching for hotels that are environmentally friendly.

Hotels are adopting sustainable practices as a result of their growing acceptance of the sustainability problem.

Recycling laws, reduced water consumption, waste minimization, energy conservation, and carbon emission reduction are among the measures that are being adopted. The front-runners among the hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott are the major proponents of this movement owing to their open declarations of the measures adopted to minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Let’s look at some sustainable practices in hospitality these days.

Waste management and reduction- Hotels are reducing the amount of single-use plastics and throwaway things they use, as well as reducing food waste through programs and creative recycling ideas.

Water conservation – Water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling technologies are being adopted to reduce water consumption without compromising guest comfort. 

Sustainable sourcing and local partnerships- Prominent lodging establishments are giving top priority to acquiring products and services that adhere to ethical and ecological norms, such as locally and organically produced goods. In addition to lowering their carbon footprint, hotels that promote local relationships also help the communities and companies in the area.

Technology’s place in environmentally friendly hospitality-Technological advancements play a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. From IoT-enabled smart systems that optimize energy usage to mobile applications that promote paperless operations and AI-driven predictive analytics for resource optimization, technology is instrumental in driving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. 

Based on existing patterns, it is easy to forecast that the increased emphasis on sustainability will continue. The growing concerns about the environment have made consumers very wary.Travelers want to choose hotels that are sustainable and practice eco-conscious living. In addition, hotels are embracing sustainability to obtain a competitive advantage in the market as well as to help create a healthy planet. For the hospitality business to continue growing and succeeding, sustainability is a strategic necessity because customers are prepared to pay extra for eco-friendly lodging.

For the hospitality sector, sustainability is now not just a desirable outcome but also a need. Hotels may meet guest expectations while reducing their ecological footprint by using sustainable sourcing techniques, waste reduction strategies, energy efficiency measures, and water conservation activities.

The hospitality sector can lead the way toward a more sustainable future by working together, being innovative, and being dedicated to social and environmental responsibility.

Implementation Opportunities:

Assessing operational updates

Making operational adjustments is essential to enhancing hotel sustainability. Operators might begin by carrying out thorough energy audits to find places where energy use can be cut. This could lead to simple adjustments like replacing the lighting or changing the filter, which can quickly lower energy use and lessen the hotel’s carbon footprint.

They might also influence capital plans for more significant infrastructure modifications, such the eventual replacement of the HVAC system. The use of water conservation measures, like low-flow fixtures and efficient washing and irrigation systems, is crucial for sustainability initiatives. Programs for waste management, such as composting and recycling, can also dramatically reduce the amount of garbage dumped in landfills. A hotel’s operational efficiencies can be found anywhere and are frequently

Involving guests

By educating visitors about their environmentally friendly policies in public areas and guest rooms, hotels may make their sustainability programs more engaging for visitors and inspire them to get involved in conservation efforts. Guests at one island resort are encouraged to produce their own corals, which eventually outcompete certain species on the reefs.

Additionally, it provides eco-friendly amenities like toiletries in reusable containers, which cut down on the waste produced by single-use plastics.

Some hotels even incentivise guests for sustainable behaviour, like offering discounts for opting out of daily room cleaning. Hotels should also consider seeking feedback on their sustainability efforts to prioritise actions that guests are motivated by. By involving guests in sustainability initiatives, hotels not only reduce their environmental impact but also raise awareness and foster a sense of ownership among their clientele.

Engagement of workforce

Training and educating staff about eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and energy conservation can lead to more efficient operations and cause a ripple effect where staff bring these practices to their homes and their communities. Staff can also serve as ambassadors, promoting sustainable practices to guests and encouraging their participation.

Moreover, recognising and rewarding employees for their contributions to sustainability efforts can boost morale and motivation. Ultimately, a committed and informed workforce is an invaluable asset in achieving and maintaining a sustainable future for hotels.

Some Challenges faced

Financial and cost hurdles are common since adopting sustainable practices frequently necessitates an initial investment, which may discourage enterprises owing to profitability concerns. Teaching stakeholders about the advantages of sustainable practices is crucial to overcome this obstacle because there may also be resistance to change and a lack of awareness.

In the realm of hospitality, sustainable practices are no longer a luxury but a necessity. As the world grapples with environmental concerns, the industry must embrace its role in promoting responsible consumption, conservation and social responsibility.

The journey toward sustainable hospitality has challenges, but with industry collaboration and innovative strategies, the hospitality sector can pave the way for a greener, more responsible future.

The hospitality industry is facing growing pressure to address its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. However, while sustainability is often viewed as an opportunity for businesses to improve their reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers, the potential risk of climate change and non-compliance with the growing sustainability agenda is not yet seen as critical.

EXPERT OPINION | Why should students pursue education and hospitality despite the recent dip in the industry? by Shivani Arora

Fundamentally, hospitality revolves around human connection. The Latin word hospitalitis, which describes the relationship between a guest and a host, is actually where the word hospitality originated, and its importance in both business and education has only grown.

While the past year was tough for all industries alike, the way hospitality industry operates, and education is imparted, has been reshaped. There's never been a better moment to seize the opportunity and join an industry poised to enter the next major stage of development.

All other industries are inextricably linked to the hospitality sector. It's critical to comprehend the skills that students who seek hospitality education will acquire before I respond to your questions about why they should. As I frequently emphasize, hospitality management is a humane approach to conventional business education. And that's precisely what sets this course apart from others, along with the chances it offers.

Contrary to popular belief, a degree in hospitality provides doors for employment in nearly every field. The hospitality industry is not just about hotels and restaurants. Students are well equipped to work in industries like travel and tourism, banking & finance, real estate, consulting, luxury lifestyle & retail, event management and so many more.

In fact, a lot of students decide to go on and become successful entrepreneurs in their chosen field of interest. The unique quality of hospitality education is in its emphasis on human capital. This course is unique because of the ‘transferrable skills’ that students acquire, even though the curriculum includes modules on finance, marketing, economics, human resource management, strategy, law & ethics, entrepreneurship, and other business essentials.

These are skills and traits that stay with students throughout their professional and personal lives, and across industries, no matter what career path they opt for. In fact, according to predictions made by the majority of business periodicals, candidates will stand out for their soft skills, which include problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Given a choice between two equally eligible candidates, recruiters are always going to choose an employee which ranks higher on soft skills and emotional intelligence. These transferrable skills are a great asset to one's current skill set and have a significant impact on one's career path. Real-world learning is a significant advantage of a hospitality education. The theoretical as well as the practical aspects of learning are stressed equally.

With the help of case studies, industry narratives, and historical and contemporary organizational models, students can apply theory to real-world situations through this type of industry immersion.

In order to create space for a better, more sustainable, and more productive tomorrow, they are taking lessons from the past. Although there are many opportunities in education, it's also critical that students arrive prepared and with the appropriate attitude.

Individuals that possess creativity, the ability to think and act unconventionally, or a strong desire to become tomorrow's leaders are ideal candidates for this kind of training. I would argue that, as the consumer-industry ecosystem develops, the importance of the service has surpassed that of the product. People are found wherever there is experience, and there is a dramatic change occurring worldwide from products to experiences.

Additionally, education has a lasting value since, in situations when others are having difficulty, hospitality advances thanks to transferable skills that accumulate over time. What will the job market be like in five or ten years? Nobody knows for sure. What we do know is that some skills particularly in industries like hospitality where human interaction is the Unique selling proposition, will remain in high demand, while others will become obselete.

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Shivani Arora is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with a Master’s in Travel Tourism Management from the University of Mumbai and a Bachelor's in Hospitality Studies from Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management. With experience at Thomas Cook India, Travelxp TV, Iris Representations, Sutherland Global Services, and Trident Hotels, she now excels in academia, training postgraduate and undergraduate students. Passionate about molding students into industry-ready professionals, Shivani fosters intellectual curiosity and confidence for lifelong learning.

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IPOSH- The What , Why and How by Shivani Arora (Asst Professor in Tourism & Hospitality, Certified POSH Trainer)

Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace and creating a respectful, inclusive culture are among the important issues facing the hotel industry today. Hotels are unique environments and it can be a challenge to ensure a safe, harassment-free workplace.

Unchecked inappropriate behavior by employees, supervisors, vendors, or visitors can result in sexual harassment incidents and expensive lawsuits that can negatively impact recruiting and retention, employee morale, loyalty programs, brand reputation, and financial performance.

Implementing a sexual harassment training program specifically designed for the hotel industry is a crucial first step in teaching staff members how to identify, report, and prevent harassment as part of a comprehensive strategy to stop workplace harassment. It also helps to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all guests and employees.

What is POSH Training?

Understanding the Act- Workers need to understand the basic definition of harassment. Employees typically believe that touching another person constitutes sexual harassment. While this behavior does qualify as sexual harassment, it’s not the only one. Social Culture vs Organizational Culture- Values are established by organizations, but social culture has an impact on corporate culture that cannot be overlooked. It has been noted that workers bring their unconscious social learning to work. There are instances when a particular behavior is appropriate in social settings but inappropriate in the workplace.

What are the benefits of POSH Training in Hospitality Industry?

Legal Compliance- A safe working environment and legal protection from liability are ensured by hotels that comply with numerous jurisdictions’ laws and regulations requiring them to provide training on sexual harassment prevention.

Employee Well being- Victims of sexual harassment may experience serious psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. Hotels show their dedication to their workers’ health and well-being by offering preventive training, which promotes an environment of mutual respect and support.

Maintaining a positive workplace culture- A hotel that prioritizes the prevention of sexual harassment promotes a positive workplace culture. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty, contributing to a healthier work environment.

Guest Satisfaction and safety- Reputation and guest experiences are closely related in hotels. Hotels make their guests feel safer and more at ease by addressing and preventing sexual harassment. This may have a favorable effect on patron loyalty and satisfaction.

Risk Mitigation- Incidents of sexual harassment may lead to fines, legal action, and reputational harm to the hotel. Prevention training assists in reducing these risks by teaching staff members on proper behavior and by laying out clear policies, procedures, and expectations.

Bystander Intervention- Training employees on bystander intervention empowers them to play an active role in preventing sexual harassment. Encouraging a culture of looking out for one another can contribute to a safer overall environment.

Ethical and Social Responsibility- Hotels have an ethical duty to provide preventive training in addition to their legal obligations. Encouraging a harassment-free workplace is in line with the larger social expectation that businesses should make a positive contribution to society.

Attraction and Retention of talent- When selecting or deciding to remain with an employer, job seekers and employees are increasingly taking workplace culture and policies into account. The hotel’s dedication to ending sexual harassment makes it a more appealing place to work, attracting and keeping top talent.

Best Practices- Global standards and best practices, including anti-harassment measures, have been established by numerous international hotel chains and hospitality organizations; hotels that consistently implement prevention training are in line with these industry-wide expectations.

How can employees recieve POSH Training-

An organization can provide its staff with a range of training alternatives. There are several options for POSH training, such as seminars on training modules, online classroom instruction, and traditional classroom instruction. The kind of training to use will depend on the nature of the organization.

Choose a solution that offers high-quality courses for corporate training. Instructor-led virtual training courses are the best, but employees should have the right to access them from any location, on any device. Online training makes it simple and easy to deliver training as needed, depending on your schedule.

In the workplace, sexual harassment has become the norm. While harassment can affect both men and women, women are more at risk. Through POSH training, managers and staff can collaborate to make the workplace a safer place for everyone. This training encourages managers and staff to abide by the law. Employees that participate in posh harassment awareness training will learn what constitutes harassment, how to spot it, and how to prevent it. The legal and moral ramifications of harassment are also covered in the training, as well as the obligation of both employers and employees to report and stop it.

Author: Shivani Arora

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