While the jury is still out whether COVID-19 has run its course, most industries are reopening for business. Hoteliers are also relooking at their current operations to put safety and hygiene at the forefront of public and guest spaces. And the one area they are paying close attention to is the washroom.
Many guests are still hesitant to return to public or shared washrooms.
While assessing what the future of washrooms will look like, Viknesh Jain, CEO and MD of Euronics underlines that touch-free technology is only going to gain popularity. As hoteliers continue to explore what the new normal will look like in the coming months, he noted that ensuring a safe and hygienic environment will remain a top priority for all brands and a few small considerations can make a big difference to the guest.
Is the prevalent hesitation to return to public spaces in general extended to public or shared washrooms in hotels and restaurants?
With the imminent reopening of hotels, hoteliers are rethinking their existing safety and hygiene practices across all public spaces. This especially involves the washroom. While hygienic hand drying solutions like water and soap should be easily accessible, they should also consider cleaner air and automation in the washroom.
What is the role of automation in washroom hygiene?
Automation has revolutionised several industries globally and the humble washroom is no exception. Digital technologies have changed the way people design, build and use washrooms, and for good reason. Washroom automation is an investment with long-term benefits, especially when it comes to reducing waste, saving money, and improving the overall user experience and hygiene, given these trying times we live in.Â
In addition to touchless solutions like faucets and toilet seats, what other touchpoints can be automated?
Other automated services include contactless access points, which can replace the traditional Push-to-Exit / Open buttons. These completely take away the action of an individual needing to touch anything to open or close an entryway.
Clean air is often not given adequate importance in washrooms. How can washroom automation ensure circulation of clean, disinfected air, especially in public restrooms of hotels and restaurants?
Yes, clean air should not be overlooked in public washrooms. This includes indoor air and hand drying methods where air is removed from the hand dryer.
To reduce indoor transmission of COVID19, hoteliers should follow government guidance on maximising ventilation as they begin to welcome more guests into their premises. They can also consider aerosolization to ensure clean air in washrooms.
How can washroom automation companies ensure that the technologies deployed are truly user-friendly and intuitive for a diverse section of users?
A digital approach for hygiene would help in gaining insight as to how washrooms are being used in the company. Proper experience and innovation can help reduce operating costs and improve washroom management, while creating a unique, user-friendly experience and a positive experience for your business. Digitally connected innovations deliver secure real-time data from your washroom, presented through an intuitive user interface that gives you access to a wide range of data to check the usage and also to do a comparative analysis from one area to another.
Is it economically viable for hotels of every scale – budget and co-living included – to invest in washroom automation?
Washroom automation has a huge impact on the economy and will last for the next decade. It can bring significant benefits including higher productivity, and more personalised customer experience.
Hoteliers should not only stay abreast of the latest technological trends in the industry, but also keep up with the times. Hospitality is a highly competitive sector and those who do not adapt will be left behind.
In the context of COVID, because customer expectations and requirements are constantly changing, washroom automation technology is bound to grow and make its mark as one of the most valued innovations post the pandemic.
