Put the Work into ‘ Workspitality ’
In fact , given the low baseline level , they are easily disturbed by all kinds of noises , even those no greater
By Matthew Carter
During the pandemic , working from a home – a previously uncommon , yet desirable , perk – became a reality for millions of people . And although offices around the world are currently reopening , numerous organizations have declared that both remote and hybrid working arrangements are here to stay .
While working from home certainly has benefits , a lot of people find themselves struggling to concentrate in their new workplace . After all , many do not have the luxury of a private work area and have had to ‘ set up camp ’ in kitchens , living rooms , bedrooms , and basements . They are now looking for spaces that are not only free of noise and distractions , but ones that will provide them with a greater sense of separation between their jobs and personal lives .
Hotels have pivoted to meet these needs , transforming ‘ WFH ’ from ‘ work from home ’ into ‘ work from hotel .’ In many respects , it is a logical shift . After all , guest rooms are already equipped with workplace amenities such as chairs , desks and internet access . These spaces also have a lot to offer from the perspective of health and safety : each has its own restroom , coffee / tea and snack bar and , in some cases , in-room fitness equipment .
Several brands have launched day-pass programs offering discounted rooms during the standard 9-to-5 workweek . Some have moved beds out of – and extra seating into – rooms , which helps guests feel even more ‘ at work .’ However , many properties are still missing a key element of the WFH equation . While guests are seeking environments conducive to focus work , noise remains one of the top complaints within the hospitality industry .
Why do so many properties still struggle to find an effective solution for this problem ? Because they continue using the same techniques to try to control it . Traditional methods using structure and décor do help address particular issues , but they also intensify a common underlying problem that tends to surprise those unfamiliar with the mechanics of acoustics : guest rooms have very low ambient levels of only 28 to 32 A-weighted decibels ( dBA ).
To borrow a phrase from the automotive industry , occupants are essentially ‘ going from 0 to 60 ’ each time there is an acoustical disturbance within these ‘ pin-drop ’ environments .
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than 40 dBA ( to put that in context , a typical conversation is between 50 and 60 dBA ). So , while adding more sound might seem to contradict the goal of reducing noise , guests can actually be made more comfortable by increasing their room ’ s background sound level in a controlled way , using a commercial-grade sound masking technology .
Specifically designed for use in hotels , MODIO Guestroom Acoustic Control produces a continuous , soothing background sound – similar to softly blowing air – that either completely covers up noises or reduces their disruptive effect on guests by minimizing the amount of change they experience within their acoustical environment . While originally developed to help guests sleep better , in this way MODIO also helps create a more effective working environment .
Dataa collected from a wide variety of properties under the Hilton , Marriott , Fairmont , Ritz Carlton , and Dream Hote
el brands show that MODIO can reduce noise complaints by up to 85 % and dramatically improve guest scores for comfort and sleep . Even in properties exposed to external noises – such as highway , airport , or train traffic – MODIO has proven its effectiveness . For example , the Marriott – AC Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown experienced noise beyond previously anticipated levels when nearby train traffic changed to allow faster speed trains . In order to test the efficacy of implementing sound masking , the hotel initially implemented MODIO in a few guest rooms . After finding that occupants made far fewer complaints , the property implemented MODIO in all 134 rooms . “ Cost versus benefit was 100 % benefit ,” said Steve Anderson , Development Director , Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company .
MODIO can be easily attached to the back of any flat-screen TV , beneath or behind furnishings , or to a wall , either using self-adhesive tape or a bracket – meaning no lost room nights . Much like a dimmer switch , a control pad allows each guest to set the background sound level according to their personal preference or as needed to cover disturbances , giving them the ability to control their room ’ s acoustic ambience as they would temperature and lighting .
Although ‘ workspitality ’ has not made up for all of the business the hospitality industry lost due to the pandemic , it is one of the areas where hotels are noticing an increase in use . The ‘ work-from-anywhere ’ movement – which sees employees adopting nomadic lifestyles – is steadily rising in popularity , and as the world continues to reopen , business travelers will have new expectations for hotels . MODIO creates a more effective working environment during the day and , if they stay overnight , guests will also benefit from greatly improved sleeping conditions . Regardless of ongoing workplace trends , there is no doubt that a good night ’ s rest will remain a top priority !