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10 Best Hotel Panic Button Providers 2025

Jordan Hollander

| Last updated December 12, 2024

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Benefits

Features

Pricing

Q&A

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BENEFITS

What is the point of the panic button? (Benefits)

Hotel employees servicing guest rooms have long been exposed to numerous threats due to the fact that they typically work alone in such areas. From all too common occurrences of assault or theft, the real danger that housekeepers can find themselves in has resulted in employees feeling a sense of fear in carrying out their daily responsibilities, with hotel operations suffering and opening themselves up to legal liability. Staff safety technology finally resolves these challenges by returning sentiments of safety to employees and providing them with the protection that they deserve. According to a survey of 487 housekeepers in Chicago in fact, 96 percent indicated that they would feel safer if they were equipped with a wearable panic button. Not only providing hoteliers with an ability to mitigate or altogether avoid threats to staff, staff safety technologies further allow hotel employees to concentrate on tasks at hand with the knowledge that their security is always a priority.

Minimize risk & liability: One of the industry’s largest costs is staff turnover with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a hospitality turnover rate of six percent each month. Providing employees with a staff safety solution provides assurances that they are working in a safe environment and that they are an integral part of hotel operations, reducing the chances that staff begin to look elsewhere for employment.
Reduce employee turnover: Employees that do not need to fear for their safety are able to more effectively complete their tasks on a daily basis. This results in responsibilities being completed faster and with more care. Staff members can also feel more confident in approaching and interacting with guests to ensure that their needs are met, resulting in improved hotel reputations and guest scores.
Employee satisfaction & peace of mind: Employees that do not need to fear for their safety are able to more effectively complete their tasks on a daily basis. This results in responsibilities being completed faster and with more care. Staff members can also feel more confident in approaching and interacting with guests to ensure that their needs are met, resulting in improved hotel reputations and guest scores.

FEATURES

Key features to look for when choosing a staff safety device solution

Space mapping: Different providers offer different approaches to space mapping ranging from beacon hardware to proprietary signal scanning technologies which offer different levels of accuracy and investment.
Network requirements: In order to locate each device, each ESD requires a network connection. Some ESD solutions leverage and utilize existing hotel wi-fi while others leverage existing LPWAN signals. The latter tends to offer several unique advantages ranging from eliminating impact on guest wi-fi to reduction in dead spots and gaps.
Real time location updates: Real time location tracking is critical which means the network scanning and update times should be fairly regular to keep location tracking up to date ensuring that responders reach the correct scene of an emergency as quick as possible.
Form factor & durability: Since staff carry their ESD device throughout their shift form factor is absolutely critical ranging from the size and weight to the durability of the devices should they get dropped on concrete, submerged underwater or encounter any other occupational hazards.
Silent vs audible alerts: Some panic button presses are pre-emptive or require subtlety via a silent alarm while other emergency scenarios benefit from a loud audible noise to ward off predators and draw attention of others near by to assist.
Haptic feedback: In scenarios where a silent alarm is required, its critical that the device offers a way for the staff member who pressed it to know that the signal was sent successfully. Haptic feedback provides a vibration to alert the user that the device worked properly and help is on the way.
Customizable escalations: Each property is different and has different needs in terms of who needs to receive which notifications, from which employees, when and how (email, text, web dashboard, etc) which is why customizable escalations are a key feature.
Historical logs: Historical logs help enhance response efficiency while reducing legal liability by providing in-depth details/evidence on actions during a specific alert in the event of an investigation or court case.
Add-on functionality: Once a property has been wired up with the infrastructure to be location aware, there are many other use cases and applications that can be added on depending on the provider ranging from asset tracking, door open/close sensors and utility monitoring.

PRICING

What are the typical pricing models and ranges that I should budget for?

Hardware Expense. Typical price range: $5-$40/device
Implementation & Training. Typical price range: $5-$20/device
Monthly Subscription. Typical price range: $1-$3/device/month

IMPLEMENTATION

What does the typical implementation timeline and process look like to go live?

2-4 weeks OR 2-4 days. By working with an established and reputable provider, hoteliers can expect a seamless implementation process with minimal disruption to existing operations. The key difference between implementation times is whether or not the provider you choose offers a beacon-less solution or not. Beacons require hardware in each guest room and common area that your hotel wants to activate location awareness for which requires a more involved implementation process, coordination and in some cases taking rooms offline for a short period of time. Beacon-less solutions on the other hand require a 10-minute scan per area and no hardware meaning implementation can be done quickly and easily following room cleaning schedules without taking rooms offline.

FAQs

Hoteliers Also Ask

What are the latest trends in hospitality panic buttons?

Laws, regulations & initiatives: Staff safety devices are now mandated in many states in the US with more regions continuing to follow suit. Implementing this technology is also part of the AHLA Five Star promise, with major brands expecting to complete installation in all hotels by 2020. Increasing operational & staff efficiency: By making staff members feel more secure, staff safety technology contributes to more efficient operations by providing employees with an ability to focus on their tasks instead of being concerned with their own security. This translates into an ability to enhance the guest experience by maintaining faster and more effective operations. Enhanced technology integration Advanced staff safety platforms are able to seamlessly integrate with a hotel’s IoT, BLE & WiFi based infrastructure. This not only provides hoteliers with an ability to more efficiently oversee and manage their operations, but also opens up opportunities to add functionalities that increase guest satisfaction and revenues while lowering costs. Enhanced technology integration: Advanced staff safety platforms are able to seamlessly integrate with a hotel’s IoT, BLE (bluetooth) & WiFi based infrastructure. This not only provides hoteliers with an ability to more efficiently oversee and manage their operations, but also opens up opportunities to add functionalities that increase guest satisfaction and revenues while lowering costs.

What success metrics (KPIs) should you focus on?

- Employee Safety. Invest in the safety of your employees which is a hotel’s most valuable asset – Staff that feel protected also feel that they are valued and are more willing to go the extra mile in ensuring a successful business and satisfied guests. - Reduction in Liability. Reduce exposure to staff assault liability while enhancing your hotel’s image as a truly safe environment- Swift response times can dramatically lower the level of harm that an employee may experience and can even prevent any injury from occurring in the first place. - Regulation Compliance. Conform to local staff safety requirements while enhancing opportunities to strengthen hotel efficiency and guest satisfaction- Advanced staff safety technologies not only ensure that hoteliers conform to newly enacted laws but also provide properties with a locations-based infrastructure that can be tailored to fit an array of operational and guest service needs.

Are panic buttons worth it?

Panic buttons have become a critical safety tool in the hospitality industry, offering hotel workers, especially housekeepers, an added layer of security as they navigate the vulnerabilities associated with working in guest rooms. The importance of these devices has been underscored by numerous municipalities across the United States, including major cities like Chicago, New Jersey, Miami Beach, Washington, Seattle, California, and Los Angeles, which have mandated the use of panic buttons in hotels and motels. This legislative push aims to protect hotel employees from sexual harassment and assault, reinforcing the industry's commitment to worker safety. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has been at the forefront of this initiative with its 5-star promise, a commitment by hoteliers to enhance the safety of hotel employees by equipping them with employee safety devices (ESDs), including panic buttons. This pledge not only aims to prevent incidents of sexual assault and harassment but also to ensure a rapid response when hotel workers feel threatened. Hotel brands such as Marriott have joined this promise, highlighting the industry's collective effort to safeguard staff. Hotel panic buttons work by using WiFi, Bluetooth, or a combination of technologies to provide real-time updates on an employee's location within the hotel premises. This precise location information is crucial for security personnel and emergency responders to quickly reach the staff member in distress. The functionality of these safety devices varies, with some designed to be worn as lanyards, ensuring that they are easily accessible, while others may integrate with existing hotel communication systems. The implementation of hotel panic buttons as a safety solution speaks volumes about the industry's prioritization of staff safety over costs. These devices serve as a personal security device, enabling a direct line to security guard or emergency contact device, thus promising an immediate emergency response. In cities like Illinois and Miami Beach, where the hospitality industry thrives, the mandates for such safety measures have set a precedent for other regions, emphasizing the significance of a proactive approach to employee safety. Investing in panic button solutions goes beyond compliance with local mandates; it is about ensuring a secure environment for both staff and guests, reinforcing the hotel's reputation for safety and security. The AHLA's 5-star promise, alongside the legislative efforts in places like Seattle and Los Angeles, illustrates a broader industry trend towards enhancing the personal security of hotel workers through technology. The investment in panic buttons and other safety devices is a testament to the hospitality industry's evolving approach to employee welfare. By providing hotel housekeepers and other staff with emergency contact devices that offer functionality to alert hotel security in real-time with their exact location, the industry not only adheres to mandates in places like Chicago and New Jersey but also sets a standard for worker protection against sexual harassment and assault. This shift towards a more secure working environment is crucial for the sustained success and integrity of the hospitality sector.

What are the risks for hotels that don't invest in panic buttons for their staff?

The answer is a simple ‘yes’ for hotels in states like New Jersey, Washington and Illinois where these devices are mandated. Many municipalities like Miami Beach and Santa Monica have passed similar ordinances. For the hotels outside of mandate zones, the answer is still yes. From a commercial standpoint, owners should think about investments in staff safety devices as an insurance policy. There have been countless high profile cases where hotel owners have had to pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements for neglecting to prevent or properly handle harassment issues on property. How would your P&L and employer reputation be impacted if your hotel had to pay out $313,000 like one Australian hotelier or California’s Terranea Resort paying out $250,000 for a similar issue. Even celebrity hotspot and Hollywood luxury hotel Chateaux Marmont faced similar issues. “Employers can face charges related to sexual assault if they’re found to not be doing enough to prevent and address problems as they arise,” he says. “Even if it’s low-level harassment employers can be held liable.” says Shane Wescott, employment lawyer at Patron Legal. Beyond the direct commercial benefits of such solutions there are indirect commercial benefits. In the current labor shortage, safety devices are a compelling hiring benefit. Fatoumata Bah is a housekeeper at the Battery Wharf hotel and shared one of her horror stories with Vox: “Sometimes [the guests] stay in the room while you clean and you have no idea what they are going to do to you. I’m so worried about my safety. One time a guest was was enraged right in front of my face yelling. He could have hurt me and no one would know. I ran out of the room and called security but no one came or even asked if I was ok. I am still traumatized.” Bah also told Vox that getting a panic button was more important to her than a pay raise. After receiving a safety device, another 61-year old hotel housekeeper said, “I’m not terrified anymore. I feel calm. Sometimes you enter a room, and you don’t know what surprises you’re going to find.” Safety devices are an insurance policy for hotel owners who want to be perceived as taking precautionary measures to protect their staff from a legal perspective and provide a strong incentive for bad actors to avoid engaging in workplace sexual harassment for fear of getting caught. It’s not a matter of “if” your hotel should invest in safety devices but which solution provider to select.

What is the history of workplace harassment in hospitality?

The hotel industry’s heightened focus on staff safety largely began in 2011 after the high profile case involving hotel guest and high profile French financier Dominique Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted a housekeeper while she was cleaning his hotel room. Basic industry data highlights why Strauss-Kahn’s victim was at risk. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 90% of hotel housekeepers are female. The Center for American Progress (CAP) analyzed all sexual harassment charges by industry over a 10-year period where accomodation and food services yielded the highest incidence of harrasment across all industries contributing 14.23% of cases. For reference, the entertainment industry only contributed 1.61%. “Many employees, such as housekeepers, work in spread out physical spaces; there are isolated areas in hotels and guestrooms where employees might have to work alone; workers are employed for the late-night shifts where supervision may be lacking or scarce; alcohol is readily available; and, of course, there are many low income wage earners who are statistically less likely to raise complaints about harassment than their higher wage-earner counterparts. On top of that, there’s often a seasonal or part-time workforce, which is difficult to educate on corporate policies,” says Marta M. Fernandez, partner/chair/labor & employment department, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP (JMBM). The statistics vary around harassment in the hotel industry but one thing is certain - it’s rampant. One study found that workplace sexual harassment affected 42% of women in US hospitality jobs and a staggering 74.6% of women in EU countries. Even seemingly minor incidents can lead to long term psychological mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Another study by trade union United Voice revealed that 86% of hospitality workers felt unsafe or at risk in the workplace. In 2017, the global “Me Too” movement brought this important cause back into the spotlight and ultimately resulted in the creation of the AH&LA’s 5 Star Promise in 2017 where major hotel chain CEO’s pledged to mandate staff safety devices across many of their properties.

10 Best Hotel Panic Button Providers 2025

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