Home Office vs. Hotel Office
The debate around remote work versus office presence is one we’ve all heard before- maybe too often. Yet, it remains crucial, especially for hospitality, where balancing flexibility and collaboration is essential for success. A recent podcast reignited my thoughts, and here’s why hotels, in my opinion, are uniquely positioned to lead the way.
Of course, waiters, a chef, or housekeeping maid cannot work from home; their roles are tied to being on-site. But these professionals chose their careers because their passion lies in creating memorable guest experiences, not working remotely.
What about the 'non on-stage' teams? Hotels can address their needs with the same thoughtful approach used to personalize guest experiences. Even 'on-stage' teams handle significant administrative tasks, making flexibility relevant for all. Hotels, with their smaller teams, can adapt far more easily than massive corporations.
Managing teams remotely has challenges, and it’s natural to want in-person connection. Yet, an open-minded approach helps attract and retain talent while building trust, flexibility, and leadership tailored to each team’s needs.
7 Success Factors for hotels embracing hybrid work Set clear milestones (daily, weekly, monthly).
Create meeting routines (check-ins, wrap-ups).
Set virtual meeting standards (preparedness, cameras on).
Designate one in-office day per week for everyone.
Introduce rituals (team breakfasts, quarterly gatherings).
Foster personal connections (face-to-face time matters).
Celebrate team achievements (monthly in-office celebrations).
The Bigger Picture Global trends make flexibility a necessity. Japan’s population recently dropped by 860,000 in one year—the steepest decline since the 1960s. This isn’t isolated; workforce challenges are emerging worldwide. To stay competitive, hospitality must embrace autonomy and flexibility as key to workplace culture.
Bottom Line Hotels are uniquely positioned to lead this shift. By addressing the needs of their 'non on-stage' teams and adapting leadership to individual roles, they can foster collaboration, build trust, and inspire loyalty. The unique vibe of hotels- the guest interaction, energy, and stories- is something no home office can replicate. Being present, even occasionally, is essential to convey that feeling. Achieving a balance between presence and flexibility is not only possible but also essential for maintaining and attracting outstanding talent- something hotels are uniquely positioned to do exceptionally well.
Want more insights? Check out the “Good Work” podcast, where host Jule Jankowski discusses this with Céline Flores Willers (Founder of The People Branding Company) and Frank Thelen (CEO TEQ Capital).
