Promoting Flexible Lodging by Embracing the Surging Remote Work Trend

Accelerated by the conditions of the pandemic, the landscape of business and professional workspaces has undergone a transformative shift, leading to the surging trend of remote work.

No longer confined to traditional office spaces, professionals are emboldened by the technology of the modern age to work from anywhere, which includes hotel rooms.

Many remote workers have utilized the flexibility of working from anywhere to create mini vacations while working remotely or even to have a prolonged change of scenery from their home offices. As a result, many hospitality brands have recognized the immense potential of catering to the interests of traveling professionals, making it increasingly essential to adapt accommodations accordingly to this segment of guests.

The Remote Work Revolution

A proactive approach to incorporate amenities that specifically cater to the needs of remote workers not only enhances a brand's appeal but also creates a seamless blend of work and leisure for the modern professional. Traditionally, hotels are seen as places of leisure and temporary stay, though some brands have found themselves at a juncture to reposition their offerings in order to tap into this emerging market segment.

According to Skift, the extended-stay segment of hospitality has seen immense growth from 2022 to 2023 – including an increase of more than 30,000 available rooms. With more space than ever available to host on-the-go professionals, hotels are focused on increasing the livability of their accommodations beyond the traditional short-term stays.

To be truly welcoming to remote work professionals, there are a variety of amenities that hotels can provide to encourage digital productivity while offering the convenience and comfortability of a home office. Let's dive into a few here:

1. Robust Connectivity

A high-speed Wi-Fi connection is the basis for inciting a digital environment among hotel guests (better yet if it's complimentary). Beyond that critical component, as brands strive to exceed customer expectations, there are an array of other assurances that will please tech-savvy visitors. For example, hotels can employ a personal area network in each guestroom to maximize flexibility and roaming capabilities throughout the hotel property. Whether focusing on work assignments in the comfort of their guestroom, relaxing in the ambiance of the lobby or leisurely enjoying the pool, providing guests with the ability to have a consistent connection to secure internet will enhance the livability of the space for remote workers.

In addition, with online security being more important now than ever, standard passwords made up of combinations of names and room numbers will not protect visitors in this modern era. Instead, offer guests the ability to customize their own passwords for increased protection and peace-of-mind. Hotels can also provide guests with a variety of entertainment and streaming options, making the hotel feel more like home. This allows brands to build a guest experience that combines both business and leisure-focused options to enhance the guest's overall digital connectivity.

2. Well-Designed Workspaces

A professional's workspace must promote focus and productivity, so prioritizing the design and layout of the environment in a room will make working remotely away from home a seamless transition for guests. Within each guest's room or suite, brands should provide a designated space that allows individuals to feel comfortable performing common work tasks. A proficient design takes into account the common activities of a remote professional, such as online meetings. One way to do this would be incorporating a neutral background behind workspaces for taking video calls. This ensures the meeting space considers the user's privacy and provides a nondescript surrounding environment.

Furthermore, brands should take a look at what workspaces are available to guests beyond the confines of their room. Nowadays, workspaces are mobile – so it's important to look for opportunities to boost a guest's productivity in public spaces as well. Some hotels provide a business center with comfortable areas for computer use, while others offer quiet spaces to take phone calls or meetings. The lobby is a great space for guests who thrive in the background of the day's noises. With this in mind, brands can incorporate ample seating areas, with ease of access to electrical outlets, to cater to those who need some ambiance to have a productive workday.

3. Work-Life Balance

A strategic blend of work and leisure is essential for maintaining a healthy balance. Remote professionals are looking for opportunities to unwind and recharge after a productive work session. A wall of books in the lobby, a public space stocked with board games, and outdoor facilities for basketball, pickleball or swimming are all concepts that a hotel brand may feature throughout its offerings. Sports and games are fantastic ways to start conversations among guests and demonstrate a healthy social environment within the public space.

Furthermore, consider hosting events in collaboration with outside vendors to invite guests into social spaces after a long workday. Food trucks are often an affordable and simple method to driving socialization in the hotel's lobby and entrance. When working to construct or renovate a property with the needs of remote professionals in mind, it is also a good idea to research the interests of the local community for insight into what will further connect visitors with the area. Properties located near restaurants, grocery stores and popular attractions not only boost convenience, but provide added value to guests seeking a location where they can balance work with leisure.

Remote Work Trends Influence Services

Beyond attracting a wider range of business travelers, hotels see many benefits to the strategic incorporation of amenities for remote professionals, including earning a competitive edge in the local market. Hotels that adapt to the needs of remote professionals tap into a burgeoning market niche. This strategic positioning attracts a steady stream of guests seeking a conducive work environment that doesn't comprise their leisurely pursuits.

Extended-stay hotels have become a popular destination for remote workers due to their flexibility and comfort, combined with the necessary amenities for longer visits that support today's work-from-anywhere culture. As extended-stay hotels typically feature larger rooms, in-suite functional spaces and flexible policies, these brands have become hubs for those looking to be productive while on the move. Many brands are going above and beyond by focusing on the following key features:

• Fully Equipped Rooms: Many extended-stay hotels boast fully equipped kitchens with full-size appliances such as a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher and often cookware and utensils, allowing guests to conveniently prepare their meals for longer stays. Plenty of storage space is also increasingly top-of-mind, including spacious closets and wardrobe areas for those staying for an extended period. Brands like WaterWalk are upping the ante by offering full-sized washers and dryers in every room. The comforts of spacious living areas also await, allowing guests to kick back and relax at the end of the day.
• Community Atmosphere: Public spaces in hotels are powerful opportunities to share experiences among remote workers for both professional and leisurely purposes. The lobby serves as a welcoming space for all to enjoy – from the relaxing seating spaces to conversational desks. As the main hub for guest activity, the lobby is a great location to invite visitors to engage with each other. For example, providing an array of board games to enjoy while seated in the lobby is a personal touch that can encourage guest engagement. The arrangement of comfortable, modern furniture will also enhance collaboration, giving guests the option to communicate or choose to quietly enjoy a book or their morning coffee instead.
• Extended Amenities: The amenities of extended-stay hotels are designed to not only help guests maintain their routines, but also make guests feel like they're at home. The inclusion of a cozy outdoor space with fire pits and grilling areas, as well as a fitness center with sought-after equipment like Peloton bikes, will establish a unique community for guests. By offering engaging shared amenities that support leisurely activities, guests may continue to connect throughout their extended stay, thereby building positive experiences and developing long-term brand loyalty.
• Flexible Stay Options: Independent thinking is at the heart of extended stay accommodations. When guests have the freedom to stay nightly, weekly, monthly or longer, the terms and conditions go above and beyond making a comfortable space. Flexible lodging allows guests to customize their space during extended work assignments with unique offerings like unfurnished rooms. Guests can even request regular services, such as housekeeping, to be performed at an alternative rate. While some visitors may need daily services, others may seek services less frequently in an effort to maintain privacy. Comfort extends beyond the thread count of the sheets or the square footage of a suite, flexibility for remote workers is giving them a place they can personalize to call their home-away-from-home.

The strategic decision of hotels to incorporate amenities tailored to remote professionals is a testament to the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. By addressing the evolving needs of the modern workforce, hotels position themselves as places of both accommodation and productivity. The symbiotic relationship between work and leisure is elegantly realized through thoughtful amenities, demonstrating a promising shift in how professionals perceive and experience hospitality. As the remote work trend continues to gain momentum, hotels that embrace this transformation and adapt accordingly are poised to thrive in the new era of work and hospitality.