We live in a world where uncertainty and danger are issues we still face in the workplace. We all want to be able to get help in times of danger or while facing uncertainties. Today, due to advancements in technology and communication networks, it is easy to inform the right people at the right time. For example, if you are in a serious situation or facing danger, you can quickly call a loved one that’s on your speed dial. Some of these practical and commercially available technologies are a bit subtler like a Panic Button. Panic Button refers to a broad set of devices or systems which, when pressed in times of duress, inform the relevant authority that you are in danger and need immediate assistance.

A panic button or alarm is an electronic device designed to assist in alerting somebody in emergency situations where a threat to people or property exists.

A panic alarm can frequently be activated by a concealed panic alarm button. These buttons can be connected to a monitoring center or they can be set up to activate a silent alarm or an audible bell/siren on the premises. The alarm can be used to request emergency assistance from local security, police, or emergency services. Some systems can also activate closed-circuit television to record or assess the event.

Another example of this technology in action can be seen in the medical arena where a patient presses a button to inform the relevant medical staff that he or she is in a medical emergency and needs assistance. A bank employee presses a Panic Button informing the local police of a need for assistance due to an armed robbery in progress.

With the advancement in technology, these devices and systems have become even more sophisticated to not only inform the relevant authority or people the fact that you are in danger they can also help in sharing your exact pinpoint location thanks to GPS  and its ability to track you with the help of cellular phone networks.

As the systems became more sophisticated so did the use cases. These solutions can provide greater value by making us and our loved ones feel safer. One such application of these systems came about in hotels and the need for hotel owners to safeguard their employees against the dangers posed by an unfriendly or unruly guest. This danger is very real for employees who provide services requiring them to access guest rooms as it exposes them to situations or scenarios where they are outside the visibility of CCTV cameras; increasing their vulnerability to mischief or harassment.

To fulfill this need, Dishrus has partnered with Sprint, a leading telecom services provider, to offer the state of art solution which helps hotel owners safeguard their employees while, at the same, time being easy to install and inexpensive to operate.

Internet of things or IoT devices is smart device that can communicate with other systems using technologies like Bluetooth or 4G/5G.  When the employee presses the Panic button, it communicates using Bluetooth with the nearest smart receiver to alert hotel security through an email or text, that displays the Panic Button’s details, who is sounding the alarm, and exact what floor and room he/she is present in.

In the case of an emergency, individuals must be able to communicate as quickly and discreetly. With communication devices in each room, staff can find comfort knowing that no matter the employee’s location on the hotel’s property, they have immediate access to help in any given situation.

The above system has been mandated by law in certain states and cities like New Jersey, Illinois, California, Seattle, requiring hotel owners to install systems safeguarding the protection of their employees. The American Hotel and lodging association (AHLA) has also stated that one of its goals is to get hotel and motel owners to endorse the installation of Panic button devices, which help ensure the promise of a safe workplace for hotel employees.

Such systems also reiterate the hotel owners’ commitment to the issue of employee welfare and help in boosting morale and eventually employee productivity.

They also greatly help in employee retention. Hotels are notorious for having a high turnover rate for employees, anywhere from 6% to 10% varying from state to state. Installing measures like the Panic button reiterate hotel owners’ commitment to providing a safe workplace for employees and thus help reduce employee attrition and, in the long run, hotel operating cost.