The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered many professions, including frontline healthcare workers and to accommodate these life-saving professionals, Airbnb has pledged to provide "free or subsidized housing" for 100,000 workers. This follows the brand's previous announcement that all guests canceling trips in fear of COVID-19 would not be charged.
The new accommodations will allow hosts on the platform to "opt-in" to make their spaces available without the traditional fees Airbnb would impose and would apply to individuals working with The International Rescue Committee, the Red Cross, and the International Medical Corps — among other non-profit groups. It is worth noting, that the protocols around cleanliness and hygiene have been increased to keep guests safe aligned with guidance from leading national health authorities.
Free Healthcare Worker Accommodations
Airbnb to Provide Free Housing for Healthcare Workers
Trend Themes
1. Free Healthcare Worker Accommodations - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Explore partnerships with accommodation platforms to provide free or subsidized housing for healthcare workers during times of crisis.
2. Increased Cleanliness and Hygiene Protocols - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop advanced cleaning technologies and services aligned with guidance from leading health authorities to ensure safety for guests in shared accommodations.
3. Non-profit Collaborations - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Forge partnerships with non-profit organizations to offer housing and other support services for frontline healthcare workers.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Transform business models to offer free or subsidized accommodations for healthcare workers during emergencies.
2. Healthcare - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Collaborate with accommodation platforms to ensure healthcare workers have safe and convenient housing options during crises.
3. Cleaning and Sanitation - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop innovative cleaning technologies and services to meet increased cleanliness standards for shared accommodations.