What history teaches us about long-term stay accommodation
I recently stumbled across a quote…
“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.”
Pearl S. Buck, American novelist (1892-1973)
This got me thinking. Surely, the question around hotels vs apartments when accommodating a team for long-term stays is not a new one.
And, indeed, it’s not!
We only need to look back to the historic US-Vietnam negotiations that commenced in 1968. Representatives from America and Vietnam travelled to Paris to initiate negotiations on a peace deal that would see the Americans withdraw their troops from the Vietnam War. However, these meetings extended far beyond a few days. In fact, the agreement, known as “The Paris Peace Accords”, was not signed until 1973.
Two project teams. Two solutions.
While the American negotiators settled into luxury Parisian hotels, the Vietnamese opted for accommodation equipped for longer-term stays. Accordingly, they rented residential, long term stay accommodation where they could cook for themselves, wash their clothes and have privacy.
By examining these events, we can draw parallels to modern project management, particularly in choosing between luxury hotels and long stay apartments for relocating teams.
Lessons from US-Vietnam Negotiations
Throughout this time, contrasting choices highlighted the impact living arrangements have on productivity and satisfaction.
As the talks dragged on week after week, month after month, the Americans grew tired of hotel food and the lack of privacy. Their experience of staying in hotels for an extended period took its toll on the mental and physical condition of the American negotiators.
They wanted to go home.
Meanwhile, the Vietnamese settled in their self-sufficient environment, making the space feel familiar with their belongings and daily routines. They were comfortable in their long term stay accommodation, providing the stamina and energy for the relentless negotiation period.
The moral of the story
When moving a specialist team around for work, if they need to stay for an extended period, where they stay matters. The choice between a plush hotel and a comfortable long term accommodation can make or break the success of a project.
Find more information on accommodating project groups here.
