HotelsMag April 2020 | Page 64

LAGNIAPPE

WHAT DOES THE INDUSTRY NEED TO DO

TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE AS AN EMPLOYER ?

Bill BENSLEY Hotels need to have a purpose — a real purpose — of helping people . This can be as simple as teaching a guest something new or as complex as sending a less fortunate person to school . I think hotels with a purpose will attract better people to their team , as everyone wants to make a difference — even if they don ’ t know it yet .

Andrea FOSTER We need to get creative in making the hospitality industry attractive to a diverse group of people — recent high school and college graduates , dual-working and single parents , retirees looking for a second career or part-time job , and others — by making it more flexible to allow associates to balance their work with the demands of life , and through representation of diverse leadership in our industry to young people choosing career paths .

Neil JACOBS When we go into the developing world where it ’ s impossible to find trained people , we set up mini hotel schools and do intensive training … That ’ s a huge financial commitment — paying people months in advance of an opening — but it ’ s the only way to do it properly . Most of the jobs are teachable . But you have to be the kind of company that cares about developing people , and if you are , you will succeed .

Edward MADY One way to think of this is to ask , “ Why are people staying in the business ?” I believe the main job of a company ’ s leadership is to build and sustain a culture that will give employees peace of mind — a culture that will make them feel safe and at home , relevant and empowered . If employees can enjoy the same respect and same recognition that we give our guests , they can become our best customers and acolytes for life .

Daniel HOSTETTLER I hear from our young professionals that because of the development of new technology and emphasis on service , the business is very rewarding when they can see the positive impact they have on people ’ s lives . As employers , we need to communicate the rewarding parts of the business ; the training and reinvestment we offer in our people ; the use of technology to make our jobs more efficient ; and additional and creative ways we offer a work / life balance .

Christoph HOFFMANN Ambitious young people ready for an exciting career are more brand-oriented than ever before . If hotel and travel companies are able to create , keep and deliver their brand promises — such as offering an innovative playground , global career opportunities , freedom of mind and the promotion of people with character and personality rather than people with perfect CVs — then we will be able to attract those who will add value to the industry .