SPECIAL REPORT
argues .
The role of general managers and other department heads has evolved , as well ; having the boss pitch in is seen as a positive continuation of the “ we ’ re all in this together ” mantra that blossomed during shutdowns . “ If the rooms team needs help , the manager or rooms director might give them a hand . If a guest calls about a plumbing issue , and the one engineering person is off , the GM has gotten a little more handy ,” Ryan says .
“ Our GMs have always been incredibly hands-on ; we ’ re not a very hierarchical organization ,” The Hoxton ’ s Rockey adds . “ Partly from a morale standpoint and partly out of necessity , they have gotten more involved in day-to-day operations . I think it has been a big part of keeping morale up , seeing the GM wasn ’ t just sitting at a desk .”
THE EMPLOYEE IS IN THE DRIVER ’ S SEAT NOW , AND WE ’ RE ASKING , ‘ WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO HIRE YOU , AND HOW CAN WE ACCOMMODATE YOUR SCHEDULE ?’
– PATTI HUNT
CULTURE MATTERS GMs and other managers , perhaps now more than ever , are also expected to , well , lead . “ Gen Z is looking for flexible working conditions , but they also want to be led ,” says Robert Gary Dodds , managing partner of MG Consulting . “ People don ’ t leave their jobs because of the company or the pay ; they leave because their direct manager didn ’ t treat them well . The focus should be on good leadership and how to take care of employees .”
Culture , in fact , seems to have taken on greater weight with today ’ s job seekers . “ Next-generation employees value having a purposedriven work environment which provides them with stability ,” says Jens Busch , vice president of Europe and Asia Pacific for HVS
OUR APPROACH TODAY IS : WHEN CAN YOU WORK ? AND WE BUILD OUR SCHEDULE AROUND THAT .
– ELIE KHOURY
Executive Search . Aimbridge , for example , stresses its massive portfolio of properties as a way of reassuring associates that opportunities for growth and hours are readily available .
40 hotelsmag . com November / December 2021