The Human Resource professional needed in hotel operations today has evolved from a role which focused on the administrative, to one which provides strategic specialist leadership across a whole plethora of key activities, aimed at keeping organizational blood-lines pumping with the right calibre of talent. The challenge to achieve organizational outcomes in times of unsurpassed change across dynamic global markets, accelerated technological advancement and on-going talent shortage. The hotel industry needs the best people and the best people leaders. It needs to look at its wider context of operation and invest in the right caliber of talent to future proof operations. READ MORE

With the unemployment rate at a historic low, a recent survey from EMPLOYERS found small business owners may be underselling an important factor that could give them a recruiting edge: their workplace safety record. This article outlines the array of potential hazards hotel employees are susceptible given the variety of occupations and workplaces in a hotel. It also provides steps hotel owners and managers can take to reduce the likelihood of workplace injuries or illnesses to keep current employees safe as well as to create an attractive workplace for prospective candidates. READ MORE

Considering the fast pace of the market and constantly evolving guest tastes, we cannot avoid change. We must not only learn to manage it, but also embrace it, and learn from it. Openness and commitment to change by team members can make change go smoother and the likelihood that it will be successful much higher. Rick Maurer introduced the three main reasons why people resist change-they don't get it, they don't like it, or they don't like you. In this article we draw from these ideas and provide practical advice for hospitality professionals for reducing resistance to change. READ MORE

Today dynamic organizations are not just led by dynamic leaders, these leaders are fanatically committed to paving a new way of thinking about leadership. The new leadership paradigm is EVERYONE LEADS. Creating an organization where everyone leads allows for higher levels of accountability, and strengthens alignment which is at the heart of agility, innovation and profitability. Organizational silos disrupt optimal performance. When everyone is working in tandem, they are more productive, and the organization finds a stronger beat. This beat is your cultural heart beat and it determines alignment and creates an "all in" culture. READ MORE

The traditional view of talent, whether you believe it is misconceived or not, was an individual who demonstrated the skills and traits of a future leader. Yet, with challenging economies, uncertain futures and fewer individuals desiring to be a 'leader', has the time come to re-think the definition of talent? Eugenio Pirri, Chief People and Culture Officer of luxury hotel management organisation, Dorchester Collection believes so and, in this piece, argues that it's time all employees were seen as talent, treated as individuals and supported on their own personalized learning journeys. READ MORE

Top human resources executives are often frustrated with their organizations and their organizations are often frustrated with them. The HR executive doesn't feel valued and his or her value isn't always clear to the organization. There are frequent disconnects, and corporate politics plus job security muddy the waters. The HR executive wants a seat at the table, but is often denied. And, if one attains a seat at the table, what should that mean? This article reviews such dynamics and presents the most critical area on which HR executives should focus. READ MORE

Recruiting is not what it used to be. Unless you've been asleep at the wheel for the past 10 years, you know employers are no longer in the driver's seat. The days when top talent lined up for a seat on your bus dying to work for you are a distant speck in your rearview window. Today, the reality is candidates pick you. This means employers need to be proactive, creative, and innovative to adapt to a talent market with the candidate in the driver's seat. READ MORE

Gallup tells us eye-popping differences between organizations that score in the top 25% for engagement versus those that score in the bottom 25%...specifically that the best ones produce 22% more profits and 21% more productivity. Most organizations see employee engagement as a score, as a marker to compare to other organizations to see if their own "engagement programs" work. Putting engagement into dollars drives home that scores on their own mean little, yet the dollars engagement drives are huge. Simply said, employee engagement is about every employee bringing their best, every day. So, how do first-line supervisors drive engagement? READ MORE

Do you want to have a quantum leap in success? Do you want to attract and retain top talent? Do you want to be known as a class of one in a very crowded field? Today's successful businesses develop and execute well-planned strategies in the midst of rapid fire and constant change. They have a crystallized and shared vision, mission, and values. Don't rely on luck! If your competitors are spending time assessing the environment and writing detailed plans, who do you think will be most successful? READ MORE

Sustainability is a priority in the hotel industry. Hotels work hard to reduce their carbon footprint and address their guests' growing concerns for hotels to be more environmentally friendly. However, as hotel executives introduce sustainability initiatives, they should work with their risk managers to identify how those policies can affect their workforce and workers' compensation costs. With the job market shift of an aging workforce coupled with less experience, it is imperative to identify sound claim practices to navigate the claims landscape, limit costs, and ultimately, return the employee to work to safely service your clientele. READ MORE

Today's new workforce is in a state of rapid transformation. The influx of the millennial generation has forced many companies and leaders to change their approach regarding retention efforts as best practices continue to evolve and long-term employment becomes a thing of the past. What does it take to be a sustainable organization moving forward, amidst the shift to a shorter-term employer-employee relationship? For managers, it takes a mindset shift around how to lead employees, plan for the future, and operate a department. For greater staffing stability and for creating a culture where employees want to stick around, here are six management strategies on which to focus. READ MORE

The definition of work/life balance has a different meaning to the newer generations entering the workforce. The hospitality business has always been a time intensive one for the leaders and colleagues working in our hotels. Work/life balance is now expected in other ways. While the newer generations are always available on their phones, responding to emails and texts at any time of day and night, they also expect to have flexibility in when and where they work. Working remotely and taking personal time are some of the concessions that need to be implemented to keep these employees engaged and motivated. READ MORE

This article explores the relationship between hospitality academia and the hospitality industry. It discusses past trends in Hospitality Resource Management and ways in which talent has previously been identified, recruited, and retained, with a particular focus on the way in which hospitality students were evaluated. This article also identifies contemporary trends among university hospitality programs and the relationship with industry, including a discussion on the importance of work experience and internships. Finally, the article highlights future areas that both hospitality educators and industry practitioners should consider including technological shifts in the landscape and work-life balance. READ MORE

Depending on who you are, the idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hiring process is either a plus, or a minus. For overburdened human resource managers, the promise is that it will be a boon for productivity. If you are on the other end of the process-a candidate, looking for work-it means your chance to be identified for anything more than just metrics, diminishes. Dennis P. Rizzo, a recruiter in the hospitality sector for more than 4 decades, gives his take on the present and the future of AI-assisted hiring. READ MORE

Hospitality programs seek to offer sound educational curriculums that provide relevant educational experiences to students, alumni, and industry partners. In the new work world, educational programs need to offer both academic and experiential forms of education and, more specifically for the hospitality industry, do so by utilizing the industry as a classroom in hotels, restaurants, resorts and all shapes and sizes of hospitality and tourism businesses. READ MORE

This article provides a different perspective on resiliency and why it is critical in these 24-7, constantly changing times. Discover four resiliency skills and what it will take for leaders to begin to cultivate them in themselves and their organization. Discover the danger of arrogance in leaders and how it can kill organizational resiliency. Lastly, consider the role of purpose and legacy as a foundation for attracting and keeping both employees and customers. Remember, resiliency is a life skill-not just a skill for times of chaos. READ MORE