Whether you manage a boutique hotel, beachside resort, food and beverage restaurant or travel agency, your workforce is the heartbeat of your business. A motivated and engaged team is the key to achieving great success. How do you ensure that your workforce remains motivated to work for you with the peak of their powers? Empowerment!
Empowerment helps them achieve their goals and by extension, your own goals as well.
Here are 3 ways to empower your workforce:
1. Invest in Training and Development
The world of tourism and hospitality evolves faster than we can think of. New technologies spring up everyday. Acquiring digital tools can help your staff be more efficient and effective at their jobs. Regular training programs can equip your employees with essential skills and also nurture their growth.
Cross-training is also a good culture to adopt. It is also a team-bonding opportunity. Every worker has their specialty, but occasionally, train them to work in another department. To you, this might be an avenue to cut costs and reduce specialty workers; but view it as a PR opportunity.
The fact that your front desk manager knows how to whip up a martini could make your guests feel like VIPS and get them talking about your establishment. And of course, they can always fill in for others to make things run smoothly incase of emergencies.
2. Recognize and Reward Excellence
Recognizing members of your staff whenever they do something worthy of praise can fuel their motivation. Think of the thoughtful things they do without being asked – creatively folding the towels, relating with guests well, amusing customers – big or small. Praise them for it. Establish a robust reward and recognition system that acknowledges outstanding performance.
How about giving them shout-outs over the PA system? Or creating an employee-of-the-month system or a high-five wall? This not only instils a sense of accomplishment but also motivates employees to consistently strive for excellence.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance
Your staff are just as human as you are, therefore promoting work-life balance is crucial. A well-rested and balanced workforce is not only more productive but also more likely to stay committed and engaged in their roles. Is their work schedule overtasking? Review it and encourage them to take time off when needed.
Incorporating wellness programs and corporate retreats can help them know that you have their best interests at heart. Inclusion should also be at the heart of your business. Create a culture where everyone’s voice is heard. People from different cultures and languages work for you. Actively celebrating various holidays is something to consider.
Remember that the true magic lies in the collective spirit of your workforce. It’s the smiles they bring to guests, the seamless operations behind the scenes, and the shared commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. By embracing these empowerment strategies, you’re shaping a workplace where each team member contributes to the overall success.