An
initiative to train staff at the Marble Arch London Marriott Hotel in different
areas of the business has reduced labour costs and helped employees become more
flexible.
The
scheme helped the hotel win the British Hospitality Association Excellence
Through People Award in the large establishment category.
The
training scheme, which was put together by the hotel’s HR manager Caroline
Lowe, was offered to all 150 staff across 14 departments at the 240-bed hotel.
Lowe
explained that the programme improved the ability of staff and enabled them to
become more flexible by introducing multi-skilling.
This
was mutually beneficial as it allowed staff to move across departments but also
increased the opportunity and readiness for higher or sideways promotion.
As
a result of the initiative, a two-week cross-training programme has been
incorporated into the company induction process.
The
scheme is also available to existing staff looking to develop new skills.
In
the British Hospitality Association awards small establishment category, which
is awarded to firms with up to 25 employees, the top prize was won by Prestbury
House Hotel in Cheltenham.
It
was praised by the judges for its structured induction programme and team
development.
The
medium establishment award (26 to 99 employees) went to Dalhousie Castle,
Bonnyrigg, for the introduction of a scheme that encourages receptionists to
provide a better service through incentives.
