A training initiative to broaden the skills of staff at the Marble Arch
London Marriott Hotel has helped employees become more flexible workers.
The scheme helped the hotel win the British Hospitality Association
Excellence Through People Award in the large establ- ishment category.
The training scheme, which was put together by the hotel’s HR manager
Caroline Lowe, enabled staff to develop skills needed in different departments.
It was offered to all 150 staff.
Lowe said it 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.
A two-week cross-training programme has now been incorporated into the
induction process. The scheme is also available to staff looking to develop
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 staff) went to Dalhousie Castle,
Bonnyrigg, for a scheme that encourages receptionists to provide a better
service through incentives.
