The Employer of Choice program helps hotels evaluate their HR practices and showcase why their workplaces are fair, safe, and satisfying to employees.
After completing an audit of their HR practices and an Employee Opinion Survey, every property receives a report that shows what they are doing well and ways to improve.
The AHLA’s goal is to have every property be an Employer of Choice.
Here’s what a recent Employer of Choice had to say.
Q&A with Ryan Taylor, Director of Human Resources, West Edmonton Mall Inn & Fantasyland Hotel
Q: Why did your hotel decide to participate in the Employer of Choice program?
A: The decision to pursue the Employer of Choice accreditation for Fantasyland Hotel and West Edmonton Mall Inn was an easy decision for us. We appreciate and recognize the amazing efforts we see from our staff on a daily basis, and we want to ensure we are supporting them, rewarding them, and making them feel valued every day that they commit themselves to being a part of our team.
Participating in the Employer of Choice Program helps us gauge if our programs and services are meeting our staff’s needs, making them feel respected and appreciated, and helps us look for any areas of improvement or further staff development initiatives.
Q: What did you learn about your hotel from participating in the Employer of Choice process?
A: The Employer of Choice program has provided us with essential insights towards the internal programs that our staff truly value, has given us an opportunity to hear the staff’s ideas and suggestions for improvements, and let us know where our efforts to increase satisfaction at work could be concentrated.
Q: Was there anything that surprised you?
A: We did have several pleasant surprises while reviewing the results of this year’s Employer of Choice staff survey. Our employees have clearly appreciated some of the communication improvements and new recognition activities we were able to implement in our hotel properties over the past year.
The increased satisfaction and awareness levels shown through this year’s results reinforced the improvements and efforts put forth from our Ownership, our General Manager, the Human Resources team, and our Department Mangers towards being considered an Employer of Choice.
Q: Have you made any changes at your hotel based on Employer of Choice results?
A: As a result of previous Employer of Choice results, we have been able to implement new communication tools and strategies, enhance the fun and exciting staff events and programs we offer, and further expand our already exceptional Health & Safety Program.
Q: Is there anything unique your hotel does to celebrate or show appreciation for your employees?
A: Staff at Fantasyland Hotel and West Edmonton Mall Inn get to experience one-of-a-kind perks and excitement only found at this property.
- All staff receive monthly passes to West Edmonton Mall’s Perks and Attractions, and discounts at various mall stores, services, and restaurants.
- We have numerous staff appreciate lunches, dinners, and social activities both within the Hotel and mall and within the City of Edmonton.
- Our employee of the month program and health and safety recognition program provide our deserving staff with public recognition and amazing prices.
- Our annual holiday parties and Over the Top Awards staff gala are amazing opportunities to recognize and appreciate the staff that do such an amazing job providing quality service at our hotels.
Q: What does being an Employer of Choice mean to your hotel?
A: We see receiving the Employer of Choice accreditation as a badge of honour in the hospitality industry. We proudly use this as a recruitment tool when attracting new employees, as a way of demonstrating to our staff that we appreciate and listen to them.
It serves as a reminder that we are committed to ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and healthy working environment. We think of our staff as our family here, and we are truly proud to be able to provide a work environment for them that is deemed an Employer of Choice.