How do you get an engaged workforce?

We were delighted to welcome guest speakers from the Clayton Hotel to present to our MSc International Hospitality Management (IHM) students as part of their Hospitality Operations Management module. 

Roger Clark-Coates, General Manager and Gokul, the hotel’s newly appointed Graduate Junior Manager, gave an inspirational talk on the process of achieving a four-star hotel accreditation with Visit England. They also gave a personal insight into their initiatives and the strategy that enabled the hotel to gain 1st place for the ‘Most Engaged Workforce’ award across the 34 strong DALATA Hotel Group for the fourth year running. 

Since Roger took up his role at the hotel he has taken risks and ignored the industry norm, and even company policy on occasions. He has implemented dozens of staff perks, benefits and employee involvement initiatives, including a company pension scheme, health and well-being initiatives, split shift allowance and a day off for staff birthdays. There have also been a range of social events across the calendar year and staff led charity projects which had increased collaboration, teamwork and morale, which has subsequently reduced staff absenteeism and turnover. 

IHM Student and Course Representative Abhishek Sharma said, “I found the lecture very helpful in clarifying how important it is for managers and leaders to develop and demonstrate empathetic behaviours towards their employees in order to drive business performance.”

Peter Cox, Senior Lecturer stated that “This opportunity has given students the ‘behind closed doors’ insight into how hoteliers encourage and develop their workforce, which in turn ensures the operation of the hotel runs smoothly and guests have a wonderful experience.”