Written by: Moira Laird, HR Director at Valor Hospitality, UK & Europe.
Valor Hospitality is a full-service hospitality management company with a portfolio of 40 hotels in the UK & Europe.
Valor Hospitality recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, which coincided with being placed in the Sunday Times’ top 10 Best Places to Work list for very large organisations 2024, with a special commendation as a disability friendly employer.
Valor Hospitality prides itself on its people-first approach, setting the standard for the hospitality industry with leading initiatives that support people in the workplace and help them to cultivate a career that fulfils their ambitions.
Creating an employee-first culture is a valuable tool in engaging employees, developing next-level talent – and, more importantly, retaining them.
At its core, hospitality is a people-centric business and hotel guests rely on our team to shape their experience. It’s no surprise then, that happy employees deliver better service and become brand ambassadors, championing their employer through their work. With employee engagement and customer service so closely intertwined, the investment in people goes beyond a ‘nice to have’; it’s critical to business success.
Engaging with team members
Team engagement initiatives vary from employee wellness to career development. One of our key initiatives at Valor was the creation of our Infinity Group. Made up of 20 individuals from across the business, the group’s goal is to support our DE&I journey by creating a greater sense of belonging for all. With the sponsorship of the leadership team, the group has created a new approach to consultation, known as Valor Voice, whilst supporting in the development of menopause and transgender policies, and delivering Travel Proud and menopause awareness training. We have also changed our uniform and presentation standards to be more relaxed and inclusive.
Our employee engagement efforts support wellbeing both inside and outside of work. One initiative that has been very successful is our Healthy Habits programme. This encourages team members to make small, regular lifestyle changes that make a positive impact on their health – whether that be through setting personal goals, family targets or taking part in a team activity. This is all supported through an online space where team members can share milestones and advice to help motivate each other – from embarking on Couch to 5k, to going for lunchtime walks, charity work, sharing healthy recipes and tips on financial wellbeing. Our network of Mental Health First Aiders is also intrinsic in supporting good health on a mental level. Through their specialist training, our Mental Health First Aiders now have the skills to spot signs when someone is struggling, while also providing colleagues with a point of contact within the team if they need someone to talk to.
Talent nurturing
Talent nurturing is also a key part of the strategy when it comes to employee engagement, from inspiring the next generation to helping existing team members fulfil their career ambitions. Our Chef Academy trains apprentices to become full-time chefs, addressing a nationwide skills shortage, whilst our unique Valor Leadership Development Programme connects our unique leadership principles, offering career development for first time supervisors all the way up to the most senior of roles. This resulted in over 200 internal promotions last year and we are on track to exceed this target going forward. We are also supporters of Government-led initiatives, including working with the Department of Work and Pensions to encourage people aged 50 and above to consider roles in hospitality, which is proving to be very insightful, successful and rewarding.
We’re passionate about real, authentic recognition to thank our team for their hard work and commemorate their personal and professional milestones. At Valor, we host ‘Hotelitarian of the Month’ awards to recognise our team for their efforts. We also host an annual Valor Awards ceremony, coming together in style to celebrate our colleagues’ successes from right across the business. We also offer additional holiday with service, cycle to work schemes, salary sacrifice and many more benefits.
It’s clear that investing in employee engagement initiatives and putting people at the heart of the business pays off. We were privileged to be recognised in the Sunday Times top 10 for very large organisations, made possible by our employee engagement survey with WorkL. 94% of our team took the survey and the results, in the high eighties (87%), spoke for themselves, outperforming industry averages. The key measurements that stood out for us, included the team stating that they felt proud to work for Valor, felt happy and safe at work and were confident in management.
How other businesses can build a people-first culture
From removing barriers and creating a work environment that welcomes all, to setting your team up for success in their career, employee engagement is the measure of a great company culture.
There’s no secret to getting it right, simply listen to the team, connect, be the enabler of positive change, recognise and reward, and help your team to understand that they’re part of something bigger.
From there, you can create an environment where people can learn, grow, and be their true authentic selves.
