Human Resources Opinion Articles

March 4, 2024

Unlocking Talent Trends – Insights from the State of Talent Report

The hospitality industry is continually reshaped by transformative trends and innovations. The HSMAI Foundation Special Report: The State of Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization Talent 2023-2024, a cornerstone resource for sales, marketing, and revenue optimization leaders, offers a roadmap for navigating these changes. This year’s report is more than findings and forecasts. It offers best practices, case studies, and suggested actions to improve talent outcomes across the commercial functions.

HSMAI (USA)

Opinion Article

March 4, 2024

How to choose a culinary and restaurant management course?

Navigating the world of culinary and restaurant management education can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we're here to help make this journey smoother and more meaningful for you. Embarking on a restaurant management course is a significant step towards a thriving career in the F&B sector. This guide will help you select the right restaurant management course, considering key factors like global recognition, curriculum balance, and practical learning opportunities.

By Morgane Dumollard, Marketing Manager EHL School of Practical Arts, EHL

Opinion Article

March 1, 2024

Aligning Incentives with Leadership Styles: Enhancing Team Performance in Hospitality Firms

Effective leadership is essential for a business’s success, but each organization has its own leadership culture, and each team leader has their own management style. The challenge for hospitality firms is to create incentives that work for both team leaders and team members.

By Pablo Casas-Arce and Asís Martínez-Jerez

Opinion Article

February 27, 2024

Empowering adults: Going back to school for lifelong learning

Embarking on a journey back to the classroom as an adult is a remarkable and transformative phase in one's life. In this section, we will delve into the burgeoning trend of adults rekindling their educational pursuits. We will illuminate the diverse motivations propelling this movement and highlight the exceptional contributions that adult learners make to the ever-evolving educational landscape.

By Morgane Dumollard, Marketing Manager EHL School of Practical Arts, EHL

Opinion Article

February 22, 2024

The Critical Role of Leadership in Championing Guest Service in the Hospitality Industry

In the last several weeks, I’ve been chatting with many people about the hotel industry's continued decline in guest service. The consensus seems to be that the downturn is due to factors such as the need for passionate hospitality workers, insufficient training initiatives for frontline employees, and the fact that, in some instances, management is more focused on data than on developing a culture of excellent service.

By Alan Young, VP, Strategy | Hospitality, Infor

Opinion Article

February 20, 2024

Going back to school with success: 22 tips for adult learners

Embarking on the journey of going back to school as an adult is a mission filled with purpose and determination. It's a venture that holds the promise of personal and professional growth, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. In this dedicated guide, we will provide you with a treasure of tips and strategies meticulously tailored to ensure your success as an adult learner.

By Morgane Dumollard, Marketing Manager EHL School of Practical Arts, EHL

Opinion Article

February 16, 2024

SoTL 2024 “I am not a chatbot: SoTL meets technology”

The purpose of SoTL events is to understand, improve, and share teaching and learning practices across disciplines and schools to prepare a new generation of lifelong learners. The 6th annual international Scholarship of Teaching and Learning conference took place at EHL Hospitality Business School, Lausanne, on February 1, 2024. This year’s theme revolved around the significant role that technology has taken and will continue to take in education, and particularly in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and its relevance in HEI community, innovation, teaching, and learning. After three years of blended SoTL conferences, this year, participants were back on site! From the welcome coffee through the closing apero, the buzz of the participants and the enthusiasm that they exuded was contagious.

By Laura Zizka, Assistant Professor, EHL

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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)

Ad Guide

The next-gen metrics that move hotel P&L

Hotel tech has changed what's possible – and measurable. RevPAR and ADR aren't enough; discover the metrics that really matter.

Mews

Opinion Article

February 14, 2024

Embracing the sponge mentality: The pathway to leadership

For me, the concept of the "sponge mentality" stands out as a beacon of growth and adaptability. It is a process that embodies the metaphor of a sponge, soaking up knowledge and experiences and squeezing them out to share with others. But beyond this simple analogy, what does it truly mean to be a sponge in the context of leadership and personal growth? And how does adopting the sponge mentality contribute to one's success?

By Ana McFee, Business Development Senior Manager, EHL

Opinion Article

February 8, 2024

Hospitality at a Crossroads: Is a Remote Work Model Essential to Retain Talent?

At one time, the concept of remote work simply didn’t fit into the hospitality paradigm. After all, the very idea of hospitality required a physical presence to facilitate the customer experience. The onset of COVID-19 changed everything, compelling this traditionally in-person sector to reimagine its operational models. In the aftermath of the pandemic, remote work has burgeoned into a significant trend in hospitality. This raises a crucial question for the industry: Is the adoption of remote or hybrid work models essential for attracting and retaining top talent, particularly among younger leaders, or does it present a complex array of challenges and limitations for the industry to navigate?

By Court Williams, Chief Executive Officer of HVS Executive Search, HVS

Opinion Article

February 6, 2024

In-house vs. external training: Which is right for your hotel?

How do you maintain peak performance amidst the rapid pace of the hotel industry? One crucial aspect of maintaining excellence and competitiveness is ensuring that your staff is well-trained and equipped with the right skills. However, hotels often face the dilemma of choosing between in-house training and external training programs. Both options have their pros and cons, and making the right choice can significantly impact your hotel's success.

By Anne-Céline Depierraz, Consultant, EHL

Opinion Article

February 2, 2024

Career Pathways from High School to the Board Room

The demand for strong employees and managers is great. The skills that each individual needs have evolved over time and therefore the connection between experience and perpetual education at all levels has become increasingly important.

By Robert O’Halloran, Professor Director, School of Hospitality Leadership, East Carolina University

Opinion Article

January 31, 2024

How to choose a culinary and restaurant management course?

By Morgane Dumollard, Marketing Manager EHL School of Practical Arts, EHL

Opinion Article

January 31, 2024

Leveraging Tech to Drive Employee Motivation, Guest Delight and Revenue

Guest satisfaction is one of the key drivers of success for any hotelier, determining repeat customers and, in turn, your bottom line. While guest-centered initiatives, like expanding your amenities, are often the focus of customer loyalty, employee well-being and job fulfillment are also critically important.

By Joe Vargas, SVP & General Manager, Infor Hospitality, Infor

Ad Guide

The next-gen metrics that move hotel P&L

Hotel tech has changed what's possible – and measurable. RevPAR and ADR aren't enough; discover the metrics that really matter.

Mews

Opinion Article

January 30, 2024

Ikigai meaning: A path to job satisfaction

Ikigai is a Japanese term that stems from the verb Ikiru = to live and the suffix gai = fruitful, worth doing.

By Véronique Malan, Marketing and Sales Channels Director, EHL

Opinion Article

January 26, 2024

Women in Saudi Arabia: Making their mark in the hospitality industry

Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 has placed a strong emphasis on women empowerment, making it a key reform plan and goal. Over the years, the contribution of women to the global workforce has seen significant growth, leading to a focus on creating more job opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia.

By Kaushiki Khanijo, Associate - EHL Education Consulting, EHL

Saudi Arabia

Opinion Article

January 24, 2024

Creating a Positive Work Environment: How Leadership Influences Employee Morale in the Service Industry

The service industry, which is mostly characterized by its fast-paced nature and customer-centric focus, often faces the challenge of maintaining high employee morale. The role of leadership in creating a positive work environment is pivotal. Leaders in the service sector have the unique responsibility of balancing customer satisfaction with employee well-being. How they navigate this balance significantly impacts the workplace atmosphere and, consequently, the organization's overall performance.

By Prince Sanders, Hospitality Managing Director, Prince A. Sanders

Opinion Article

January 24, 2024

40 fun jobs that pay well for foodies

Are you considering a career change that would bring more meaning and motivation in your daily life? If food is one of your passions and you're on the lookout for fun jobs that pay well, we have assembled 40 different job ideas that go beyond a traditional restaurant job. Whether your current expertise and interests lie more in culinary, hospitality or entrepreneurship aspects, these career options may open new perspectives for you.

By Véronique Malan, Marketing and Sales Channels Director, EHL

Opinion Article

January 22, 2024

How a Training Professional Can Breathe Life Into Your Guest Service

In the highly competitive hospitality industry, the key to success often lies in consistently delivering guest experiences.

By Merrick P. Dresnin, Chief People Services Officer, Cote Hospitality

Opinion Article

January 19, 2024

How to navigate career change when you are 30, 40 or 50 - A guide

Are you contemplating a career change? It's a journey many embark upon, and it's never too late to start. Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, changing careers is a significant step that requires thought, passion, and strategy. This article explores the signs that you're ready for a career change and how to navigate this transition at any stage in your life.

By Morgane Dumollard, Marketing Manager EHL School of Practical Arts, EHL

Opinion Article

January 18, 2024

Has the ‘New’ Service Culture Become the ‘No’ Service Culture?

In my hometown of Barrie, Ontario, I spent some time chatting with some of the GMs of the hotels within our city limits. Most hotels in Barrie are what we would call “limited service”, however, some do offer more than others when it comes to amenities. I asked each GM what type of true service training each employee receives. Their answers were hit-and-miss. Some offer in-house training, and others offer the brand standard training, but very few of them truly offer service training. Also, due to the increasing turnover of staff, it is difficult to indoctrinate employees fully in a hotel’s service culture. The industry grapples with such high turnover. Do hotels invest in a full training curriculum, or do they train on the job as they expect 30% or more to leave the hotel due to any number of issues?

By Alan Young, VP, Strategy | Hospitality, Infor