Opinion Articles

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.

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.

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.

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?

The art of curricula and program evaluation for continuous improvement

In an ever-evolving global landscape of education, the pursuit of excellence is not merely a goal; it is a necessity. Educational institutions around the world are entrusted with the crucial task of nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. To meet this profound responsibility, institutions like yours must continually adapt, innovate, and refine their curricula and programs. Enter the art of curricula and program evaluation—a practice that stands at the crossroads of progress and excellence.

Innovative teaching techniques used by learning facilitators

Have you ever wondered what separates an unforgettable educational experience from a forgettable one? What makes some classrooms come alive with curiosity and engagement, while others seem to lull students into monotony? Traditional teaching methods are undergoing a profound transformation. Innovative teaching techniques are taking center stage, redefining the way we approach learning and teaching.

The Impact of Employee Engagement on Service Industry Success

The service industry, characterized by its direct interaction with customers, is a prominent pillar in today's economy. From hospitality to retail, healthcare to finance, the quality of service makes or breaks a business. This isn't merely about job satisfaction; it's about how invested employees are in their company's mission and goals.

Could revenue management solve hospitality’s labor shortage?

After suffering the effects of COVID-19 for several long years, the tourism and hotel industries are now fully entering the recovery phase. According to a report from the UNWTO, international arrivals surged to 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023. Approximately 235 million tourists embarked on international travel during the first three months of the year, marking a two-fold increase year-on-year. The current issue is no longer a lack of tourists but rather a shortage of personnel to cater to the throngs of visitors.

“Detoxification” of work environments: A pragmatic framework

In the first part of a mini series on toxicity in the workplace, we explore the linkages between toxic work environments and employee turnover. These relationships exist at multiple levels, including the destruction of positive work values, undermining of trust and individual confidence, limitations to the individual development of employees and, last but not least, high stress levels leading to employee burnout.

The power of praise – Give your staff more recognition!

Praise may well be one of the most underestimated managerial tools. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many people wish they would receive more positive feedback, praise, encouragement and recognition from their significant others. And many adults deplore not having received enough pats on the back and positive encouragement from their parents in childhood and adolescence. The consequences of this lack of recognition for relationships and psychological well-being in adult life can be very negative.