Destroying the Myth - Setting the Record Straight #stewarding #hotels #hospitalityindustry #hiring

Hello from Japan,

Although today the Post isn't directly about Safety or Security its certainly one that I feel fairly passionate about, and that I have experienced over the years, and a observation that I would like to share.

Joining the Hotel & Hospitality industry, some years ago now, there has always seemed to be a Myth surrounding some departments. especially when it comes to Stewarding, House keeping, & Loss Prevention. The Myth & strong belief by some, that if an employee doesn't work out in one particular department they could always be placed in any one of these department as "Anyone Can Do Those Jobs!! Is that right!.

I would like to dispel this Myth. Over time an employee can train in that profession, and some employees can with the right mind set make it there new career, but certainly departments mangers should not automatically believe that transferring them, will enable them to succeed any better , or is a place to send them if they don't work out to their or employees expectations.

Yes there are exemptions to every rule, but generally Stewarding, Housekeeping & Loss Prevention professions are departments requiring experience, passion, and skill, which in most cases takes years to obtain.

I was very fortunate when recently working in one of the top Hotels in London UK, to interact closely with the Head of the Stewarding Department, and came to the realization & conclusion of the high passion, and skills involved, and will always hold our conversations about the subject in high regard, of how much skill, and passion it takes. "There's an old saying walk a mile in my shoes" and its very true.

Certainly initial hiring can be somewhat to blame when this happens perhaps during Job fairs or Pre-Open hiring, and when an applicant is interviewed who has no previous department skills or qualifications, but would just like the opportunity to work in a nice Hotel after all the employee benefits are usually very inviting.

One of the Interviewer responsibility with new applicant must be to not just only look for relevant, and previous qualifications but for the Passion, Personality, and proper fit. To be employed within the Hospitality industry, these are prerequisites.

The Hospitality industry is a fantastic exciting and interesting career, but most of it is generally hard work, and there has to be something found in the individual that shows the need, and passion to sustain this motivation over time.

Clive Hamdorff

Regional Security & Risk Consultant

Japan