I was on a flight recently, and the woman sitting next to me discussed at length how she uses motivational sayings to really inspire and improve her day.
Over the years, she had gathered a series of favorite ones and would meditate on them every day as she prepared to do her work.
I love starting new traditions. So, with that mindset, I started the same practice with Team AAHOA, allowing them to embrace and meditate on different perspectives, and use them to inspire their days and work. Pouring into your people is the best way to ensure they’re inspired to do their best work daily.
While all managers and industry leaders have different approaches to how they motivate their employees, we have all had to adapt and rethink strategies when it comes to the workforce thanks to the pandemic.
Things have changed, and the world has seen a new way of life. It is no secret workers want higher wages, flexible work environments, and work-life balance. It is a pivotal time in the work world.
I have had several conversations with hotel owners about the hospitality industry and the labor shortage. I often wonder how they have shifted their approaches when it comes to today’s workforce management.
Here at AAHOA, we are working across multiple fronts to ensure talented people have the access and qualifications to integrate smoothly into the hospitality workforce. We have worked alongside members of Congress and federal agencies to highlight the H-2B and H-2C visa programs, leading to increases in visa caps. And partnering with our state and local partners, we have promoted workforce training and development programs to ensure any member of our communities has the opportunity to earn a living wage.
How do they keep their employees motivated? How do they compete with other industries with incentives that working in a hotel simply cannot offer?
“Whether you want to be a leader who inspires your team each morning or entices your employees with incentives and clear paths to a rewarding career, the key is building relationships and being that driving force to make employees want to continue giving 110% to everything they do.”
While there is no right answer, this conversation is happening at every industry conference, and hospitality industry leaders are constantly working to adjust their strategies that attract and retain good employees.
Hospitality is people-oriented, creative, and always thinking of new ways to make all experiences better for the customer. I would like to think that this industry will lead the way, and many other industries will follow suit once we come up with the answer.
It is a wonderful field to grow and develop into leadership and management positions, and is a career where the opportunities are endless – personally and professionally. It is rewarding and, at the end of the day, I believe people are looking for fulfillment in their work that enriches their own life, but also the life of those they interact with.
So, whether you want to be a leader who inspires your team each morning or entices your employees with incentives and clear paths to a rewarding career, the key is building relationships and being that driving force to make employees want to continue giving 110% to everything they do.
It starts at the top, and we will only continue to adapt to the times if we pay attention to what works.
