Hotel Cateys 2015: Human Resources Team of the Year

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The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

This year's winning team was commended by our judges as excelling in all areas of HR.

The seven-strong, London-based team looks after over 800 staff in the UK (alongside a further 1,300 worldwide in 10 hotels), and works tirelessly to ensure that everyone feels included and heard. This can mean everything from acknowledging other nationalities' national days and bank holidays with flags around the office and food from team members' various home nations, to celebrating everyone's birthday with a homemade cake and gifts bought by the team.

On a more official note, the department also makes sure everyone has a chance to air any grievances or issues, with regular catch-ups, updates on what everyone is working on, the sharing of ideas, and the spreading of good news. Weekly meetings happen without fail, thanks to this iron-clad ethos of communication and support. This time is also used to inspire and inform, with guest speakers such as the vice-president of finance announcing a new strategy or business direction. This helps everyone feel involved and committed to the company, and helps to foster a collaborative working environment. There is even an annual ‘staff appreciation party', which brings team members from across the world to London.

Especially good work is recognised and encouraged in front of everyone, and new employees are supported from day one. Similarly, everyone is encouraged to pursue extra training, with qualifications from bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development meaning that staff can add the courses to their CV, rather than achieving internal certificates that might mean little in future jobs. Personal development is paramount, and encouraging staff to pick up extra skills has proven to be an effective way of motivating and fulfilling the wider team. It also helps that anyone who passes their exams is celebrated, with Champagne, in the office.

Corporate social responsibility initiatives also come under the HR banner, with employees made aware of the company’s ‘green training’ drive, and everyone given paid volunteer days allowing them to get involved in eco-projects outside of the day job.

With a wide range of internal communications, a supportive ethos and a wide range of helpful initiatives across the group, it’s no wonder that the judges named this winner as the team that everyone in HR should aspire to.

What the judges said

“This HR department leads corporate social responsibility and green initiatives, and offers innovative and creative HR ideas.”

Julia Murrell, director of people and development, Firmdale Hotels

“Red Carnation was the clear winner, excelling in all areas of HR. We all aspire to be like this: some incredible achievements.”

Sarah Banner, director of human resources, Brown’s Hotel, London

“A fantastic team, which is clearly setting itself up for future generations by its clever use of technology.”

Jo Harley, managing director, Purple Cubed

Shortlisted

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  Hyatt UK

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  Lancaster London

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  Red Carnation Hotels

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  St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London

Past winners

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  2014 Dorchester Collection

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  2013 Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5

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  2012 Dorchester Collection

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  2011 Royal Garden Hotel London

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  2010 Jumeirah Hotels

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  2009 The Berkeley London

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  2008 The Dorchester London