People Awards 2024: Digital Revolution Award – Cheval Collection

Shortlist

• Lore Group
• Cheval Collection

By harnessing new technologies, serviced apartment operator Cheval Collection has transformed staff appraisals and ensured every team member is set on a path to achieve their goals.

When the group, which has 13 properties across London, Edinburgh and Dubai, recognised its appraisal system was outmoded, it looked for a solution that would produce individual pathways while giving a strategic overview across the whole business.

Cheval wanted to be able to assess the talent and capabilities it had within its ranks and build a robust development pipeline that would maximise the potential of individuals already within the business. The solution also needed to offer a great user experience and be personalised to reflect Cheval’s voice and ethos.

After extensive research and following consultation with employees, the business partnered with Korero to create a bespoke solution that would meet these needs. The framework gave leaders a structured means to discuss performance, feedback and progression in a positive way, without being prescriptive or generalised.

All managers received training to use the system to facilitate meaningful conversations that could inform training and development programmes as well as strategic decisions regarding the future of the business. The system also allowed data to be assessed to provide insights into the business’s performance when it came to retention and satisfaction, as well as employees’ intentions for developing their careers. Research showed that 25% of employees had the capability and desire to progress, with only 3% at a high risk of leaving. It also highlighted those employees struggling, allowing for personalised support packages to be drawn up to help them succeed in their roles.

The technology has also been used to check in on the wellbeing of Cheval’s teams, flagging areas where action may need to be taken, and to document the onboarding process of new starters, with inbuilt checks ensuring training and check-ins are completed.

The positive impact of its implementation has not only been in harnessing talent but also in ensuring effective planning and improving employee satisfaction. It’s no wonder our judges said it was a “game changer in business”, with huge potential to improve retention and happiness. 

Judges’ comments

Trudi Parr, head of people and development, Mollie’s: “Simple and clear on problem and solution, [this is a] game-changing people plan. This approach is absolutely the biggest way to increase retention and happiness ratings: talk to your people often and use data. This technology alone makes a real difference to the business and the people.”