Considering an HR Role in a Star Hotel Group: Is It the Right Move for Me?

Hi all,

Please tell me about the scope of HR in the service industry, particularly in the hotel industry. I have received an offer from an international star hotel group. Weather to accept it or not, please justify your reply.

Thank you.

Regards,
Srinivasan

Hi Srinivasan, I guess you'll have to place more emphasis on employee satisfaction as they are the link between the company and the customers. The employees give an impression of the brand. I'm doing a project on employee relations, including plant factory and the hospitality sector. Up till now, I didn't find many differences. Hotels have a more advanced employee appraisal system and conduct more activities regarding employee satisfaction and other team-building activities regularly.

Since employees are more educated compared to the plant factory employees, they need behavioral training rather than technical training. They are also aware of their rights, but as far as I know, they don't have unions.

Regards, PS: Let me know if I missed something.

I agree with Sunayna.

"Some of them do have unions but not destructive in nature."

Other factors that HR managers in the hospitality industry need to consider are:

1. Recruitment: There are very few hotel management institutes, and the best are managed by hotels themselves. Thus, getting the best talent is a problem.
2. Many cruise companies are offering high salary packages, making it tough to keep turnover low.
3. Fringe Benefits: The major part of the compensation consists of fringe benefits like food, private transportation, and mobile phones. These need to be reworked considering the FBT.
4. Training: Most of the junior staff (waiters/housekeeping boys) lack the required training. Proper training for attitude needs to be imparted to new recruits.

The most important question: Whether or not to take the assignment?

Because it is a service industry, the task is crucial as the service industry heavily relies on human resources.

In my suggestion, you should take up the job if other factors are comfortable for you.

Ajmal Mirza
mirza_ajmal@yahoo.com

Hi sunanya & ajmal
Thank you for your views on my topic, but u didn't say about growth prospects for an hr in hotel industry, does the experience in hotel management will help in exposure jus express your views on that,
I expect reply from senior membersof the forum.
Thank you
Regards
srinivasan

Hotel Industry

The hotel industry is a labor-intensive industry. Hence, the scope for HR is wide. The HR activities include:
- Recruitment/selection [lower staff turnover, high casuals content]
- Intensive training [induction/technical aspects]
- Management development opportunities
- Teambuilding opportunities
- Regular appraisals
- Industrial relations
- Safety/health, etc.

If you are concerned about the prospects, one must look at the structure/process of hotel management:
- CEO
- GM (Operation)
- Banquet Manager
- Food/Beverage Manager
- Chief Chef
- Front Office Manager
- Sales/Marketing Manager
- HR Manager

Progressing to an Operations Manager (GM) would be difficult due to the lack of exposure/knowledge of technical aspects such as food/banqueting/kitchen management, where profit/loss is determined, hence the preference for technically oriented individuals.

For a beginner/fresher, it is a lively place to learn.

Regards,
Leo Lingham

Hi,

I have worked in the hotel industry for quite some time and feel that you should have a thorough understanding of how the industry functions, especially being both capital and labor-intensive. The focus will be on aligning the entire workforce towards a common goal: customer satisfaction. The workforce consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds and, in fact, represents a mini-world in itself. Understanding the operations will help you integrate better.

You will have many things to learn. If you need specific insights, you can always write to me.

Good luck,
Bhaskar

Thank you, Mr. Leolingam, for your contribution to my topic. Do you mean that we lack growth in the organizational structure? I learned from your reply that I will have great days of learning in the hotel industry. Thank you once again.

Regards,
Srinivasan

It's been my pleasure, Sreenivasan. I'm just happy that what I said is right! 😄

About growth... I really have no clue if it works everywhere, but the retention rate is low. I mean the telephone operators I knew went ahead to call centers. People who were in the HR department left for better salary. (Am I making sense?) I guess some look at the hospitality sector as a training ground. Let's see what others have to say.

Hi, just a genuine query.

How is HR in hotels different from other companies in the service industry? Is it more recruitment-oriented or something? Please let me know...

Hi,

As per my knowledge, I have described my thoughts for you. Now, you are in a study position, and an HR professional will send more details regarding this. You may receive more input and send it to me.

Advantages:
- Service sector is the fastest-growing segment.
- Skill-oriented people are involved.
- Exposure in Training and Development (T&D) is gained.
- Industrial problems are minimal.

Disadvantages:
- Career growth is limited.
- Industrial Relations (IR) skills may not be acquired.
- Remuneration is lower than in the Production sector.

Murali

Dear Mr. Leo Lingam,

I am also new to the hospitality industry. I want to know the role and responsibilities of HR activities in this sector. What things should I know as an HR? Even though I don't have experience in HR, I am going to attend an interview. Please help me because you know everything very well.

Please tell me how to prepare a fresher resume.

Regards,

Saran