After more than 20 years of initiatives designed to improve effectiveness, most HR functions have achieved neither the value promised by strategic HR, nor the operational efficiency expected of new technologies, Six Sigma, shared services, or outsourcing. The path to better human resources management practices begins with a focus on the operational enablers required for enhanced managerial decision-making. READ MORE

An area that is often overlooked in the operation of a spa is staff training. The importance of training frequently both as a team and individually is borne out through the operational and financial success for those facilities that do this. Each area of the spa should receive its own specialized training regimen. These areas include front desk, sales and marketing, retail, locker room and maintenance, service providers (therapists, estheticians and nail technicians) and all other key departments. The frequency and consistency of staff training is critical to the success of any spa whether it is in pre-opening mode or after the doors have opened. READ MORE

Keeping employees engaged in the current economic environment can be difficult. When times are good, many employers go to great lengths, and sometimes to great expense, to reward and recognize their employees to keep them motivated and satisfied. When occupancy rates decline and margins shrink, employee rewards and incentives can fall by the wayside. This may lead to increased employee turnover and disengaged employees. Find out what you can do to keep your employees engaged and your customer service levels high even when company funds are tight in my article, "Hotel Worker Recognition: How to Keep Your Employees Engaged." READ MORE

Some hoteliers have expanded the use of “tip pools” which, if done properly, can provide hotels with a federally sanctioned way to reduce payroll expenses and provide job security for more of their employees. However, federal law is very strict regarding the type of employees for which a “tip credit” may be taken and what's required for an employer to operate a qualified tip pool. While tip pools and tip credits can help reduce labor costs for hoteliers, they should not be adopted without careful consideration of the rules and without the assistance of qualified employment counsel. READ MORE

Is being green important? Absolutely. And, hotel guests expect hotels to be stewards of the environment. But increasingly, guests expect "doing well by doing good" to be a part of a hotel's business strategy. And, they're happy to reward companies that give back with both respect and patronage. READ MORE