"Attracting talent is a key issue for Accorhotels," says Accorhotels, director talent and culture Middle East, Debbie Simister . "We have 35,000 new employees to appoint in the next there years and creating an engaging environment is at the core of our talent management strategy in the region and world over," she added at the second annual Hotelier Express Summit held at Grosvenor House in Dubai.
Simister also added that retaining talent has gotten a lot harder.
"12 years ago turnover was 12% now its at 28%. Retention is a key component of and HR and talent management. We consider transferring employees to keep them engaged," she added.
In order to retain our employees, we also look at positive turnover - transferring employees from one property to another - Debbie Simister @Accorhotels, admitting this is an advantage #HotelierExpress2017— Hotelier Middle East (@HotelierME) November 22, 2017
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Seconding Simister's comment on retention XVA Art Hotel GM Moses Barnabas added that it's important to focus on engagement every day as well as ensuring there's a development plan in place.
According to Simister some hotels are reluctant to move employees around however she believes that it helps in engagement and in retaining employees.
"That's the core principle for Accor. World over we do a lot around engagement ensuring that we keep motivating our employees by constant education. We focus on treating out employees the same way we treat our guests," said Simister.
She also shed light on the importance and benefits of cross training in a large organisation like Accorhotels.
Agreeing with Simister, Wilson Joseph COO of Abidos Hotels added that in light of the increased supply, it's more important than ever before to retain colleagues.
"Long-term security and positive working environment also play a role in keeping employees happy," Joseph added.