Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s human resources team developed three-prong strategy for the next generation of hospitality professionals

Singapore, 2013-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — As an employer of choice in the luxury hospitality industry, the reputation for service excellence at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is legendary since its opening in 1994.

To continue creating a pipeline for the next generation of hospitality professionals as well as boost productivity and resources, the Human Resources team led by Senior Human Resources Director Celeste How developed a three-prong strategy: local school partnerships, and employee development and retiree programmes. With employee retention just as important as the hiring process, this approach has resulted in a turnover rate of about 18 percent, considered to be below the industry average.

Local School Partnerships

Since 2006, the Hotel has offered local internships with established hospitality schools to broaden their students’ horizons. One such collaboration is with Temasek Polytechnic, in which their students are given an opportunity to enroll in the Overseas Student Internship Programme (OSIP). From the financial hub of Shanghai to the otherworldly islands of the Maldives, students are offered a choice of destinations for them to complete their internships. Beginning with two properties in Asia, this number has grown to nine properties resulting in 50 students being placed within the company’s Asia Pacific region in 2013.

Employee profiles:

• Amanda Chiam: A graduate from Temasek Polytechnic, Amanda completed her Overseas Student Internship Programme (OSIP) at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. She was awarded a Four Seasons-University of Nevada, Las Vegas scholarship for her degree and is currently a Manager-in-Training in the Rooms division.
• Yogeswari D/O Mani completed her Overseas Student Internship Programme (OSIP) at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and is a graduate from Temasek Polytechnic. She joined the Hotel as a Guest Relations Officer in the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) department and is currently the Guest Services Officer in the Club.
• Krystal Pagel: A graduate from Temasek Polytechnic, Krystal completed her Student Internship Programme in the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) department. She is currently the Team Leader there.

Employee Development Programme

One of the core strengths of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is its commitment to its employees’ personal and professional development. Many managers have been with the Hotel since its opening, some of whom have risen through the ranks from entry level to senior departmental managers and even the Planning Committee level. With a firm belief that employees are given priority in filling up key positions within the Hotel and the company, the following employees are examples of these success stories.

Employee profiles:

• Ng Chong Kim: Chong Kim started as a Room Service Junior Captain in 2001 and subsequently became a Manager in One-Ninety Wood-Fired Steak and Seafood restaurant. He is currently the Restaurant Manager of Jiang-Nan Chun Chinese restaurant.
• Wong Shou Wei: Shou Wei began her career in the Hotel as a Captain in One-Ninety Wood-Fired Steak and Seafood Restaurant in 2000 and currently heads the Room Service team as Room Service Manager.
• Karen Chan: Karen joined the Hotel as a Guest Relations Officer in the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) department. She is currently the Housekeeping Assistant Manager.
• Lee Kok Whee: Kok Whee joined the Hotel in 1998 as an Accountant in the Finance department. Over the years, he worked his way up the ladder and is today the Assistant Director of Finance.

Retiree Programme

For employees who have reached the retirement age of 62 years but wish to continue contributing in their respective areas, the Retiree Programme allows them the platform to do so. This has also paved the way for them to be a mentor to their colleagues and a Four Seasons family member whom repeat guests look forward to reconnecting with during their stays. The oldest employee is a 72-year-old House Attendant who remains extremely fit and active at her age.

Employee profiles:

• Ah Kwai: Ah Kwai joined the Hotel in 1994 as a House Attendant and since then, her passion and commitment to her role and colleagues remain unwavering.
• Doris Leong: Having been with the opening team since day one, Doris is the Executive Housekeeper. In her current role, she manages and nurtures the younger team of managers in her department.

PRESS CONTACTS

Michelle D. Wan
Public Relations Director
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore, 248646
Singapore
michelle.wan@fourseasons.com
(65) 6831-7130

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