Grace Hotels Launches Strategic Labor Partnership

May 11, 2018

Grace Hotels has successfully launched its Strategic Labor Partnership, a new initiative to help retain talent at its seasonal hotels in Greece.

The program involves a collaboration with other luxury hotel brands to offer international work placements to staff from Grace Mykonos and Grace Santorini during the winter months when the hotels are closed. To launch the program, the group established its primary partnership with Soneva, drawing on parallels between the brands and the need for seasonal hiring within their hotels.

The initiative is driven by Grace Hotels’ ambition to find creative new ways to retain and motivate talent. Around 100 people are employed at Grace Santorini and Grace Mykonos on a seasonal contract from April to the end of October, at which time they usually leave the islands for ventures outside Grace Hotels. Under the Strategic Labor Partnership, agreements were formed with other luxury hotel groups who typically need experienced European staff during the opposite peak season, over the winter months. Employees from Grace Hotels were offered placements in destinations including the Maldives, Thailand, and Megève in France, where they not only benefitted from the opportunity to expand their skillset through diverse, enriching experiences but were also able to maintain their income during a period where it might otherwise be difficult for them to find work.

A total of ten line staff, supervisors, and managers were placed amongst various Soneva hotels (www.soneva.com). Joanne Bowen, Group Talent Director at Soneva, said: “It has been a wonderful initiative that has been beneficial to both Soneva and Grace Hotels. We have been able to utilise the skills of some very talented people during a time where we typically have to supplement our teams due to high business demand. Not only did the Grace team members arrive with passion and dedication, but they also brought a different perspective.”

Grace Hotels’ Group HR Director, Tim Williams, commented: “Soneva proved the ideal partner, evident in the synergies between the brands – authentic, luxury resorts in beautiful destinations with a focus on personalised service and close attention to detail. We had overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants in the program, who enjoyed the exposure to different cultures and work methods and were grateful for the chance to earn income when they might otherwise not. We look forward to expanding the program in the future.”

Grace Hotels looks to continue and strengthen the partnership for the 2018/2019 winter season, opening further collaborations with hotel groups worldwide. Potential opportunities include placements in the Middle East, Indian Ocean, Asia, and other European ski destinations.

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