Training Initiatives

Island Hotels Group sees it staff as its most valuable asset.  They are our frontline people, the face that presents IHG to our hotel guests, our restaurant clientele and the many visitors to our resorts and spas.  Staff training is therefore not an add-on for us, but integral to how we go about our business. Our people gain too, not only in terms of skills they require to do their immediate job, but also life skills in areas such as first aid, health and safety issues and many more. 

In recent years, our training has been guided by two main schemes - 'Yes I Can!' and 'Skills for Life' - and includes a multitude other training programmes covering service, sales, occupational health and safety, food hygiene and IT skills.  

As part of the Rezidor Group, we have adopted the international hotel chain's 'Yes I Can' training programme which lies at the core of its service philosophy.  It has become a way of life for all Radisson employees.  It is based on a positive service attitude - Yes I Can! - that translates into every facet of our work and our attitude to guests.  We have delivered 'Yes I Can! training to all member of our staff, and have seen the programme help people overcome the challenges they face each day.  In addition, we have seen a clear sense of purpose ripple across across our organisation as a result.

Our Life Skills training is an annual programme extended to around 40 staff each year. It is both a personal and professional development programme covering various essential 'soft skills' necessary for effective people management.   The scheme is designed and delivered in a way that sees people holistically, as individuals and not just employees.  Staff complete seven modules in life skills over six months in different areas.  The programme has helped develop the potential of many of our staff; they in turn now feel far more empowered and confident in their roles. 

Another key programme is our 'Power of One' initiative aimed at encouraging managers to collaborate and coordinate across departments and properties in order for IGH to draw strength from its collective capabilities.  It also ensures we speak as one voice and deliver to set quality and service standards across our portfolio. 

IHG is at the forefront of pioneering sustainability in our sector.   We also promote measures to ensure staff are aware of their actions on others and on the community at large.  To highlight these issues, we held a Responsible Business week which saw us explore environmental awareness and sustainability; social and ethical behavior and practices; and health & safety awareness and measures.  The week was well received.  But more importantly, it has led to myriad, ongoing training initiatives across IHG to ensure we put our principles into action.  

Training should not be one way; at IHG, we feel our organisation is best served if we understand more about our employees.  We place great importance therefore on our annual Staff Climate Analysis, an anonymous questionnaire which invites staff to let us know how they feel about various aspects of their work, team and day-to-day environment at IHG. It enables us to take stock and gauge the overall level of motivation of staff.  In recent years, the overall average has been above target, with around 86 per cent of staff showing high levels of satisfaction and motivation.  It is also a vital tool in guiding our approach to our training programmes.