The Veteran Hoteliers at GRT Hotels & Resorts

A company’s culture goes a long way in determining how happy its team members are, which in turn determines how happy its customers are. Employee satisfaction comes from a combination of various factors – recognition, remuneration, engagement, growth, challenge, freedom, work-life balance, opportunity, variety, and a strong sense of purpose.

At GRT Hotels & Resorts, the company consistently works towards nurturing an environment that offers all of these and more – the evidence of which lies in the fact that majority of the staff work here for years – even decades.

We caught up with some of the organisation’s veterans to find out what drives them:

• Sangeetha R, Director Operations – Housekeeping & Spa at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
• Mohammed Sheriff, General Manager at Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
• Rukshana Shabin, Director Operations – Housekeeping & Spa at Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai
• Sathish P, Director Operations – F&B at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
• AM Suresh Kumar, Chauffer at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
• K Rajan, Security Officer at Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels
• KS Sampath, Doorman at Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels

A Place To Keep On Growing

One of the most important motivating factors for all employees across industries, is the space and opportunity to learn, grow, and expand their knowledge and work base. Sangeetha has worked forthe group for 19 years – she started as a floor supervisor and rose up the ranks to head a key operations function at the resort. “I have been fortunate to have worked on setting up of new hotels and serviced apartments, and have also been involved in renovation projects across South India”, she says.

Satish,who has been with us for over 18 years says “As I reflect on the year 1998 when I first joined, I feel like I have learned more and had more relevant growth in the past 18 years, than at any other point in my career.”

What Is Their Favourite Thing About Working At GRT Hotels & Resorts?

“GRT has a family bonding atmosphere, loyalty, and focus on building a strong staff – management relationship,” says Sheriff. Sampath and Rajan have both been with the organisation for over 15 years and say they love coming to work and see themselves retiring here. “We are proud to say we work here. This is our second home and we feel like family.”

Rukshanasays that the level to which staff are trained has gone a long way – “The staff is very well trained and supportive, and as is the service policy of the company, go beyond their duties to satisfy and delight guests.
 

What Made Them Stay For So Long?

Many of these veterans attribute this to the company’s culture, its vision and mission. Suresh Kumar says it’s a “great atmosphere to work in, with support from management and colleagues, who recognise you for good work.”

Rukshana says she has immense pride in the organisation’s path, while Sangeetha is grateful that her role gives her the opportunity to do meaningful work, and have a say in the company’s future.

Things That Stay With You

When asked to tell us about work instances that touched them, their stories revolved around times of adversity and how the organisation reacted to it. Sampath and Rajan reminisce about the time the Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels suffered extensive damage from the floods, but powered through while ensuring all employees were well taken care of. The hotel may have had to shut for 4 months to renovate and reopen, but the staff were all assigned to other GRT properties and didn’t have to have any time off.

Sheriff tells a story about the devastating tsunami that hit the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram – “Within hours of the catastrophe, the presence of ownership and management teams at the spot to organise all kinds of accelerated rescue operations was commendable. The way the resort was restored and revamped within a short span of time after the tsunami was remarkable. All staff were involved in rescue operations, irrespective of their designation or department.”

Suresh Kumar says that despite the damage the resort suffered, the management ensured that the employees were all looked after and all of their needs were met. The staff also talks about how much the group does to support their families.

Immense Personal and Professional Growth

When asked what they’ve learnt while working here, we received a range of lovely responses:

• The importance of punctuality
• Management of personal finances
• Attitude towards service
• Networking
• Multitasking
• Staying positive
• Asking for help when needed
• Communications
• Managing guest expectations well, and delivering above and beyond
• Interpersonal relationship management
• Time management
• Productive meeting management
• Listening skills
• Leadership
• Mentoring
• Collaboration and teamwork

Sounds like an amazing place to work? It is! Write to us at hr@grthotels.com for any questions