Hotel appoints "lifestyle manager" for staff
Hilton has appointed a manager in its Birmingham Metropole hotel whose declared role is to improve life for staff by making them feel more valued.
The so-called "lifestyle manager", Georgina Stanlake, has the job of "focusing on the physical and mental well-being of her colleagues" at the 803-bedroom hotel.
This includes organising fitness classes, language lessons, chiropody, massage and beauty sessions. Male staff are even being given advice on how to shave properly.
It was the staff themselves who came up with the idea. Stanlake, who was previously human resources manager at the Hilton Hyde Park in London, was appointed after a staff opinion survey indicated they would "like to feel more appreciated".
It is the first time Hilton has made such an appointment, but after Birmingham Metropole manager John Dillane gave the go-ahead to the new post other general managers in the group expressed interest.
A personal fitness trainer now visits the hotel once a week, and there are aerobics and circuit classes in lunch breaks and after work.
Most popular so far have been the chiropody sessions, perhaps because hotel staff are on their feet all day.
Books and gift fairs have also gone down well, while women have an evening with cosmetic companies to get tips on how to look their best and what make-up colours to use.
Future courses will be chosen by the staff .
by Lorraine Arnott
