Cateys 2023: Best Employer Award: Red Carnation Hotels

Red Carnation Hotels wins the Best Employer Award, sponsored by Mapal OS

The value Red Carnation Hotels (RCH) places on its staff is proven through the company's family values and employee initiatives. The group's RCH IDEA, which stands for Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Action, is aimed at achieving inclusion and compassion throughout recruitment and the workforce.

Employees are trained in the RCH culture and values throughout the company's welcoming programme, while a Women's circle, Mind and Body circle and Parents circle meet regularly to discuss ways to positively influence the working environment. A culture of communication and opportunity is driven by founder and president Bea Tollman, with monthly tea parties, Employee of the Month awards, events throughout the year and a "message of the month", with individuals nominated for displaying that month's standard.

Learning and development platform Mapal OS is employed to help track employees' training progress, while they are encouraged to book onto courses for their personal development, such as to progress into management roles. Over the past year, 71 employees completed a manager-specific induction session, which people are automatically assigned to when they are promoted or join the company. Further to this, 39 employees completed an Ambassadors in Management course last year; a course that equips new managers with skills such as leadership and conflict management as well as building their confidence.

A supportive management team at Red Carnation Hotels that recognises their team's work has contributed to an environment which makes people want to stick around. An ongoing challenge for the company has been retention, with a large percentage of employees having left in 2022 within their first three months. A two-week check-in form for new starters along with a wellbeing check, a salary increase for entry-level positions, one-to-ones and appraisals have contributed to this percentage dropping over the past six months from 41% to 30%. The group now subsequently boasts a record of staff retention substantially above the industry average and is the first global hotel company to receive a Platinum level Investors in People accreditation.

Red Carnation Hotels has also been named by The Caterer as one of the 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2023, with the business receiving high praise from its people. Of the respondents, 97% agreed with the statement "All individuals are valued". One staff member said: "I feel like I have learned so much in my time here and progressed so far because people have believed in me and given me opportunities". Another's comment says it all: "I have worked here more than 18 years – will not leave, ever."

What the judges said

"Wow! What an impressive year! A truly worthy winner and an outstanding example of a genuine people-focused culture." Andi Hirons

"This entry demonstrated some fantastic activities. The family feeling and culture really came through and the team values and experience was embedded throughout." Paresh Vara

The shortlist

• Aviator
• Dalata Hotel Group
• Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
• RBH Hospitality Management
• Red Carnation Hotel Collection
• Valor Hospitality

The judges

• Jo Harley, Korero/Hendrick and Hyde
• Andi Hirons, the Grand Brighton
• Tim Jones, CH&Co
• Paresh Vara, PPHE Hotel Group