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The era we’re in is marked by social and digital change, emphasizing the importance of generational management, automation processes, and artificial intelligence. The challenge is leveraging these developments to advance the hospitality industry. My focus is on empowering younger generations by entrusting them with responsibility and participation. Young people seek meaningful work and involvement; recognizing their value, especially among students and trainees, can significantly contribute to the industry. It’s crucial to involve them actively in shaping the future, recognizing their potential as the next generation of professionals.
“Trust is crucial since we’re dealing with young adults who might just need a slight push from time to time to believe in themselves”
In my hotel, we’ve implemented several pilot projects, notably in sustainability. A student took on various projects in this area for three months, handling them independently with regular supervision, significantly easing my workload. Social media management is entrusted to our apprentices, leveraging their familiarity with platforms like Instagram for successful employer branding. Despite my personal disinterest in these platforms, I am quite sure about their importance for a great presence these days. Additionally, the purchasing department is temporarily managed by students and trainees during maternity leave. Despite initial skepticism of others in my decision due to our hotel’s size, their responsible handling of duties has impressed me, showcasing the power of entrusting young talents.
In the coming months, my hotel will start a new pilot project, offering selected students and apprentices the opportunity to work closely with me for two months. This project will focus on specific tasks like re-certifications or introducing new technologies, providing them with deeper insights into my responsibilities. I anticipate significant benefits, especially in implementing new digital tools, given the younger generation’s tech-savviness and enthusiasm for more efficient technological workflows. My aim is to gain support in change management processes, where having an enthusiastic team open to changes is crucial. They could for example also assist in training other staff internally. While the outcome of this project for now remains uncertain, I’m optimistic that, like previous initiatives, this one will also prove successful.
To summarize, my examples showcase only a few of the diverse opportunities available to empower our youngest members to actively participate and drive change within the company. They can offer valuable insights and raise issues that may not have crossed our minds. However, it falls upon us to create the space for these young talents to unfold, by offering them genuine trust and sometimes stepping back. Trust is crucial since we’re dealing with young adults who might just need a slight push from time to time to believe in themselves. This fosters appreciation and longterm employee loyalty. Engaging deeply with the hospitality industry’s youth requires energy and patience, but it’s worth it to me. Ultimately, I can only speak for my hotel, but investing in our future benefits both sides significantly. So, let’s trust the process.
