The employment crisis, it's taking hold of the nation thick and fast. Each and every industry is, one-by-one, seeing the ripple effects of the pandemic, experiencing staff shortages and the struggle in finding quality replacements to fill empty job roles. This is something the world of hospitality has faced for decades. Something the award-winning team at Healing Manor Hotel knows all about. 

To shine the spotlight on team members at Healing Manor Hotel, representing all roles, backgrounds and reason to be working within the industry, The Hidden Side of Hospitality campaign is championing the diversity, skill, dedication and myriad of expertise that lies within hospitality, in an effort to attract more people into an industry which isn't always painted in the best light. 

A nod to Hospitality Rising and Hospitality Workforce, each profile featured within the campaign showcases a different side of hospitality. From the job role featured, to the story behind the team member in question. Those using hospitality as a stepping stone, those that are dedicated to their role and see it as a long-term career – one with huge progression potential, both in regard to skill set development and monetary benefits – through this campaign Healing Manor Hotel is letting its incredible team do the talking.

Meet Callum, once a shy teenager now a rocket scientist – having utilised the skills he learnt at the Manor to successfully secure an extremely competitive internship at BAE systems, a world leader in Aerospace engineering, following his degree in rocket science. Then there's Harriet, who came to the Manor at 17-years-old to help the team with various tasks. Suffering with seizures, Harriet's personal challenges have been supported by the Healing Manor Hotel team to aid her progression through the ranks – she is now a Sales and Events Assistant with her eyes set on developing further into a coordinator role. “The team pushes me to work hard and be the best I can, they support me in every step, so if that is what I wanted and saw for myself then I know they would help and provide guidance”, she says in her feature.

The campaign is working to put those honest conversations, about what working at different levels within hospitality is like, out on the table, as Charlotte Bennett, Managing Director at Healing Manor Hotel, explained. 

“We haven't created this campaign to sugar coat the industry – there has been far too much of that in the past which in all honesty has contributed to the issue we're facing today. It can be a hard industry. You are expected to work, graft, be intuitive and learn in a fast-paced environment. But it is equally one of the most rewarding industries you can choose to work within and be part of.

“Coming out of the pandemic, we felt quite optimistic about recruitment and skills within hospitality. However, enticing individuals to come and join us in the world of hospitality, is becoming tougher than ever. From kitchen porters, housekeepers and waitresses to skilled chefs, middle management and guest services, roles seem harder and harder to fill. We are working hard to change working hours and pay, where feasible, but what we really wanted to do with this campaign, is shine a spotlight on the incredible team members we do have and share their stories as to why hospitality is playing a vital role in their future.

“People work in hospitality for so many different reasons, be it a stop-gap between school and university or to climb the ladder and carve a career within the industry. We have kicked off the campaign with one of our longest serving team members, Callum. He joined us as a food runner and all I remember is how shy he was. Callum has the most incredible academic output, and he has embraced every opportunity given to him, most of which has been outside of his comfort zone. It has been incredible to see his growth, from joining us as a teenager, post GCSE's, to a young, kind, professional and thoughtful young gentleman, who is going to go on to change the future of our world.”

The campaign has also been able to really address the benefits of working within hospitality – no matter your reason for being there – in a clever way. Through each team member profiled, the camaraderie that comes from working within such a close knit team is shining through. Working together day-in day-out means friendships blossom quickly. Team members become your family, they are there when things need celebrating and when you need supporting. And, at Healing Manor Hotel, it is through that family that confidence, and skillsets are being actively championed.  

Steven Bennett, Chef Patron at Healing Manor Hotel, added: “For too long hospitality has just been thought of as a stop-gap, something to do while you figure out what you really want. For some team members that will still be the case, but so many others – once they are here - are beginning to realise the opportunities for fast-tracked development into management that hospitality can offer.

“Gone are the days of people saying, 'when are you going to get a proper job'. Hospitality is one of the most demanding industries to work within, with the highest standards in regard to customer service, expectation and delivery. You have to a be a special kind of person to work within in, and those are the people we are looking to attract here, to join our award-winning team.

“Bridging the gap between education and industry, to help make that transition from studying into work more seamless, approachable and realistic is something myself, Charlotte and Steven – The Lincolnshire Chef and our patron – are truly passionate about. Getting those studying to learn on the job rather than in a classroom, manage that expectation and change perception from the get-go.”

The Hidden Side of Hospitality is available to read on the Healing Manor Hotel Blog, with new features being planned every month. Healing Manor hotels' vacancies can also be found online.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

The Hidden Side of Hospitality is a blog series running online and across the Healing Manor Hotel social media channels. You can read Callum, Harriet, Rebecca, Dave and Sophies stories online.

High resolution imagery of each of team member featured is available on request as well as further information. 

Healing Manor Hotel is a 4-star, 37-bedroom hotel set among beautiful grounds extending to 36 acres, located in the stunning rural setting of North East Lincolnshire.  The main manor house is home to 13 of those bedrooms, with the further 24 being split between the converted stables in the courtyard, converted boat house and converted barn, which overlooks the old gardening pond. 

The historic manor is also home to two function rooms, a private dining room which seats up to 14 guests, The Portman restaurant, which is set to launch in 2020, and The Pig & Whistle pub which has recently reaffirmed its 2 Rosettes accolade.