When asked what challenges the managerial team at the Delta Bessborough encounter when recruiting and retaining staff, Nancy Range, Director of People Resources, responded: "If you were to have asked me this question a year ago, the answer would have been much different than today.  We have seen an increase in our retention of employees, thus a reduction in vacancies.  We are in a position to really select the right employee for the right position.  If I had to comment on a challenge, it would be the time spent reviewing all the resumes to ensure they meet the qualifications we are looking for.  It seems that everyone is applying for everything, even if they don't meet the requirements outlined."

 

There are many reasons for the Delta Bessborough's increase in the retention of employees.  The most evident reason being its excellent reputation as a four star hotel with amenities ranging from 225 guest rooms, catering and banquet facilities, two restaurants, in-room dining, lounge, fitness facility, and five acres of private waterfront gardens backing onto the river in downtown Saskatoon.

 

Less apparent is the hotel's internal structure and the commitment of its leaders to training and organizational excellence.

 

"We are committed to assisting employees in fully developing their career potential [and] encouraging long-term employment," Range said.  "Training does not end with the orientation period, but is an ongoing process which continues over the lifetime of the individual's service with the company.  [...]  We currently have 15 employees who have completed or are in various stages of receiving certification.

 

"Outside of this project, the Delta Bessborough has, in the past, supported and encouraged employees to obtain certification within their position and will continue to do so in the future.  The word has spread and employees are approaching us regularly to express their interest and desire to register, which we fully support."

 

In addition to encouraging and supporting ongoing training in the workplace, Range said hotel management has committed to providing a "monetary incentive to employees who have successfully completed the [training] process."

 

All employees at the Delta Bessborough who obtain Professional Certification in their current position will receive an additional forty cents per hour, effective the day the certificate is presented to People Resources.  Those who successfully complete Journeyperson certification will receive an additional fifty cents per hour.

 

"It has been a win-win [situation]," Range said.  "Participants indicate that the information they read in the training material either validated their current practices, brought prior information back to the forefront, and/or provided them with new information and techniques." 

 

She added that guests are also reaping the rewards with "exceptional service".  With such a positive attitude toward training and professional development, the Delta Bessborough is well on its way to becoming an Employer of Choice.