Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort
Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort has a unique philosophy: Come for the warmth of our waters, and stay for the warmth of our people.
"We also create that sense of warmth, family and inclusion with our team," Deb Thorn, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, said. "We accomplish that through various programs and activities."
She explained that the hotel recently hired three managers, who are leaders, communicators, and visionaries equipped with the enthusiasm, persistance, skill, and determination needed to inspire employees. Consequently, it is not difficult to get staff to participate in training and apply what they learn on-the-job. For example, she noted that a participant of Service Best proudly wears her pin while performing her duties as a Front Desk Agent and is "doing an oustanding job with a smile".
The challenge, she said, is finding resources and time management. Yet, despite these challenges, she emphasized that the managerial team at the spa appreciates the value of recognizing successful participants of the Transforming the Tourism Workforce project. All full-time staff members who complete the training are given one day off with pay and one night's accommodation at the hotel, while part-time staff members are given the option of choosing between the two.
As a result, the managerial team is also getting recognized by staff.
"Staff has stopped me to say, 'Thank you for investing in us. Thank you for providing us with training,'" Thorn said, adding that "it is great!"
According to Thorn, training is key to the property's strategy for improving customer service, quality assurance, staff morale, increased revenue, and bottom line profit. With this in mind, she said she hopes the training that employees acquire over the coming months will increase their professionalism and ability to provide excellent customer service to customers, as well as have an impact on their sense of pride.
Located in Moose Jaw, the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort is a full service hotel and mineral spa that employes 200 full- and part-time employees.
