Dundalk hotels recognised at IHF’s inaugural Quality Employer Awards

Two Dundalk hotels have been recognised for excellence in people management after being honoured at the Irish Hotels Federation’s inaugural Quality Employer Awards, held earlier this week in Athlone.

The Fairways Hotel and The Gateway Hotel were among more than 70 hotels from across the country celebrated for their commitment to best practice in HR, staff development and workplace culture.

The top accolade - the ‘Exceptional People Management Award’ - was jointly awarded to Cork International Hotel and The Metropole Hotel in recognition of their exceptional employment practices, demonstrating exemplary practical and personal care for their employees’ wellbeing and development.

Chair of the awards judging panel Dr Donagh Davern, Munster Technological University (MTU), said: “The judging panel were delighted to see evidence of a people-centric approach and the progress made in elevating the employer brand of the hotel profession.

“All of the finalists showed an outstanding commitment to employee onboarding, engagement, performance management, learning, career development, community involvement, flexibility, diversity, inclusion and the cultivation of a positive people culture in their organisations.

“The increase in supports for both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of employees was particularly noteworthy, as was the array of benefits now on offer to Irish hotel employees.”
Congratulating the over 70 hotels that recently certified as IHF Quality Employers, Mr Magner added: “It is an honour to be among so many inspiring HR leaders to celebrate the very best of people development across our hotels and guesthouse sector.

“Each and every property that participates in our Quality Employer Programme is striving for the same goal - to make their hotel a wonderful place to work and build a career.

“The importance of this cannot be overstated; our people are the beating heart of our industry.

“And what an amazing profession we have – with over 67,000 livelihoods directly supported by hotels and guesthouses and over 270,000 supported by our wider tourism industry.

“As we can all attest, empowered and supported people make such a vital contribution to our sector – they are the defining characteristic of any successful hotel.”

Majella Gorman and Gaurav Joshi from The Gateway Hotel, Dundalk pictured with Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) President Michael Magner at the inaugural Quality Employer Awards where they were awarded Quality Employer Expert Level Certification in recognition of achievements in HR best practices and people management

The IHF’s Quality Employer Programme provides member hotels and guesthouses with the tools and resources to enhance their HR practices and excel in people development.

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QEP Certification recognises workplaces that demonstrate excellence in their employment practices, promoting their commitment to operating as a Quality Employer. www.qualityemployer.ie