Philip O’Brien and Mark Cuskelly from the Tullamore Court Hotel pictured with Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Director of People Services, Deirdre Fitzsimons, at the inaugural Quality Employer Awards in Athlone where they were awarded Quality Employer Expert Level Certification in recognition of achievements in HR best practices and people management.

Two Offaly hotels receive HR and people management recognition

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More than 70 seventy hotels from across the country gathered at the Irish Hotels Federation's inaugural Quality Employer Awards, which took place earlier this week at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone.

The awards recognise hotel teams that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to excellence in people development and HR best practices through their participation in the IHF’s Quality Employer Programme.

The County Arms Birr, and Tullamore Court Hotel, were among the recipients recognised for their achievements in HR best practices and people management.

Eve McDonald and Lauren Farrell from the County Arms Hotel, Birr, pictured with Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Director of People Services, Deirdre Fitzsimons, at the inaugural Quality Employer Awards where they were awarded Quality Employer Certification in recognition of achievements in HR best practices and people management.

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.

Alongside Cork International Hotel and The Metropole Hotel, twelve outstanding hotels were celebrated as ‘Best-in-Class’ across three categories. These were:

Best in Class Awards – Certified Level: Clanard Court Hotel, Kildare; Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Kerry; Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork; and Conrad Dublin.

Best in Class Awards – Advanced Level: Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Kildare; Dromoland Castle, Clare; Inn at Dromoland, Clare; and Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin.

Best in Class Awards – Expert Level: Ballykealey House, Carlow; Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Kerry; Midlands Park Hotel, Laois; Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan.

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."

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