(with Mr. John Vasatka and Mr. Russel Reid)
Malliouhana-Auberge Resort & Spa in Anguilla has introduced a staff award and recognition system that excites its 155 employees and serves as a further incentive for excellent on-the-job performance and commitment.
It is an initiative that will see outstanding workers honoured during each of the four quarters of the year. The first awards, to four employees, were presented on Tuesday afternoon, January 27, at a ceremony arranged by General Manager, Mr John Vasatka, and Director of Human Resources, Mr Russel Reid.
Those recognized were Andrea Busby-Gumbs, Elisbania Valera, Sam Hodge and Deborah Richardson.
“These employees, we have recognised today, are not only recognised for their service to hotel guests, but also for their contribution to the pre-opening work. That was a special time especially when we had the little hurricane here in Anguilla two weeks before we opened,” Mr Vasatka explained.
“These staff members who were nominated, and won, contributed more than I can even say – not only taking care of the guests, but putting Malliouhana back together after the hurricane and getting the resort looking perfect for opening on November 1, 2014.”
The General Manager continued: “We are going to do this every quarter – four times a year. We will be recognising up to six employees each time, so we look forward to many quarters in the future to recognise all of our staff for exceptional work.
“We have about 155 staff for forty-four rooms on twenty-five acres. Although our room count is quite small, Malliouhana encompasses a lot of ground. In order to make that look beautiful, and keep it looking good for our guests, we need a lot of these talented folks.”
Mr Vasatka was asked how Malliouhana had been faring since its refreshing and reopening. “There have been fantastic strides,” he replied. “Every day the staff members are getting more polished and more professional. About fifty-five percent of them come from Malliouhana before it closed in 2011 and, just having that talent pulled back is a great asset for us. We are just instilling new standards with Auberge Resorts and we are off and running. We are doing phenomenally well in our bookings as we look forward to 2015. Our projections were very aggressive to start with, so we couldn’t be more pleased.”
Commenting on the recognition of exceptional employees, Mr Reid, Director of Human Resources, stated: “Recognition of a job well done is an important part of maintaining a fun and dynamic workplace. Auberge Resorts recognises and rewards the individual achievement of those employees who provide outstanding guest service; exemplify an attitude of teamwork; and are enthusiastic about their work.”
The following employees were recognised for outstanding performance for the Quarter October-December 2014 who have been nominated by their respective supervisors for the first quarterly awards:
Nominees for “Employee of the Back of House”
Andrea Busby-Gumbs – General Cashier
Jovaughn Gumbs – Gardener
Albert “Sight” Ruan – Cook
Winner . Mrs Andrea Busby-Gumbs
Nominees for “Employee of the Front of House”
Michaela Edwards – Spa Therapist
Joycelyn “Bankie ” Hughes – Room Attendant
Elisbania Valera – Cocktail Server
Verna Connor – Server
Orane Sterling – Beach Attendant
Micheline Mussington – Server
Elvin Headley – Pool Attendant
Winner: Elisbania Valera
“Supervisor of the Front of House”
Vincent “Sam” Hodge – Beach/Pool Supervisor
Supervisor of the Back of House”
Deborah Richardson – Supervisor of Reservations
Employee of the Back of House and Employee of the Front of House were each given a engraved mug and a gift of US$100.
Supervisor of the Back of House and Supervisor of the Front of House were each given an engraved Anguilla limestone rock plaque and a gift of US$150
All nominees were given a Certificate of Achievement in recognition for for outstanding performance during the Quarter.
