GM Speak

‘We’ve changed the way we recruit’

Julian R Groom General Manager and Regional Co-ordinator - West Asia, Le Royal Meridien Mumbai

From the current issue facing the industry to the changes made in employee selection, Julian R Groom, general manager and regional co-ordinator - West Asia, Le Royal Meridien Mumbai, speaks with Bhavika Jhaveri

With the Indian hospitality industry undergoing rapid transformation, the need to keep the rising attrition level under check has gained momentum. This followed by higher wage bills has put India close on the heels of international counterparts. Pointing this out is Julian R Groom, general manager and regional co-ordinator - West Asia, Le Royal Meridien Mumbai. "There is more transient staff within India due to the increase in opportunities and their new-found freedom. A bit of a cultural change is also taking place. For instance, when I came to India around six years ago, the industry wasn't use to having any phirangs (foreigner) working in the hotels. The hotel industry is becoming more international, as oppose to domestic and the pay scales are not matching international levels yet, but rapidly moving in that direction."

Groom reckons the pace at which the changes are taking place is much more rapid then before, this is reflected in the manner of running or functioning of hotels. "Change has always been happening, but at present the pace at which international tourism and hospitality industry is growing particularly, in the Middle East, Dubai, Kuwait, has shortened the surface period of the staff members." He further added that the rational of running the hotel has changed, because of the rising cost of land, building and wages. With this the rationale of employing staff has also changed, the demand has weakened. "Three years ago, one would employ a person with one years' experience, now they hire people with mere six months exposure. At Le Meridien Mumbai, we have changed the way we recruit. What we look in for employees while recruiting is the attitude and development ability and thereafter we hone the skills, withought expecting the skills to come to us.

So how does one change that, with the expected increase in supply? Groom explains, "It goes back to the level of understanding, which each individual unit has within their local environment. International chains have an edge over their domestic counterparts, because of their clear-cut perspective on competitive salaries, opportunities to move within the individual units, among others." Anticipating the situation to worsen in future, Groom said that technology would have a major role to play in cutting operation cost of the hotels. This would be followed by downsizing of the staff, a strategy, which most hotels will adopt five years later.