Investing in Growth Through WHG University

WHG University (Litmos) continues to play a vital role in team development across all properties. As hotel operations evolve, providing staff with timely, practical training is more important than ever. The platform offers self-paced learning that supports onboarding, operational consistency, and leadership development.

Several new eLearning courses have recently been added, including:

• RiskManager Pro: Incident Reporting Basics – Coming Soon

• Mastering Chargebacks: Prevention, Response & Recovery

• Peer to Boss: Transitioning into Leadership

• Understanding the AR Lifecycle: From Setup to Collection – Coming Soon

• I-9 Compliance for General Managers

These courses reflect current operational priorities and were developed with feedback from the field. They are designed to support both new hires and experienced team members looking to build their knowledge or grow into leadership roles.

Encouraging regular use of WHG University not only improves daily performance—it also contributes to long-term retention by investing in employee growth. General Managers are encouraged to identify key courses for their teams and promote a culture of learning through recognition and accountability.

Additional resources, including job aids and course guides, are available upon request. For support with course recommendations or team assignments, reach out to the Learning and Innovation team.

Course Spotlight: “Peer to Boss”

Leadership isn’t just for those in management roles—developing leadership skills can benefit any team member who wants to grow professionally. The Peer to Boss course is designed to help individuals build communication, time management, and team leadership skills. Whether preparing for future opportunities or simply becoming a stronger contributor on the team, this course is a great resource for employees eager to take initiative and learn more about what leadership involves.

GM Tip: Promote Learning with Recognition

Recognize team members who complete key WHG University courses by highlighting their efforts in morning huddles, on staff bulletin boards, or during one-on-one check-ins. A little recognition goes a long way in motivating continued learning and setting a positive example for the rest of the team.

Email Encryption: Protecting Employee Information the Right Way

In our industry, handling sensitive documents is part of the job—but protecting that information is just as important. Whether you're sending an I-9 form, a Social Security number, or a photo of a driver’s license, it must be encrypted before it leaves your inbox.

Why Encryption Matters

Email encryption ensures that private information remains protected—even if it's accidentally sent to the wrong person. Without encryption, messages can be intercepted, read, or misused, putting both employees and the company at risk.

When to Encrypt an Email

Always use encryption when sending:

• I-9 documents and ID photos

• Social Security numbers

• Bank or payroll information

• Any personally identifiable information (PII)

• Disciplinary or confidential HR documentation

Important: Never include the employee’s name or other personal identifiers in the subject line of an email containing sensitive information. Subject lines are not encrypted, even when the email body is.

How to Encrypt in Outlook

If you're using Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Online:

1. Create your email as usual.

2. Before sending, go to the Options tab.

3. Select Encrypt or Do Not Forward (this prevents the message from being copied, printed, or forwarded).

4. Send with confidence—your data is protected.

Encrypted emails can be opened by recipients using any email provider. They will be directed to verify their identity and view the secure message via Outlook Online.

Common Questions

• Can attachments be encrypted? Yes. Attachments are protected when the email is encrypted.

• What if the recipient isn’t using Outlook? No problem—they can access the encrypted message through a secure Microsoft portal with a one-time passcode.

• How do I know it's encrypted? Look for the lock icon next to recipients or check that an encryption option is selected before sending.

Resource: Available at WHG University

To support secure communication practices, review in WHG University: Data Protection Basics – eLearning This short course is a helpful refresher for anyone handling employee or guest data.

Encrypted Email FAQ.pdf

Download PDF • 364KB

Mental Health Matters in Hospitality

The hospitality industry is fast-paced and demanding, often requiring long hours, emotional labor, and constant problem-solving. Amid all this, it's easy to overlook an essential element of well-being: mental health.

Promoting mental wellness is not only the right thing to do—it also leads to stronger, more resilient teams. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged, communicate openly, and perform at their best.

What Can GMs Do?

• Foster a supportive culture – Encourage open conversations and make it clear that mental health is just as important as physical health.

• Recognize the signs of stress or burnout – Fatigue, mood changes, or disengagement may be signs that a team member is struggling.

• Lead by example – Model healthy habits by taking breaks, managing stress constructively, and setting boundaries.

• Share resources – Whether it’s an employee assistance program (EAP), a local support hotline, or simple wellness tips, make resources easy to access and judgment-free.

What Can Employees Do?

• Speak up if you're feeling overwhelmed – It’s okay to ask for help. Talk to your supervisor or someone you trust.

• Take short breaks when needed – A few minutes to breathe or reset can go a long way.

• Look out for each other – If you notice a coworker struggling, check in. A simple “Are you okay?” can make a difference.

• Use available resources – WHG University has wellness courses available or ask your manager about other support options.

A Healthy Team is a Strong Team

Mental health isn’t a one-time conversation. It’s an ongoing commitment to care, communication, and support. When everyone—from leadership to front desk to housekeeping—is involved, we create a work environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. Page 2 of 2

Mental Wellness Matters: Explore the May Learning Collection

WHG University is spotlighting Mental Wellness this month with a curated collection of courses that support stress management, resilience, and overall well-being.

Team members can explore topics such as:

• Employee Wellness and Well-Being in the Workplace

• Managing Stress (with translations available)

• Resilience: Personal and Team Strength

• Personal Financial Stress and Wellbeing

These resources are accessible to all employees and provide meaningful strategies for navigating challenges both on and off the job.

In addition, users can create a custom AI Playlist by searching for topics that interest them—from burnout prevention to work-life balance. This allows for a more personalized learning experience.

Supporting mental wellness in the workplace not only builds stronger teams—it creates a culture where people feel safe, seen, and valued.