LOA Reminder

What is LOA?

• LOA stands for – Leave of Absence

• LOA is to cover an extended time off from regular work. Whether the LOA is covered under the Federal Family Medical Leave or RRI West’s Personal Leave, it is unpaid (unless you elected Short Term Disability), that may protect your job while you are not able to work for medical reasons (self or immediate family) or military reasons.

• Being on an approved LOA may help protect your Full-Time status by not counting the weeks with zero hours.

What do I need to do if you or your employee would like to take a LOA?

• Once someone requests a LOA, please contact Tamara Ross (Tamara.ross@rriwest.com) or Kelly McCloud (Kelly.mccloud@rriwest.com) and they will send you the LOA Request Form.

• Complete the LOA request form for the employee and return it to your P&C team.

• The P&C team will check to see if the individual is eligible.  If so, we will start the required paperwork and send it to you and the employees’ email address.

How do you know if someone needs to take a LOA?  We have a simple saying:

3 days out…… give us a shout!!

If an employee is out for more than 3 days, contact Tamara or Kelly immediately!

Thank you for your assistance in maintaining compliance with both federal, state and internal protocols!

Leadership: Building and Leading a Team

Effective leadership is essential for building and guiding a successful team. Great leaders inspire their teams, create a sense of purpose, and drive collective progress. Here are key elements of building and leading a team:

Vision and Purpose: A leader's first step is to articulate a clear vision. This vision gives the team a sense of direction and purpose. It's crucial to communicate the "why" behind the team's goals, fostering alignment and motivation.

Selecting the Right Team: Building a team begins with selecting the right members. A good leader understands the strengths, weaknesses, and potential of individuals, ensuring that their skills complement one another. Diverse perspectives enrich problem-solving and innovation.

Fostering Trust and Collaboration: Trust is the foundation of any strong team. Leaders need to create an environment where team members feel valued, safe to express their ideas, and confident that their leader supports them. Open communication, transparency, and empathy help build trust and foster collaboration.

Empowerment and Delegation: Successful leaders empower their team by delegating tasks and responsibilities, allowing members to grow and showcase their abilities. Leaders must trust their team to make decisions and solve problems, which not only builds confidence but also drives efficiency and innovation.

Encouraging Growth and Development: A leader's role is not just to direct but to develop. Mentoring, providing feedback, and offering opportunities for professional growth ensure that team members continue to improve and feel valued.

Adaptability and Resilience: Leading a team often involves navigating change and overcoming challenges. Leaders must remain flexible, adapting their strategies as needed. They should also foster resilience in their teams by encouraging a mindset that views obstacles as learning opportunities.

Celebrating Success and Learning from Failure: Recognizing and celebrating team achievements boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior. Equally important is creating a culture where failure is viewed as a learning experience, not a setback. This helps teams stay motivated and continuously improve.

Leadership is about more than just managing tasks—it's about inspiring people, fostering collaboration, and empowering teams to reach their full potential. Effective leaders build teams that are resilient, innovative, and unified in purpose.

Creating a Safe Haven: Combating Bullying in the Hospitality Industry

Bullying in the workplace is a pervasive issue that can significantly impact employee well-being, guest satisfaction, and the overall atmosphere of hospitality environments. In the fast-paced world of hotels, where teamwork and cooperation are essential, it’s vital to address bullying and create a safe haven for all employees.

Understanding Bullying in Hospitality

Bullying can take many forms, including verbal harassment, intimidation, and discrimination among staff or from guests toward employees. Such behavior not only harms individuals but can also lead to decreased job satisfaction, higher turnover rates, and a toxic work environment. Understanding the signs of bullying is the first step in combating it.

Creating a Culture of Respect

Establishing a culture of respect starts with implementing clear anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies. These should outline reporting procedures, define unacceptable behaviors, and specify consequences for those who violate the rules. Regular training sessions are essential to ensure all employees recognize bullying behaviors and understand their roles in fostering a respectful workplace.

Crime Prevention Strategies

It’s important to acknowledge that bullying can escalate into more serious offenses, including theft and violence. By implementing safety protocols, hotel staff can protect themselves and guests. This includes regular monitoring of guest interactions, clear reporting channels for suspicious behavior, and training on conflict resolution.

Empowering Bystanders

Bystanders play a crucial role in preventing and addressing bullying. Employees should be encouraged to take action when they witness inappropriate behavior. This can involve direct intervention—if safe—or reporting the incident to a supervisor. Supporting victims is equally important; a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s experience.

Building a Supportive Work Environment

Creating an environment of open communication is essential. Employees should feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of retaliation. Establishing peer support programs or mentorship opportunities can foster a sense of community, helping employees feel valued and heard.

Real-Life Examples and Success Stories

Hotels that have successfully addressed bullying often see positive changes in their work culture. For example, implementing an anonymous reporting system led one hotel to decrease incidents of harassment significantly. Learning from these successes can help other establishments adopt similar strategies.

Resources and Support

Employees facing bullying should know they have access to support. Human Resources, hotlines, and counseling services can provide the help needed. Furthermore, continuous education through books, articles, and training programs on bullying prevention can empower staff.

Creating a safe haven in the hospitality industry is a shared responsibility. Hotel employees and management must take proactive steps to foster a supportive environment where bullying is not tolerated. By embracing kindness, respect, and community, we can create a workplace that not only enhances employee well-being but also enriches the guest experience.

Should you or your co-workers witness any bullying type of behavior, please report it to your supervisor and/or to your P&C Team so it can be addressed. Your psychological safety is just as important to us as your physical and mental wellbeing.