At Sol Meliá we consider training to be an ongoing process which adapts to the strategy and culture of the company and brand. During 2008 the following training needs were taken into account:
As a result of those needs, the following training plan has been carried out:
2008 was a key year for strengthening the pride of employees in working for Sol Meliá and its brands. With training actions such as the Internal Customer Awareness Campaign, all of our employees have become more aware of and involved in the company’s Strategic Plan and in achieving the objectives defined.
There was also a second stage to this training programme specific to each brand and aiming to internalise the “Guest Experience” concept and boost responsibility and autonomy within a culture in which teamwork plays the major role.
This awareness campaign has led to 16,468 employees receiving training on the new business model, the new organisational model and the new Strategic Plan.
To align the organisation behind the critical aspects of Talent Management, middle management has been provided with the tools required to improve the skills identified as fundamental for teamwork in 2008. The direct benefits of this action, which includes communication, feedback, teamwork, delegation and recognition, are reflected in an improvement in team motivation and the development of management and leadership styles.
811 heads of departments from 148 hotels took part in this training programme receiving a total of 6,488 hours of training.
After evaluating the improvement opportunities detected for employees in each hotel, bearing in mind the priorities of each of the brands, a training plan was designed, linked to both the strategy of the brand and the improvement of individual skills identified in each business area.
All the training actions were managed in Spain with grants received through the Tripartite Foundation. The total cost of grantsupported training in 2008 was 515,204.53 euros. The total number of training hours was 56,074, an average of 16.06 hours per person.
After signing a collaboration agreement with the Spanish Federation of Celiac Associations, awareness courses were given to staff in hotel food and beverage departments focusing on how to handle food products in the best possible way and also informing them about the disease.
The pilot campaign began in December 2008 and it will be introduced in all company hotels throughout 2009.
Investment in training is a company priority. The main objective of our training plan is to span all of the key areas and to contribute to knowledge and skill development, fundamental for the success of our businesses and in contributing to talent retention.
The HR Strategy area analyses training needs in all of the business areas based on the Strategic Plan and then schedules training programmes to be carried out throughout the year. Training includes both general skills and technical skills.
In 2008, the Welcome/Corporate Induction Programme was redesigned, including informative guides, plans, organisational charts, procedures and, above all, the Sol Meliá induction course which is provided to all new employees.
It is a programme-guide that assists in the quick and efficient integration of new company employees. Its objective is to welcome new employees, reduce uncertainties, promote fluid internal communication from the start and, above all, foster a feeling of belonging to Sol Meliá.
We would also like to highlight the introduction of e-learning, one of the fundamental training methods used in the company, and the creation of the first e-learning course for new employees. The course is available through the Sol Meliá portal and is a way of providing support and help to newcomers.
Another new feature is the welcome tutor who, with the cooperation of a member from the HR Strategy team, offers support and the means by which a new employee can fit in to the company and their new responsibilities with the maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the world's largest resort hotel company and the largest hotel chain in Spain in both resort and city hotels. Sol Meliá is third in the European ranking and the twelfth largest hotel chain in the world. As well as being the resort chain in the world it is also the largest hotel company in Iberoamerica and the Caribbean. The company currently operates more than 300 hotels in 30 countries on 4 continents. Sol Meliá includes Melia, Tryp Hotels, Sol Hotels, Gran Melia, Innside, Paradisus Resorts and Me by Melia.