Dorchester Collection’s Post

June is known as the Pride month around the world. We asked 2 questions to our HR manager, Maud L., about LGBTQIA+ thematic. 🌈 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚 & @𝐢𝐡𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬&𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡? One of the three major promises that IHG makes to its employees is "Room to Belong". This concretely means that IHG, as an employer, supports all its employees in various aspects of their lives, regardless of their differences, because it is crucial for us that everyone feels included and valued in their professional lives. Therefore, it is only natural that Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport is involved in supporting LGBTQIA+ rights during the month of June (and all the year long), as we believe that a diverse and inclusive culture allows the integration of varied perspectives. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲? 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡? In a daily life in our hotel, as coworker LGBTQIA+, you feel accepted and respected for your identity without fear of discrimination or harassment; you participate in team activities where your identity is respected rather than being a source of curiosity or exclusion and you feel comfortable to speak openly about your personal life without altering details to conceal your identity. Good to know also : all our job positions are open to X and each year. In June, we participate to Pride Month to raise awareness and foster inclusion within our staff. Throughout the month, we're highlighting the subject in our daily news and sharing key dates related to the LGBTQIA+ cause. On top, we are going to organize a workshop on inclusion to raise awareness among participants of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people and to further promote an inclusive and respectful work environment. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 #GoFurtherTogether #allies #hospitality #interview #ExperienceIHG

IMPORTANCE OF DEI IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. When it comes to the hospitality industry, it's essential to curate strategies, programs, and departments for practice and application. How to apply DEI in your hotel? 1- Employ people of every caste, color, race, ethnicity, and religion. 2- Don't discriminate between genders. Hire women and men both in higher positions to showcase gender equality. 3- Implement policies and practices that are sensitive to every religion of employees. 4- Payrolls must be equal. Don't have any kind of racism. 5- Celebration of every religious event to make every employee feel like a family member. HOTELS THAT PRESENTLY APPLYING DEI: 1- Marriott International has established a Diversity and Inclusion Council that is responsible for creating and applying strategies to encourage this practice within their hotel. 2- Hilton Worldwide also has such a committee to promote DEI. 3- Hyatt Hotels has been awarded numerously for its devotion to DEI. 4- Accor Hotels also has multiple programs supporting DEI. Moreover, they have a Women at AccorHotels Generation program that empowers women and employment opportunities to them. BENEFITS OF DEI: 1- Higher employment rate, hence, serving more guests. 2- Diverse employment caters to guests with similar backgrounds as theirs, resulting in more satisfied guest experiences. 3- Increased trust of guests. 4- Generating more revenue. 5- Positive marketing and word of mouth. 6-Higher ratings on different platforms. #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hospitalitycareers #hospitalityjobs #hotel #hoteliers #hotelandresort #copywriting #copywriter #copywritingtips #copywritingservices #foodandbeverage #travelagency #travelandtourism #holiday #socialmedia #socialemediamarketing #content #contentcreator #digitalamarketing #advertising #marketanalysis #marketing #branding #salesandmarketing #opentowork #hiring #talentacquisition #hotelandresort #leisure #trend #2024trends

Recently, I noticed this 'interesting' labeling of the restroom doors in a hotel. At first, I couldn't help but smile at the unusual design. However, it quickly came to my mind, how casually stereotypes are sometimes used in everyday life. Even if the designer meant no harm, it made me realize how frequently and unconsciously we employ stereotypes in our daily routines. And I'm not exempt from that. In a world characterized by diversity and innovation, we should be mindful of how stereotypes can influence our decisions in everyday life and professional settings. They simplify realities and often lead to wrong conclusions, which can fuel prejudice and discrimination. By breaking free from stereotypes and focusing on individual abilities and potentials, we create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential. #Stereotypes #Diversity #Inclusion

Why is Pride important in the workplace? 🌈️ I will share my story. When I was in my early 20s, I worked full time as a Marketing Coordinator at a boutique hotel and bartended at a gay bar 3-4 nights per week. Even though I sometimes worked at the bar until 3 a.m., it never affected my work at the hotel. My boss knew about my bartending job. She sometimes stopped by the bar to see me and have a drink. Someone (in a very high position who had visited the bar) told the regional manager I worked in a gay bar. He asked my boss if she knew and if they should be worried about how that looked for the hotel. My boss backed me up, but the damage was done. The message was clear: being myself was a risk to my career prospects. And that's scary for anyone, especially a 20-something just getting started in their professional career. Fast forward 20 years later... I have built a career with people and companies that fully embraced authenticity, and I own a company that does the same for others. I never want a team member to worry that saying "my husband," "my wife," or "my partner" could result in not being promoted or, worse, fired. LGBTQ+ people come out every time they share a detail of their life with a new coworker or client, and there's no guarantee how someone will respond. Pride is not just about rainbows, parades, or flashy things you see in the media. It's about creating a world where people feel safe being their authentic selves in every space they occupy, including work. Here's to creating a workplace that's safe, inclusive, and downright awesome for all. Happy Pride! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

The Clock Is Ticking – Is Your Luxury Brand Ready for June 2025?   ⏳ Time is running out. By **June 2025**, accessibility will be non-negotiable for businesses. Yet, **71% of disabled customers** still can’t use many luxury websites and services.   This means potential VIP clients and high spenders could be leaving your website in under 10 seconds. That’s a lot of lost revenue!   Don’t wait for the deadline. **Book a call today** to ensure your luxury hospitality brand is ready and compliant. #LuxuryHospitality #BusinessStrategy #AccessibilityDeadline #LuxuryEvents #InclusiveDesign #AccessibilityMatters #DEI #disability #ableism #inclusion #diversity #employment #equity #consulting #keynote #accessibility #workplace #disabilityawareness #disabled #disabledcreator #disabilityrights #disabilityrepresentation #accessibleevents #businessstrategy #salesstrategy #employmentdiscrimination #disabilityinclusion #disabilityactivism #disabilities #disabledpeople #disabledcommunity #learningdisabilities #representation #representationmatters #genderequality #intersectionality #bookingsavailable #BookMe #equalopportunity #employmentdiscrimination #blackdisabledwomen #luxuryaccessiblenetworking

Heritage Day is one of the most fun days in the Factory, right? One of the few days where everyone is encouraged to show up in their traditional wear and exchange stories about what makes us unique. We take selfies, exchange compliments on the outfits, indulge in diverse dishes, and by the next day, we're back to business as usual. We can’t deny that Heritage Day has played a role in fostering conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Which other way to celebrate such a day other than a wedding celebration, where we explore and encourage the celebration of each employee’s cultural background, embracing what makes each of us unique, promoting a sense of belonging for many. It’s a day of pride and cultural connection. For some, it’s a rare opportunity to feel seen and heard within environments where cultural expression is not often prioritized. Although some people thrive in this cultural display, there are others who find the whole spectacle deeply uncomfortable. Not everyone has a clearly defined "traditional" outfit hanging in their closet. For them, Heritage Day is not a fun celebration, but rather a reminder that they don’t quite fit into the narrative of "belonging." However, the day should not be treated as a checkbox exercise, it is not just the one day where we are "allowed" to explore our identities without being too much of a disruption to the corporate status quo. Heritage Day is about understanding and embracing the rich complexity of what it means to be diverse. Diversity is not just skin deep, it’s not just about race or culture. It’s about gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, language, physical ability, neurodiversity, and even socioeconomic backgrounds. After the attires are packed away, we return to workplaces where true inclusion is often absent. With our Heritage Day celebrations this year Reckitt we hope that even after the festivities we continue to embrace diversity beyond… Ioannis Dostas Varsha Mistri CA (SA) Salome Sebata Thozama Nene Reyhan Yusuf Muhammad Ahsan Ahmed Noks Dzingwa Umut Akbas Mohammed Ameen Sayed Sandeep Gupta Thato Mogashoa Aphiwe Sibulawa Muvheyo siyasanga mdlalose Morena Maitsha Prisca Langa Sikhumbuzo Radebe Jobe Beo Zinhle Mbambo (MBA) Schané Hawley Sanna Morotho VELU S

Mardi Gras - A Personal Reflection 🌈 As we jump well into Mardi Gras week, a time famous for its bold celebrations of identity and self-expression, I've been doing a bit of thinking about what this period really means beyond the amazing parades and sparkles. Mardi Gras, deeply anchored in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility, isn't just a time for partying but a strong nudge reminding us of the ongoing journey towards true diversity and inclusion both in our personal lives and our professional settings. My commitment to diversity and inclusion goes beyond just a professional viewpoint; it's a deeply personal journey that's entwined with my own life story. This isn't just my story though. We all share a unique story of how our unique identities have, and continue to shape how we navigate this forever exciting world. Having moved through both personal and professional spaces advocating for being true to oneself, I've realised that embracing authenticity and valuing the uniqueness in others isn't just good to do but absolutely necessary. It's simply good business. Through empowering each other to be authentically oneself, we empower people to be the best versions of themselves. This Mardi Gras, let's not only celebrate with joy and openness but also with a promise and understanding to try and understand and support the various journeys we're all on. Let's remember that every mask worn during the celebrations tells a story, represents a battle, and marks a step towards acceptance and equality. As always - my inbox is always open to discuss LGBTQIA+ perspectives if anyone wants to have some discussions with me. I am deeply centred in a passion for education and believe that education truly is the key to bridging the gaps of inequalities. Stay safe. Stay well. And embrace the beauty of authenticity. #business #inclusion #empowering #policy #diversity

"The Inclusion Corner" - A Paradox Over the weekend, I had the chance to visit a mall that was decked up with Pride Month decorations—rainbows, colorful balloons, and wait for it, a neon sign that read "Inclusion Corner." While the display itself was stunning, it made me question the intent behind putting these decoration up. "Inclusion Corner" in itself is a paradox; inclusion doesn’t start in a corner, or a particular phase—it needs to exist all around us! Maybe that is why, we are unable to live up to it's true meaning! It has become more about the show than the real support! An Instagramable Photo Booth if you may! I see Linked In filled with stories around similar efforts being made—colorful decor, balloons, celebratory gestures and what not, but still just scratching the surface. What beyond this? Are we genuinely educating ourselves and our colleagues about the importance of inclusion and diversity? Are we using Pride Month as a cover to hide the fact that we are not making sufficient efforts to educate ourselves and integrate people from different communities all year round? Inclusion isn't just about visibility; it's about understanding, empathy, and real, ACTIONABLE change. It’s a continuous effort to make every individual feel valued and respected, Pride Month or not! Let's challenge ourselves to go beyond the surface. Let's use this time to educate, to listen, and to foster an environment where everyone feels seen and heard. Because true inclusion starts with awareness and leads to action. Let the balloons be a start, a sign of creating awareness, but not all that you do this year to take a step towards inclusion! Let me know what you think and oh, Happy Pride Month, everyone! 🏳️🌈✨ #DEI #Thoughtleader #inclusion #pride #surfacelevel #educate #diversity #decor

I was explaining something related to inclusion to a friend and I suddenly recollected an incident from several years ago that I had encountered at a salon. At that time( and even now) , most beauty salons usually had well-groomed staff members, typically with no physical or prominent disfigurations. It is the nature of their business, after all, to focus on how to make someone look beautiful. The physical appearance and how everyone wants to look great, is the core reason they thrive. Which is absolutely fine. But here is what this place had done differently. They had hired someone whose face was disfigured due to an accident and she was the person in charge of carrying out some of their core services which involved engaging with the customers directly. My first reaction was being rendered speechless. Perhaps they did it as a good will gesture. Perhaps they actually saw potential in her. Perhaps they had a target to meet related to hiring. It does not matter. They had the courage to put that person in front of their customers. Not behind a screen. Despite the prejudices that exist. Despite the customers walking through their doors who come with the idea of looking good. And this is the person who does that for them. In the interest of the privacy of the person I am not going to share the details of the salon. But it's just heartening to see that #inclusiveworkplaces can be created in a true way when Inclusion is not lip-service but at the center and front of an organization's culture and business. A picture I took while passing by this place inside a mall, earlier this year. #diversity #Inclusion #dei #inclusionmatters #inclusiveleadership

No Downloads! Hospitality teams in the hotel and restaurant industry have a hard time training and upskilling employees. I know because after working for years trying to build an LGBTQ friendly travel marketplace, I was tired of hearing 'Our employees need the training but we can't afford it right now.' I've done training and employee talks time and time again in my years as an advocate and there was no way I was going to go back in front of employees again and do that again. Absolutely no way. Until now...using mobile and text. Pink Coconuts has built a collection of fun, cool, media rich, conversational, gamified courses for hospitality teams. From Customer Service Essentials, Wine 101, Understanding Allergens and Food Preferences to Welcoming LGBTQ Guests of course! Plus many more. I'm excited to share our demo with Hotel and Restaurant Executives. Please reach out, i'd be happy to chat! #hospitality #tourism #elearning #ai #customerservice #training #edtech #futureofwork #inclusion #hotels #restaurants #employeeengagement