Joe Sebestyen, the Vice President of Operations at JSK Hospitality, understands the severity of corona’s impact on the industry. The financial ramifications of the 9-11 and 2008 financial crisis doesn’t hold a candle to what hoteliers are experiencing now. However, the future is not all grim. While it’s a slow and steady process, positive changes are being made to prepare hotels for reopening.
Knowing the impact this would have on his employees, Joe and his management team made sure that their associates were getting food. Avoiding waste, management gave away perishable food to furloughed team members. They also partnered with their local CVB to distribute food gift cards to provide support before their unemployment kicked in.
For the associates that continue working, team members pitched in by sewing masks for their coworkers. Prioritizing the health and safety of their occupants, management has implemented safeguards for the essential guests that are staying. JSK staff have taken efforts to keep high contact areas clean and rearranging the property so that occupants can safely practice social distancing.
“While we have fewer people, and we are separated more, we are pitching in to help each other,” said Joe.
With this unprecedented societal and business upheaval, establishing clear lines of communication with employees has been important. Every Friday, they’ve had calls with their leadership team to discuss their status and future. They’ve also been in touch with their furloughed staff. Between 87% and 95% of all employees are ready to return to work.
Fortunately, associates may be able to return soon. Not only has JSK Hospitality been approved for small business loans, but they are now bringing back their department leaders to all their hotels. Management will continue to keep the hotels clean and prepare properties for when the quarantine period ends.
“Together we will move forward and reach higher levels as we bring these dedicated and hard-working individuals back to work.”
Joe and JSK Hospitality’s management team have taken many preventative steps in ensuring that their properties are safe for their employees and guests. It’s encouraging to hear that they are not only prioritizing everyone’s safety, but they’re hustling to bring their associates back to work. Thank you, Joe, for being a true Mogul of Hospitality by demonstrating your leadership in putting your associates first!
Photograph from https://jskhotels.com/