Empowering Women in the Hospitality Industry: Insights from The Ladies of The Retreat Palm Dubai
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, women are making significant strides, breaking barriers, and reshaping the industry’s landscape. We had the privilege to sit down with five remarkable ladies working at MGlallery The Retreat Palm Dubai in various roles within the hotel sector to gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
From front desk managers to housekeeping supervisors, these women shared candidly about their journeys in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Despite facing gender-related challenges along the way, they have emerged as shining examples of resilience and dedication.
One common theme that resonated among these exceptional individuals was their passion for providing top-notch service and creating memorable guest experiences. They spoke of the joy they find in going above and beyond to ensure every visitor feels welcomed and valued during their stay.
Through sharing their stories and perspectives, these five hotel ladies exemplify strength, determination, and a deep commitment to excellence in an industry that thrives on exceptional customer service. Their voices serve as a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion in shaping a brighter future for all professionals within hospitality.
Shahana Naseer
How do you think diversity and inclusion can enhance guest experiences at the hotel?
A diverse team with varying backgrounds and perspectives can better understand the needs and expectations of a broad range of guests, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Moreover, I feel a team with a variety of viewpoints fosters creativity and innovative problem-solving, leading to improved services and amenities that cater to all guests.
Can you share a specific challenge you’ve faced as a woman in the hospitality sector and how you overcame it?
Guests may have unusual requests or specific needs that require creativity and problem-solving to accommodate. Sometimes, you may encounter frustrated or angry guests who have had a negative experience or whose expectations haven’t been met. De-escalating the situation and finding solutions is crucial.
How has your experience at The Retreat Hotel shaped your view on gender equality in the workplace?
Perhaps you observe female leaders in management positions at the hotel, demonstrating that career advancement is possible for women. And, The Retreat Palm Dubai actively promotes diversity and inclusion, fostering a sense of fairness and equal opportunity.
Lu lu Seng
In what ways do you see gender equality being promoted or hindered in the hospitality industry
The Hospitality industry relies heavily on teamwork, creating an environment where everyone’s contribution is valued, regardless of gender. As someone, who’s in teh F&B department as a Hostess, I feel many F&B operations are embracing diversity initiatives, ensuring opportunities are based on merit and skillset, not gender.
What initiatives or support systems would you like to see implemented to further empower women in hospitality roles?
Suggesting internal mentorship programs for women in hospitality can help them develop leadership skills and navigate career paths.Also, advocating for programs recognizing outstanding female staff in F&B, highlighting their achievements and inspiring others is a reat initiative.
How has your experience at The Retreat Hotel shaped your view on gender equality in the workplace?
Working as an F&B Hostess at The Retreat Palm Dubai has definitely broadened my perspective on gender equality. Here, I’ve seen firsthand how a team thrives when everyone contributes their unique skills and experiences. Whether it’s the creativity of our female chefs or the leadership of our restaurant manager, everyone’s voice is valued, regardless of gender. This experience has made me realize that success in hospitality comes from teamwork, not from traditional gender roles. We all work together to create a memorable dining experience for our guests, and everyone’s role is equally important. The Retreat Palm Dubai’s focus on a welcoming and inclusive environment has reinforced my belief that talent and dedication are what truly matter, not gender.
Judith Ankuzire
How has your experience at The Retreat Hotel shaped your view on gender equality in the workplace?
Working as an Engineering Coordinator at The Retreat Palm Dubai has been an eye-opening experience regarding gender equality in the workplace. Here at The Retreat, I haven’t encountered limitations based on gender. My skills, knowledge, and work ethic are valued just as much as anyone else’s. Perhaps the most impactful aspect has been witnessing women in leadership roles within the hotel. Seeing female department heads and colleagues excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields has been truly inspiring. It demonstrates that opportunities for advancement are available to everyone with the right qualifications and dedication. This experience has solidified my belief that hard work and competence pave the way for success, regardless of gender.
What aspect of working at The Retreat Hotel do you find most fulfilling as a female professional?
As a female professional, several aspects of working at The Retreat Palm Dubai are incredibly fulfilling. Firstly, the collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. My colleagues, both male and female, value my expertise and contributions. We work together to ensure the smooth operation of the hotel, and everyone’s input is taken seriously. Secondly, The Retreat offers opportunities for professional development. The hotel encourages its staff to participate in training programs and workshops, regardless of gender. This focus on continuous learning empowers everyone to grow their skills and advance within the company. Knowing that my abilities are valued and my growth is supported creates a truly fulfilling work experience.
In what ways do you see gender equality being promoted or hindered in the hospitality industry?
We see more women in leadership positions across various departments, from housekeeping to management. This is a positive change that creates role models and inspires younger generations. However, challenges remain. Traditional gender stereotypes can still linger in some areas, particularly within specific engineering roles.Despite these challenges, I believe the hospitality industry is on a positive trajectory. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a culture of respect, and ensuring fairness in opportunity and compensation, we can create a truly equal workplace for everyone.
Shiela Marie Montias Raguine
In what ways do you see gender equality being promoted or hindered in the hospitality industry?
A diverse team allows The Retreat to cater to a global clientele. Women often bring a strong sense of empathy and cultural sensitivity to guest interactions.
What initiatives or support systems would you like to see implemented to further empower women in hospitality roles?
I believe Leadership & Mentorship programs can really help for career advancement, & guidance to encourage them to pursue leadership opportunities within the hotel.
How has your experience at The Retreat Hotel shaped your view on gender equality in the workplace?
The senior leadership, including both men and women, have actively championed gender equality within the hotel. This sets a positive tone and encourages a culture where women feel empowered to pursue leadership opportunities.
The hotel has also maintained a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination based on gender. Invest in training programs to create a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
Nazgul
What unique perspectives do you believe women bring to the hospitality industry?
For me, hospitality is about genuine connections. Women often excel at creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This allows us to understand guest needs intuitively and personalize their experience. Imagine a guest arriving tired from a long flight. A simple smile and heartfelt greeting can make all the difference in setting a positive tone for their stay. Also, Hospitality involves navigating both smooth and challenging guest interactions. I’ve found that women often possess strong communication skills. This allows us to de-escalate situations, actively listen to concerns, and work towards solutions that leave guests feeling valued and heard.
Can you share a specific challenge you’ve faced as a woman in the hospitality sector and how you overcame it?
In a globalized world, you may come across guests who speak different languages. This can be a challenge, especially when dealing with complex requests or resolving frustrations. While having basic language skills in common tourist languages can be helpful, it’s not always possible to anticipate every language you might encounter.
In what ways do you see gender equality being promoted or hindered in the hospitality industry?
I feel it’s a work in progress. The Retreat itself might have implemented unconscious bias training programs to ensure fair hiring practices and a more balanced work environment. One thing I really appreciate is at our hotel is the recognition of outstanding female staff through internal communication channels. Because it eventually inspires everyone around.
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