Employee engagement highlighted at Spatec Europe

Employee engagement was on the agenda at industry networking event Spatec Europe in Rhodes. Speakers at the educational session that kicked off the first full day of the annual event yesterday highlighted the importance of hiring the right team and looking after your staff. 

Andrew Gibson, vice president of spa and wellness at FRHI Hotels & Resorts, emphasised the importance of considering who you want on your team. He said: “Think about who you want in your company, when you hire and recruit on attitude, not just qualifications.” 

This view was reinforced by another speaker, Brian Hunter, operations director at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Essex in the UK, who commented: “It’s critical to engage the right employees, with the right attitude.” 

Gibson added: “Look after your staff. Your team has to be able to deliver great service, because that’s what will make the competitive difference, and if you look after your team, they will look after your customers.” 

Hunter also explained that showing your appreciation of and investing in your staff is especially important under challenging financial conditions. He said: “Engaging your team will help your employees survive during tough economic times.” 

Underlining the business impetus behind employee engagement, Hunter said: “Engaging your team will make your business more profitable, because motivated employees are more productive.” Stephanie Ridge, founder and director of The Glorious Spa Company, also spoke at the session, hosted by Berni Hawkins, general manager of John Frieda salons.  

Spatec Europe is an annual networking event at which buyers and suppliers meet, network and have pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings with the companies of their choice. The eighth annual Spatec Europe, held at the Sheraton Rhodes Resort, attracted 150 delegates and concludes with a gala dinner this evening.