Back to Basics for Nils Heckscher!!
May 2nd, 2012 by Andrew Moth | Categories: food, hotels, industry, people, restaurants, tourism, training
It was back to basics for Nils Heckscher, MD of the Winchester Mansions in Sea Point, when he donned whites and went to work in the kitchen of the hotel as part of an employee wellness program.
The program started in March and has much in store for the employees at Winchester Mansions.
Part of it demonstrated a commitment by senior staff to underline their appreciation of employees at all levels. Each member of the executive committee, as well as all senior and middle management members, was involved in April’s “employee appreciation” drive.
Heckscher’s deputy Mandia Balmer spent time balancing plates as a waitress. Other members of management each selected a day to carry out the work of another employee.
Heckscher says: “Our vision includes that we want to be one of the best four-star hotels through competent and happy staff! This program speaks to this desired happiness. Too often employers rely on the perceived power of money as a motivator – we believe there are others which our team members respond to.”
Each month, with the exception of April, follows a theme in accordance with the National Department of Health calendar.
On April 20 each member of staff was treated to a 15-minute massage by therapists from the Light & Healing Centre.
