Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel was the recipient of the InnVest REIT Tourism Employer of the Year Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). The award was presented at the 2015 Canadian Tourism Awards held last week at The Westin Ottawa.
The Employer of the Year Award is presented to the tourism business or workplace that demonstrates the most outstanding all-round commitment to human resources management and development. The criteria for the award includes quality of the workplace and work atmosphere; leadership in recruitment, performance management and career advancement; excellence in skills training and workforce development; leadership in compensation and benefits; and community involvement and support of tourism education.
“This is a great honour to have been recognized by TIAC for the contribution Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon has on our local community and to tourism in Canada,” said Dale Grant, general manager. “Our team fosters an environment where associates can learn, develop and hone their skills while providing an outstanding guest experience. Our commitment to our staff goes a long way in retaining our current employees and building an environment that makes people want to work for us.”
The Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel, which is owned & operated by Cavalier Enterprises Ltd, employs over 250 full and part time associates. The hotel’s dedicated associates are focused on offering visitors to Saskatoon a first rate hospitality experience. The hotel has a number of long serving employees including Dan Cardinal, who has worked at the hotel for 46 years. In addition, the hotel also recently received the Employer of Choice Award from Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association and Tourism Employer of the Year Award at the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence.
“This award is a reflection of the valued associates at Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon,” said Yvonne Hrytsak, Human Resources Manager. “Our Associates value the investment our owners put into the property and the investment we put in them which is reflected with exceptional service to our guests day in and day out for our loyal guests.”
The team at Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon puts a special emphasis on learning and development of all associates. Innovative training curriculum is offered to employees that integrates brand and service training through online learning, classroom and experiential training. The goal of this training is to set every associate up for success with relevant, consistent, and innovative learning. The hotel leadership team recognizes that this development is important not only for the hotel’s business, but also aides in retaining associates and building future leaders at the property.
As well as competitive wages and a comprehensive benefit package Sheraton Cavalier offers associates a discounted staff meal program, Eco-Transit discount and discounts to Starwood Hotels & Resorts around the world. The hotel has developed strong relationships with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Humber College, Open Door Society, Partners in Employment, Saskatoon Industry Education Council and local high schools in an aim to identify potential future hospitality leaders.
Throughout the year Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon ownership gives back to its associates to recognize and thank them for their impact on guests. During the holiday season, each employee is given a frozen turkey to ensure they have a holiday dinner to celebrate with family and friends. The hotel holds a number of events throughout the year to celebrate with the team including an annual summer picnic party, ice cream socials at the hotel swimming pool and monthly birthday parties for associates.
Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon is focused on enhancing associates development but also the local community through its involvement in a number of corporate social responsibility initiatives. The hotel participates in a number of events that include volunteer hours from associates at the hotel in different projects and community enhancement events.
The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry, and to reward those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.
