Three Kildare hotels named as outstanding employers at prestigious awards

Three Kildare hotels have been named as outstanding employers at prestigious industry awards.

Over seventy hotels from across the country gathered at the Irish Hotels Federation’s inaugural Quality Employer Awards, which took place earlier this week at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone.

The awards recognise hotel teams that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to excellence in people development and HR best practices through their participation in the IHF’s Quality Employer Programme.

The Clanard Court Hotel, Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, and Killashee Hotel & Spa, Kildare, were among the recipients recognised for their achievements in HR best practices and people management.

The top accolade - the ‘Exceptional People Management Award’ - was jointly awarded to Cork International Hotel and The Metropole Hotel in recognition of their exceptional employment practices, demonstrating exemplary practical and personal care for their employees’ wellbeing and development.

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Alongside Cork International Hotel and The Metropole Hotel, twelve outstanding hotels were celebrated as ‘Best-in-Class’ across three categories, these were:

Best in Class Awards – Certified Level:

• Clanard Court Hotel, Kildare

• Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Kerry

• Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork

• Conrad Dublin

Best in Class Awards – Advanced Level:

• Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Kildare

• Dromoland Castle, Clare

• Inn at Dromoland, Clare

• Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin

Best in Class Awards – Expert Level:

• Ballykealey House, Carlow

• Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Kerry

• Midlands Park Hotel, Laois

• Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan

Chair of the awards judging panel Dr Donagh Davern, Munster Technological University (MTU), said: “The judging panel were delighted to see evidence of a people-centric approach and the progress made in elevating the employer brand of the hotel profession. 

“All of the finalists showed an outstanding commitment to employee onboarding, engagement, performance management, learning, career development, community involvement, flexibility, diversity, inclusion and the cultivation of a positive people culture in their organisations. 

“The increase in supports for both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of employees was particularly noteworthy, as was the array of benefits now on offer to Irish hotel employees.”

The IHF’s Quality Employer Programme provides member hotels and guesthouses with the tools and resources to enhance their HR practices and excel in people development.

QEP Certification recognises workplaces that demonstrate excellence in their employment practices, promoting their commitment to operating as a Quality Employer. www.qualityemployer.ie