Every Story Counts: How Leonardo Hotels is Embracing Diversity

Hospitality Net

4 days ago

Leonardo Hotels will be marking Diversity Day on 27 May by demonstrating how diversity is an integral part of everyday working life. This will involve the portrayal of genuine stories and honest points of view and the showcasing of an environment which fosters uniqueness.
Berlin - On the face of things, diversity sounds like a big word. But Leonardo Hotels defines it in entirely simple terms as people with stories to tell, teams with character and jobs offering scope for personality.
At Leonardo Hotels, diversity is brought to life by the employees themselves and by their individual pathways, experiences and perspectives. Some have striven to achieve a flexible work-life balance. Others are taking on an active role in shaping their work divisions despite disability or perhaps even using their impairment to exert an influence. Then there are those who are passing on knowledge after many years at the company. However, the main focus is always on people, on what makes people what they are and on what is important to them.
We look at personality, potential and individual life realities. Whether it's about diversity, development or work-life balance: it's not about fitting in, but about growing. We don't want a one-size-fits-all profile - we want people who get the support they need from us to be successful with Leonardo Hotels. Anke Maas, Director Human Resources at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe
Diversity has many facets
Leonardo Hotels sets store by a work environment in which authentic collaboration, flexibility and true participation are all standard attributes rather than extras. Having a perfect curriculum vitae is not the goal. The emphasis is instead very much on equality of opportunity, on possibilities for development and on the courage to embark on new routes.
This approach includes cooperation arrangements with bodies and providers such as the Berlin Workshops for the Disabled (BWB). Leonardo also works with a Munich-based project which seeks to integrate disabled persons into the world of work (MiA) and with Elbe Workshops in Hamburg, which has a similar aim. Flexible working time models are in place too. Permitting part-time employment, allowing staff to work near to where they live and offering tailored solutions for parental leave all enable greater compatibility between individual life situations and the daily routine.
Instead of just talking about diversity, the company has given people the chance to relate their own stories.
Steffee Rony Pais, a Front Office Agent at the Leonardo Hamburg Altona, joined Leonardo Hotels in 2023. She has grown both personally and professionally since this time. As an Indian woman in Germany, it means a lot to me to be part of a team which goes beyond accepting cultural diversity and actually celebrates it. I am free to add my own convictions and ideas to the mix and to join in conversations which transcend everyday working life in an environment in which I can really be myself.
a Front Office Agent at the Leonardo Hamburg Altona, joined Leonardo Hotels in 2023. She has grown both personally and professionally since this time. René Gundermann made a conscious decision to move from office work to housekeeping. Thanks to the Berlin Workshops, he has now become part of the team at the Leonardo Royal Berlin Alexanderplatz. René has mental health issues and is particularly appreciative of the environment in which he works. I am accepted for who I am. This isn't something which I take for granted. I'm learning to be more forgiving of myself . His conclusion is: ' It's worth persevering .'
made a conscious decision to move from office work to housekeeping. Thanks to the Berlin Workshops, he has now become part of the team at the Leonardo Royal Berlin Alexanderplatz. René has mental health issues and is particularly appreciative of the environment in which he works. . His conclusion is: ' .' Eloy Sebastia is a Loyalty Club Assistant at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe's Head Office in Berlin. He combined parental leave with part-time employment following the birth of his third child and now works two days a week. The topic of enjoying a work-life balance is a key notion here , he says. This flexibility lets him spend valuable time with his family whilst also maintaining his professional commitment. He stresses: I am very grateful for this degree of support and understanding.
is a Loyalty Club Assistant at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe's Head Office in Berlin. He combined parental leave with part-time employment following the birth of his third child and now works two days a week. , he says. This flexibility lets him spend valuable time with his family whilst also maintaining his professional commitment. He stresses: Simone Haselier secured her first administrative position in the hotel sector with Leonardo Hotels. After completing training as a cook, she progressed to a number of chef de cuisine roles. She then switched to the Human Resources Department upon completion of a Bachelor Professional qualification. The move from operations to administration was not an easy one, but Simone was fortified by the shift. I not only received extreme support, but also was also encouraged to stay exactly as I am - with my values, issues and priorities . She is now Director of Learning & Development and knows: Personality is not a risk at Leonardo Hotels. It is a prerequisite. The secure framework I am experiencing here has given me the courage to show myself and to develop further.
secured her first administrative position in the hotel sector with Leonardo Hotels. After completing training as a cook, she progressed to a number of chef de cuisine roles. She then switched to the Human Resources Department upon completion of a Bachelor Professional qualification. The move from operations to administration was not an easy one, but Simone was fortified by the shift. . She is now Director of Learning & Development and knows: Helmut Passenheim, an ex HR manager, remains active despite having retired and he continues to pass on his valuable expertise. Promoting cohesion and good teamwork and achieving joint successes were important to me when I was in my job, and it is still important to me to pursue the same goal now in my temporary position .
A day of routine rather than a campaign day
At Leonardo Hotels, diversity is not linked with any special day. It represents a fundamental attitude which leaves a lasting impact. International recruitment measures are backed by structured integration programmes. Regular training on diversity topics and mental health and involvement in pride parades, the Purple Light Up Campaign and inter-faith holidays all form part of the company's HR Strategy.
Staff initiatives such as LeoDo (social commitment) and the Leonardo Senior Club (for former colleagues) show that diversity extends beyond the contract of employment. As a signatory to the Charter for Diversity, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe has pledged itself visibly to an open, equal and modern world of work.
Our aim is to help create a hotel sector that is just as colourful as the people who leave their mark on it. Every story counts, and we are proud of every single one of them. Torsten Kraft, Team Lead for Talent Management and the company's Diversity Officer
About Leonardo Hotels
Founded in 2006 as the European arm of the Fattal Hotel Group, Leonardo Hotels has since grown into a leading name in the hospitality industry. With a diverse portfolio consisting of Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Limited Edition Hotels and NYX Hotels, we offer a range of unique experiences tailor-made for the modern traveler. The Group owns and manages over 300 hotels across 21 countries.