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Hospitality Net
6 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Every Story Counts: How Leonardo Hotels is Embracing Diversity
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.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How to Actually Enjoy a Stress-Free Mother's Day
When we let mothers exhale, "even for a day," Megan Dalla-Camina says we create a culture that values women not just for what they do, but who they are. Breakfast in bed is a thoughtful sentiment, but for many moms, it's not much of a reprieve from the weight of responsibility they carry on a daily basis. 'The messaging around Mother's Day does not always speak to the reality of being a mother, the load of invisible labor that motherhood entails does not stop because there is a 'day,'' says Macall Gordon, a psychologist, professional sleep coach, and author of the book Why Won't You SLEEP?! A Game-changing Approach for Exhausted Parents of Nonstop, Super Alert, Big Feeling Kids. 'If they get an hour of extra sleep in the morning and a hand-made construction paper card, most moms will call it good and move on with the rest of the mountain of tasks they have to do that day.' For many moms, Mother's Day is hard to enjoy when they're expected to carry on with their usual tasks. But as moms increasingly juggle work and parenting, sometimes with inadequate social and financial support, moms are more in need of a break than ever before. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, parents are reporting higher levels of stress compared to other adults than a decade prior. 'Right now, in a post-pandemic world still shaped by economic uncertainty, rising caregiving demands, and blurred work-life boundaries—especially for working moms—stress levels are particularly high,' says psychologist Kati Morton, LMFT and author of Are u ok? A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health & Traumatized. 'Research shows that women, especially mothers, report significantly higher rates of emotional exhaustion than before 2020.' With the line between work and life increasingly blurred, Kati Morton says stress levels among moms are particularly high. 'The mental load, emotional labor, and constant multitasking that come with motherhood—especially for those balancing careers, caregiving, and everything in between—are quietly exhausting,' says Megan Dalla-Camina, the best-selling author of Women Rising: The Forces That Hold Us Back, and the Tools to Help Us Rise. Psychologist Morton says chronic stress from the emotional labor of motherhood can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue or symptoms of anxiety and depression. 'Many mothers are operating in a near-constant state of low-grade stress, often without adequate rest, recognition, or reprieve,' says Dalla-Camina. 'The mental load, emotional labor, and constant multitasking that come with motherhood is quietly exhausting,' says Megan Dalla-Camina. For many, Mother's Day itself can be a stressful holiday. Some moms might feel pressure to be joyous or grateful when in reality, they feel burnt out, while others find themselves managing expectations of their families and themselves, of what the day should look like. Curated carousels of decadent brunches and heartfelt gifts on social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy or disappointment. When expectations aren't met—whether through lack of acknowledgment or poorly planned gestures—it can lead to disappointment or sadness,' says psychologist Kati Morton, LMFT and author of Are u ok? A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health & Traumatized. Comparing one's Mother's Day experience to others on social media can exacerbate difficult emotions. The day can be especially hard for those with complex relationships to their moms or motherhood. 'Mother's Day can stir up deep emotions: for those who've lost their mothers, those estranged from children or parents, or those carrying unspoken stories of fertility challenges,' says Dalla-Camina. 'For moms who have lost children, or for those mourning their own mothers, Mother's Day may feel more like a reminder of what's missing than a celebration, while moms navigating tension with their children mmay experience guilt, shame or unresolved sadness,' says Morton. The psychologist says single and unsupported mothers raising children alone who feel unseen and overwhelmed may find the day exacerbates their isolation instead of alleviating it. 'It's a tender day,' says Dalla-Camina. 'A day devoted to relaxation isn't indulgent—it's reparative," says Megan Dalla-Camina. Which is all the more reason for Mother's Day to be more than a Hallmark holiday, one devoted entirely to rest. 'In my work with thousands of women, I hear it again and again: they feel like they're always giving, always striving, always holding it all together—and rarely getting the time or space to simply be,' says Dalla-Camina. 'A day devoted to relaxation isn't indulgent—it's reparative. When we let mothers exhale, even for a day, we create a ripple effect: calmer homes, clearer minds, and a culture that values women not just for what they do, but for who they are.' Everyone's version of self-care is different but here are some ideas from the experts on how to find meaningful rest and rejuvenation this Mother's Day. Experts recommend beginning Mother's day with intention to move mindfully through the rest of the day. A sacred morning ritual can help being the day with intention. 'Light a candle, sip warm lemon water or herbal tea, journal for five minutes, or do a short guided meditation,' suggests Megan Dalla-Camina. Psychologist Kati Morton says using apps like Insight Timer and Headspace for even five to 10 minutes can reduce cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation. Even half a day without screens can help reset the nervous system, according to Megan Dalla-Camina. 'Replace scrolling with something that genuinely fills your cup—reading a novel, painting, cooking for pleasure, or sitting in the sun,' suggests Dalla-Camina. Morton similarly suggests getting creative with an art therapy kit or coloring book. According to the experts, even half day without screens can be enough to reset the nervous system. Getting out in nature has numerous physical and mental benefits, according to Kati Morton. 'A solo walk in nature or even putting your bare feet in the grass has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and reduce rumination,' says Morton. Choosing movement that incites joy can help discharge stress, according to experts. 'Whether it's a solo walk listening to your favorite podcast, ten minutes rebounding on a mini-trampoline, or stretching on the floor with calming music, movement helps discharge stress and reconnect you to your body,' says Dalla-Camina. Sakara delivers nourishing ready-to-eat meals. Everyone's idea of nourishment is different, but a meal that makes you feel good physically and emotionally is a good place to start. Some of Dalla-Camina's favorites are a smoothie bowl with cacao and berries, a warm golden latte with turmeric and ashwagandha, and breakfast in bed, ideally made by someone else. Methodology's new mom program offers postpartum nutrition in convenient, ready-to-eat meals. To relieve mom of the responsibility of cooking for the week ahead, Morton suggests a meal delivery service such as Daily Harvest and Sakara or Methodology for nourishing, no-effort meals. Methodology's new mom program offers postpartum nutrition with vitamin-rich, ready-to-eat meals packed with protein, over 200 plants and lactation-promoting ingredients. Megan Dalla-Camina recommends grounding practices like walking barefoot in grass. 'The nervous system thrives on slowness and safety,' says Dalla-Camina. She recommends a breathing practice of inhaling for four counts and exhaling for six, repeating for a few minutes to signal to your body that you're safe. 'You can place one hand on your heart and one on your belly while doing this—this gentle touch is calming and reminds the body it's being held.' 'The nervous system thrives on slowness and safety,' says Megan Dalla-Camina, who recommends practicing breathing exercises. Grounding practices like walking barefoot on grass, sitting with your back against a tree or lying down with a weighted eye pillow, are also go-to strategies for Dalla-Camina. 'These quiet rituals may seem small, but they have a powerful cumulative effect on your sense of calm and clarity.' Kati Morton suggests Recess' Mood for a relaxing mocktail. Supplements can help support the nervous system too, and with so forms on the market, they can make a fun alternative to alcoholic beverages. 'Try magnesium-rich evening drinks like Moon Juice's Magnesi-Om or Recess' Mood, they support muscle relaxation and serotonin production,' suggests Morton. Exploring a local museum is a great way to replicate the feeling of being on vacation. 'Even one night away with no obligations can reset perspective and balance the nervous system balance,' says Morton. 'It's not a splurge—it's an essential," says Kati Morton, on mothers booking a relaxing treatment. 'Whether it's a massage, infrared sauna session, float tank, or just a long bath with Epsom salts and a some calming music, treat it like a sacred appointment,' says Dalla-Camina. 'It's not a splurge—it's an essential.' Morton suggests slow yoga practices such as restorative yoga, yoga nidra or yin yoga to support deep relaxation and better sleep. Kati Morton suggests a bath with epsom salts and aromatherapy to release muscle tension. Small self-care gifts can go a long way in helping mom unwind. Morton says aromatherapy or a bath salt soak with lavender and chamomile can help physically release muscle tension and relax the nervous system. The psychologist also suggests creating a 'Mom Spa Day Kit' with cozy socks, a face mask, relaxing tea, playlist and handwritten permission slip to do nothing. Give yourself permission to experience pleasure this Mother's Day and beyond. 'Whether it's help, rest, joy, or time to yourself—you don't have to earn it,' says Dalla-Camina. 'You're allowed to want it and you're worthy of having it.'
