Gail Kenny has more than 20 years’ experience in executive travel recruitment. In January 2020 she launched Best Workplaces in Travel, a people initiative that showcases and celebrates the best employers in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. Active has sponsored the awards for the past two years.
We sat down with her to find out more.
What inspired you to start Best Workplaces in Travel, and what was your vision for the company when you founded it?
Gail: The travel industry was on its knees after Covid and had haemorrhaged so much talent. We wanted to showcase the travel industry as a great place to work and award the travel companies who prioritised their employees. We wanted to raise the bar for workplace culture in the travel industry. Our vision was to help travel companies understand the importance of employee engagement and provide them with real insightful people data to improve their workplaces.
How do you define a ‘best workplace’ in the travel industry, and what criteria do you use to evaluate companies?
Gail: Defining a best workplace can vary depending on individual preferences, priorities, and values. Our survey aims to identify the key factors that drive employee motivation and engagement. It will ask employees to prioritise the top six characteristics that are most important to them when coming to work each day. We include these characteristics and factors which contribute to being a great place to work:
- Purpose & Contribution
- Culture
- Systems
- Wellbeing
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
- Employer Brand
- C&B (Compensation and Benefits)
- Ethics
- Comms (Communication)
- Team
- Leadership
- Progression
- L&D (Learning and Development)
Once the top six drivers are identified, the survey delves deeper into each characteristic, providing a more nuanced understanding of what matters most to employees. By understanding the top drivers of employee motivation and engagement, travel companies can focus on developing strategies that address the most critical factors, ultimately driving improved employee satisfaction, retention, and overall business performance.
What advice would you give to travel companies looking to improve their workplace culture and become one of the best workplaces in the industry?
Gail: To improve workplace culture and become one of the best workplaces in the industry, travel companies should:
- Prioritise employee engagement
- Foster a positive, inclusive company culture that supports collaboration and growth
- Develop effective leadership and communication
- Provide opportunities for employee growth and development
- Regularly check in and have career conversations, especially with newest team members.
- Remember one size doesn’t fit all with work set ups. Flexibility is key.
By focusing on these areas, travel companies can create a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.
There will always be unsold inventory, so it can help travel companies optimise their inventory. There will always be a demand for your product, and as this is likely to generate incremental revenue, the concept should be well accepted.
What trends have you observed in the travel industry over the years, and what will the future hold?
Gail: Over the years, I’ve observed trends such as:
- Increased focus on employee engagement and workplace culture
- Growing demand for sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices
- Rise of experiential travel and unique experiences
- Digital transformation and the use of technology to enhance the travel experience
Looking to the future, I predict:
- Continued emphasis on employee engagement and workplace culture
- Growing importance of sustainability and responsible travel practices
- Increased use of technology, such as AI, to enhance the travel experience
- Evolving consumer behaviours and expectations, driven by changing demographics and market trends.
These trends will shape the future of the travel industry, and companies that adapt and innovate will be best positioned for success.
