The Essence of Hospitality: More Than Just Service
Hospitality is often seen through the lens of warm smiles and flawless guest experiences, but behind each welcoming gesture is a significant amount of work that demands both physical endurance and emotional strength. A career in the service industry requires long hours on one’s feet and the ability to show genuine care, necessitating an unwavering commitment to serve others well, regardless of the circumstances.
“Hospitality is demanding work, and we recognize that excellence cannot be sustained without a culture that genuinely cares for its people. Being recognized as a Great Place To Work affirms what we have always believed—that when employees feel respected, included, and inspired by purpose, their passion naturally translates into meaningful guest experiences,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.
At Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), passion is the heartbeat of the organization, fueling a dynamic workplace culture that values people as much as performance. This commitment has led to recognition as a Great Place To Work, showcasing that inspired and supported employees produce authentic love for their work and meaningful interactions with guests.
The Circle of Happiness: A Guiding Philosophy
The foundation of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ success lies within its distinctive Circle of Happiness (COH) framework, a conceptual lens through which the organization shapes its culture and values. This holistic approach cultivates an environment in which individuals thrive not just as employees but as human beings. Centered on five pillars—Love for Self, Love for Work, Love for Family, Love for Country, and Love for God—the Circle of Happiness inspires employees to discover deeper purpose, joy, and meaning in their daily professional lives.
Additionally, MHR’s signature Sampaguita brand of service reflects this culture, capturing the essence of warm, heartfelt hospitality inherently rooted in Filipino tradition. The Sampaguita flower, with its five petals symbolizing love, honor, dignity, healing, and the Philippine flag, offers employees guiding principles that shape their interactions with guests, emphasizing kindness, sincerity, and a heartfelt sense of purpose.
Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity
From the Circle of Happiness and the Sampaguita emerge initiatives that transform values into tangible actions. A defining aspect is MHR’s commitment to inclusivity, rooted in the belief that a thriving workplace affords everyone equal opportunities for growth, leadership, and success. A recent employee survey showed that 95% of staff believe individuals are treated fairly, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
This commitment has significantly transformed the organization’s leadership landscape; today, women comprise 51% of decision-makers, a noteworthy increase from a previous 80% male-majority team. Since 2019, 74 women across MHR’s 14 properties have been advanced into larger roles, illustrating deliberate strides towards gender equality in leadership positions.
Furthermore, MHR is proud to be the first hotel chain in the Philippines to achieve 100 percent accreditation as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment from the Department of Tourism. This status underscores MHR’s dedication to ensuring both guests and employees can practice their faith with dignity and ease, further enhancing a culture of acceptance and respect.
Championing inclusivity has led to improved collaboration across departments, encouraging diverse perspectives that spark innovation. As a result, MHR fosters a workplace where individuality is respected, voices are valued, and leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Investing in Future Leaders with the Next Gen Leadership Council
Focused on sustainable growth, MHR invests proactively in developing future leaders from within its ranks. The Next Gen Leadership Council (NGLC) is a forward-thinking program designed to prepare young associates for greater leadership roles as the organization expands. From an initial pool of 70 applicants, 25 associates aged 23 to 34 across various departments were selected to participate in this intensive eight-month leadership initiative.
The NGLC program combines curated lectures with cross-property exposure to all facets of hotel operations and corporate strategy, providing participants with a macro view of the business landscape. Through direct mentorship and collaboration with current leaders, council members gain practical insights into decision-making, innovation, and leadership within the hospitality space.
This initiative not only aims to create a robust pipeline of capable professionals but also bridges the gap between available leadership positions and qualified talent. Ultimately, MHR embodies a commitment to cultivating leaders who are not only skilled but also align with the organization’s core values.
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts dedicates itself to its people and the love for the country, showcasing that even in an industry characterized by hard work, it is entirely possible to create a workplace where employees are inspired to stay, grow, and lead.