IHG makes audacious recruitment move with myFlex
Group throws traditional employee rulebook out the window
IHG Hotels & Resorts is making a bold move to become one of Australia’s most flexible hotel employers with the launch of an innovative life/work initiative intended to play a role in attracting 3,600 new employees by the end of 2022.
The company has introduced what it is calling an industry gamechanger with myFlex, a concept based on the principle that life and work should complement each other rather than compete.
New recruits who sign up with IGH as a myFlexer simply plug into the system and then get full flexibility to choose their hours and balance their work/life commitments.
MyFlexers are paid at the full Hospitality Industry General Award (HIGA) rate or above, and just need to commit to working a minimum (but low) number of hours over any period to ensure they remain active.
They’re then able to self-schedule their hours at any IHG managed hotel using innovative Kronos technology, flexing or pausing their hours and availability at any time.
A good example of a myFlexer in action is Holiday Inn Sydney Airport marketing manager, Belinda Iacono who says she is already benefitting from this new way of working.
“For anybody wondering, I am working two days a week in marketing for a Sydney hotel from Melbourne. I am loving the opportunity to learn a new market with a new team.”
IHG managing director – Australasia & Pacific, Matt Tripolone said the traditional employer rule book has well and truly been cast out the window over the past two years as employers around the world are compelled to find new and flexible ways of working.
“For the hotel industry, we want job seekers to know that we offer great pay and conditions, elevated with unmatched flexibility and fantastic benefits,” he said.
“Alongside this flexibility, you can have a stellar career in hotels regardless of the field in which you specialise, from marketing, to HR, finance, sales, IT or frontline operations.
“While hotel experience is a ‘nice-to-have’, what we really want is skills and attitude. And, in return, we offer fast-track leadership opportunities which mean you could be running your own multi-million-dollar business in a few years – either here in Australia or anywhere in the world.
“Building amazing careers is part of IHG’s DNA. Colleagues are supported through a lifelong development program, IHG career milestone celebrations, and transfer of entitlements as they move and grow with IHG across hotels!”
Existing IHG hotel colleagues will also enjoy increased flexible work options, and from February all full- and part-time employees normally rostered by their manager will be able to bid for the shifts they prefer, using the same Kronos tool as myFlexers.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
