Staff Interviews: What is the appeal of working at our hotel?
Hello, I am Takahashi from UNWIND HOTEL&BAR OTARU (UWO), a lifestyle hotel in Otaru, Hokkaido.
Our hotel employs many students and freelancers who work part-time and some of our staff have become full-time employees after working here part-time. I am one of those who went from being a part-timer to an employee.
I think we can all agree that if someone becomes a full-time employee after being a part-timer, then it must be a nice place to work. That is why I would like to showcase the appeal of working at our hotel by interviewing staff members who have become employees after starting out as part-timers.
Let’s meet Kanae, who became a full-timer after working part-time.
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Before COVID-19, Otaru had many tourists from abroad so Kanae-san had plenty of opportunities to interact with people from different countries. She studied abroad during university and then became fluent in English. She decided to join the company because she wanted to communicate with people from all over the world! A genuine Otaru native, Kanae’s doesn’t just work at the front desk, but also the hall.
We would like to ask her what made her decide to work at our hotel, what she likes about it and what she has to say about it.
What made you decide to work for UWO and why?
When I was a university student, I went to New Zealand to study for a short period of time and enjoyed it so much that I continued to study English conversation after I returned home. I also wanted to communicate with people from different countries. At the same time, when I was looking for a part-time job, I found a position at UWO and thought, “Otaru has many tourists from overseas, so I can make use of my English,” so I applied for the job.
I see, so you started out wanting to make use of your skills and experience. What do you enjoy about working here?
I enjoy helping solve guests’ problems when they need help and getting told “thank you” when guests return to the hotel after I have given them a tour of the area. I love hearing them say they are happy with the tour.
She is a genuine Otaru local! I’m sure guests would be delighted to be introduced to places that only a local would know about. So, are there any situations that you find difficult?
One of the tasks of front desk staff is to carry out “inspection checks,” which I sometimes find very difficult. This “inspection check” involves actually going to the room after the cleaning staff have cleaned it asking them if there was anything wrong with the room. This is the final check, so to speak, and it is a tough job because it requires a lot of stressful double-checking. It is a very tiring job, because you have to go around the rooms and check that not a single thing is wrong with room.
-I see that hotel staff do not only sedentary work, but also tiring physical work. Lastly, do you have any advice for working at UWO?
Working at UWO is unlike working at any other hotel, in a good way.
Staff who like music can create a playlist for the hotel’s background music, while staff who are good at drawing can use chalk to draw seasonal signs for BAR IGNIS. It’s an environment where you can utilise your individual strengths and develop the areas you want to develop.
It’s not so just this hotel, but the company as a whole.
It’s certainly true for the company as a whole! Being able to develop your strengths is a huge advantage for your future self, and above all, if you can play an active role in what you are good at, you will gain a sense of satisfaction. Thank you very much for your story, Kanae-san!
Now that we have shined a spotlight on our staff member we hope that you will find working at UWO a little more interesting.
The rebirth of a classic hotel! Featuring contemporary design and service that’s sure to enchant travelers, UNWIND HOTEL&BAR OTARU blends modern amenities with a charming atmosphere!
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