A great place to work
Whitbread's human resources director, Angie Risley, makes no apology for the fact she really enjoys her job, even after 16 years with the company.
It's a useful state of mind to be in, considering the huge responsibility she has each day communicating the group's human resources philosophy to 2,000 UK business units and 65,000 employees.
That is challenging enough, but she also has a seat on the hotel and leisure group's seven-strong executive committee, which comprises the executive board of directors - including chief executive David Thomas - plus Risley and Tim Hammond, director of corporate development.
"We steer the business by taking a broad look at the issues facing us," Risley says. "I'm particularly interested in improving our image as an employer."
When not at her 25th-floor office in the heart of London's business district, Risley is kept on her toes by her two young sons, who are obsessed with all things to do with sport.
For most people, all this would be enough to guarantee a busy and fulfilling life, but Risley's passion for the industry won't let her stop there. She has become chairman for industry charity Springboard's careers festival, which runs from 31 March to 6 April.
The festival will promote careers in hospitality, leisure and tourism through a week of national events.
Although Whitbread is a sponsor and host for the launch party - at its former London brewery in Chiswell Street - Risley's involvement is personal - she believes in what Springboard is trying to achieve.
"The declining pool of resources we as an industry have to draw on has become an ever bigger issue," she says. "In many regions there is full employment, which means we have to fight really hard to attract the talented people we need away from other sectors. This is why the festival's profile-raising status is so important."
As festival chairman, Risley makes a point of getting out in the industry and spreading the word. One of the most frequently asked questions has been: "What's in it for me?" This is easy enough to answer, she says.
"The commercial benefits are that a successful festival will boost our ability as an industry to recruit and retain quality staff. Whitbread's involvement is not purely altruistic; we know it makes sound business sense. I like to think of it as a great chance for us to talk ourselves up after a painful 18 months."
But Whitbread's commitment to promoting the industry and its place within it does not end with festival sponsorship. The company is keen to ensure a healthy work-to-life balance for all its staff.
"You can't possibly deliver the level of customer service our customers expect if you're tired or fed up," says Risley. "And we can't meet the financial results we need without delivering excellent levels of customer service."
Aware of how acute the problem of recruiting talent has become, Risley is focusing on looking after employees during their first few months at Whitbread - a critical period for retaining new staff.
"We're making a real effort to look after recruits on a social level, encouraging them to get to know their team mates - and in doing so, form a positive bond with work. And we make sure each individual feels fully equipped to carry out their job, something we as a big business have perhaps neglected in the past. If we do these things, they will stay longer and enjoy their time with us more."
Springboard's festival slogan is "A great place to work". It's a theme Risley has borrowed for her own human resources message and a philosophy she believes will bring in the right people.
Careers Festival 2003 - 31 March - 6 Aprilwww.springboardfestival.org.uk
Monday 31 March: Festival launch, sponsored by Whitbread at its former London brewery.
Tuesday 1 April: Buddy day, sponsored by 3663. Opportunity for those in the industry to demonstrate its attractions by allowing outsiders to job-shadow them for a day.
Wednesday 2 April: Inaugural UK awards for excellence in attracting people to the industry, sponsored by Meridien.
Thursday 3 April: What is food service management? Sponsored by the BHA. Students, teacher and lecturers will be shown the range of career opportunities in the sector. There will also be regional career fairs.Friday 4 April: Discovery day treasure hunts will take potential recruits around selected UK locations, highlighting fun and informative places.
Saturday 5 April and Sunday 6 April: Students get the opportunity to work in businesses over the weekend.
