Arrival Podcast SS2E001: Mọi chiến lược đều vô nghĩa nếu không có nhân sự
Short Summary:
This podcast episode features an interview with Minh, a highly successful HR director in the Vietnamese hospitality industry. The central theme revolves around the critical importance of human resources (HR) in any organization's success, emphasizing that even the most brilliant strategies are meaningless without the right people. Key points include the crucial role of HR in employee satisfaction, talent acquisition and retention, and the need for data-driven HR strategies to demonstrate ROI. Minh shares her career journey, highlighting her transition from a receptionist to a top HR executive, emphasizing the importance of continuous listening to employee needs and the value of a strong employer brand. The discussion also covers salary ranges in the Vietnamese hospitality sector, challenges in talent retention, and the need for a more holistic approach to HR that balances the needs of both employees and employers. Specific examples of HR processes and strategies implemented at Minh's company, Ascot, are provided.
Detailed Summary:
The podcast begins with an introduction to Minh, the HR Director of Ascot (Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar), and President of the Vietnam Hotel Human Resources Association. The initial discussion establishes the paramount importance of HR, stating, "All strategies are meaningless without personnel." This sets the stage for the entire conversation.
The next section details Minh's career path, starting as a receptionist at the Sheraton Hotel. She emphasizes her belief in "being young at heart," highlighting that it's never too late to pursue new opportunities. Her transition to HR was serendipitous, initiated by a chance encounter and fueled by her inherent interest in the field. She draws parallels between her receptionist role (serving guests) and her HR role (serving employees), emphasizing the importance of continuous listening and feedback. Minh fondly recalls her time at Sheraton, particularly under the Starwood management, praising their exceptional employee-centric culture and frequent employee satisfaction surveys.
The conversation then shifts to Minh's rapid advancement at Sheraton, culminating in her appointment as Deputy General Manager. She candidly discusses the surprise and skepticism surrounding her promotion, as this position was traditionally held by expatriates. Minh attributes her success to her strong business partnership approach with her superiors, acting as both an employee and a consultant, offering objective and innovative perspectives. She stresses the importance of open communication and the willingness to step aside if her viewpoints are no longer aligned with the organization's direction.
The discussion delves into the topic of compensation in the hospitality industry. Minh asserts that HR professionals deserve high salaries, comparable to those in finance, arguing that without HR, other departments' efforts are futile. She uses data to illustrate the financial impact of effective HR practices, emphasizing the need for "number talk" to demonstrate ROI. She provides salary ranges for various positions in five-star hotels, highlighting the total compensation package (including service charge and benefits) and the importance of employer branding in attracting and retaining talent.
The conversation then addresses the high employee turnover rate in the hospitality industry (30-35%), significantly higher than other sectors. Minh attributes this to several factors, including increased employee options post-COVID, the demanding 24/7 nature of the hospitality industry, and the need for employees to progress through various roles to reach management positions. She proposes a more comprehensive HR strategy, focusing on improved benefits, employer branding, and a more holistic approach to employee well-being.
The final section explores Minh's future aspirations, emphasizing her desire to mentor young Vietnamese professionals and contribute to the growth of the hospitality industry. She expresses her ambition to pursue doctoral studies in the future, focusing on research that benefits the community. The interview concludes with a reflection on the importance of work-life integration rather than a strict work-life balance, highlighting Minh's own ability to successfully integrate various aspects of her life.