Employability skills

In relation to this, company which is taken in this project is Travelodge Hotels limited, which is an private company operating in hotels and hospitality industry. Travelodge Hotels  is second largest hotel in budget and is among largest chain of hotels in united kingdom. In this report discussions have been made on determining self responsibilities and performance of an employee. In addition to this, various tools and methods that can help a company to formulate effective strategies are also describe in this report.  

TASK 1

P1.1 Develop set of own responsibilities and performance objectives

It is essential for me to create self responsibilities and performance objectives targets of self management. It benefits me to deliver best results with respect to any particular job. It is necessary to create their own set of responsibilities which includes direct and indirect relationship and their adaptive nature (Verran, 2010). It is most important responsibility for me to have knowledge of all employment legislation, employment rights and employment ethics. I am employed in Travelodge hotel as a manager so, for my own assessment, I have taken advantage of SMART tool that will help to understand and evaluate my roles and responsibilities in order to work in more effective manner. Mentioned below there are some roles and responsibilities that are to be accomplished by me:

• Enhance my decision-making skills in order to resolve conflicts.
• Identify key skills which necessary to perform task.
• Evaluate and take advantage of  various opportunities that are available in environment.

Performance Objectives: To establish an effective and appropriate objectives that can be achieved in perfect time frame is a complicated process. In order to set effective objective, I need to evaluate and access my strength and weaknesses in order to find effective objectives.

Application of different system through which performance of employees can increase: Employee appraisal system is an effective tool to performance of employees (Riebe and et. al.,  2010). Techniques that can prove to be efficient in this are, increase in salary level and attractive bonus.

Time management: It is an effective part in managerial skill. I need to focus on my managerial related to time management in order to assign task appropriately.

All the above mentioned points will benefit me to set my roles and responsibilities and also to evaluate my strength and weaknesses. This will help me to make effective decisions and maintain firm relationships among employees.

P1.2 Evaluate self effectiveness against defined objectives

I have implemented performance appraisal technique at Travelodge hotel workplace to motivate employees. This technique will benefit me remarkably to reduce labour turnover and enhance sense of responsibilities among employees. This will help me to generate feeling  of belongingness  among workers towards hotel.

Increase in salary base and provide bonus to employees benefits me to achieve targets and goals in effective time frame. Proper communication and effective training programmes helps in creating smooth relationship between employees working in hotel (Rasul and Mansor, 2013). As hospitality is a fastest growing and leading sector in United Kingdom and employees large population that helps in developing nation at very fast speed.

Another technique that can be implemented by me is performance appraisals that will magnificently with help of production and judgemental data. This technique states that there are various methods that is necessary to be taken into consideration while making comparison and ranking. With help of effective ranking method, I can able to develop my as well as employees skills.

P1.3 Recommendations for improvement

Professional Skills	Current level	Best current example	Ways to improve
Planning	Average	Planning is first and foremost step towards effective result. This process generally take long time.	With the help of effective communication and skill development programme planning process can be effectively generated.
Communication	Average	Communication regarding team discussions and project discussion (Rao, 2014).	By attaining efficiency in training on proper communication skills.
Problem Solving	Poor	Hard to solve issues related to urgent delivery of projects and targets	By right use of information technologies can aid in solving issues in correct manner
Self - Management	Average	Sometimes cannot able to finish work or project in a given time frame.	By having systematic knowledge of development process and managing time limit can aid in completion of projects.
Technology Skills	Poor	Facing serious difficulties in using computer and saving and sharing files.	By taking short time computer course will benefit in using computer and problems related to file saving and sharing (Haasler, 2013).
Time Management	Average	Little bit issues while completing targets and projects on given time period.	By having proper technological innovations and indulging self in group collaborations will aid me to save my time which is usually spent on searching process. This will benefit me to track my performance easily.

P1.4 Motivational techniques use to improve quality of performance

After analysing my weaknesses, I have implemented various effective techniques in order to improve my skills related to decision-making, communication and problem solving. According to Maslow's hierarchy needs theory, there are mainly five factors that are firmly describe below:

Physiological needs:

To fulfil physiological needs, it is essential for Travelodge management to examine basic needs of their employees which includes, food, water, home and sleep. It will aid employee to perform their duties in an effective manner.

Safety needs:

Maintaining basic requirements of employees related to their safety is first and foremost responsibility of  Travelodge top management. Some of these safety needs includes safety relating to health security, security of resources, employment security and safety of properties (Muhamad, 2012). By performing their duties related to safety company can able to increase productivity of their employees.

Love and belongingness:

 By adopting various techniques in order to create environment which include sense of love and belongingness Travelodge management can able to complete their targets with the help of effective team. By creating understanding bonding between their working culture, company can influence their employees to perform well.

Esteem needs: 

These needs are related to giving respects to other and getting respect from other, sense of achievement and confidence (Pârvu, Ipate and Mitran, 2014). By implementing various techniques and identifying every employee esteem needs Travelodge management can able to improve their work culture an motivate their employees to achieve their targets efficiently .

Self-actualization:

These needs includes maintaining  creativity and morality in performing activities. In addition to this taking effective measures to top improve self skills and abilities on                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  regular basis. Travelodge  by implementing different strategies can examine self-actualization needs of their employees in effective way and take preventive measures to fulfil them to achieve overall objectives.

In addition to this, with the help of  Frederick Herzberg theory, Travelodge  management can take certain advantages related to creating job satisfaction among their employees. Herzberg motivator hygiene theory states that there are some effective job factor which can result in creating job satisfaction and can prevent dissatisfaction among employees (Panagiotakopoulos,  2012). It is a two-factor motivation theory with the help of which company can remarkably increase motivation among their employees and guide them towards effective results.

Theory X:

This theory of motivation are mainly consider by manager to evaluate and examine employee behaviour (Mishra, 2014). This theory was implemented by Travelodge managers to evaluate behaviour of those employees who get demotivated easily. Which can results in decrease in level of their performance. Therefore, managers have find out various ways to  motivate those employees in that critical situations.

TASK 2

P2.1 Solutions to work-based problems

There are different types of issues in day-to-day manner in every business organisation. This can lead to higher complex working structure and can generate conflicts among employees. All these activities can hamper growth of Travelodge hotel (Kulkarni and Chachadi, 2014). This kind of situations generally arise when there is difference in individual thing capabilities.

Problems:

There are two main problems in Traveloge hotel that are, employee retention due to various unfavourable conditions and lack of communication between employees. This will results in hampering growth of both employees and organisation.

Problem analysis:

This is first and foremost step in a problem solving process. In this organisation have to evaluate main reason behind issues arise in  between employees. There are several reason of this that can be, lack of communication and employee retention.

Finding solutions: 

As an effective manager, I need to assess various issues of employees and try my best to find appropriate solution of them. I have examined different issues and used effective measures such as :

Implementing effective communication process that will help in maintaining proper communication system in a workplace.

Provide effective training programmes to enhance skills and capabilities of employees and retain effective employees for long period of time.

Interpersonal skills are required as individual has to understand problem, take a viewpoint from employees facing problem for which listening and communication skills are required and foremost thing is initiative i.e. from where to start is must to solve any problem (Kong and Yan, 2014). Social skills are needed as every problem cannot be solved by own so sometimes contacts are required to get an idea and for that negotiation skills are mandatory so that things can be done at cheaper and best rates.

P2.2 Communication in heterogeneous styles and at different levels

Verbal communication:

Way of transferring or sharing views and thoughts either through writing or speaking is known as verbal communication. Capability to organise words using technology (physical distance do not matter) or sound is what makes human different from other species.

Non-Verbal communication:

Way of communication which includes body language like facial expressions, gestures, posture and eye contact (Ju, Zhang and Pacha, 2012). Even touch is a way of communication which specify comfort level or feelings of individual. Tone, pitch, sound of voice are also included in this.

Body language:

It helps physically disabled person to understand what is being said and in what context it is said. It is instant part of declaration process. Facial expression, way individual walks, response, sits, present themselves are used to identify or analyse what kind of person is.

Feedback: 

Analyse how employees surrounding individual behaves and how they communicate with each other so that employee can feel comfortable in working environment. Meetings are conducted to understand problems and acknowledge them, they can be carried out either in informal or formal way.

Accessibility:

Consumers or customers form a vital part as all operations are carried to satisfy them. When customers are involved in implementation phase then results obtained will be best as activities are carried in a way they (customer's) want.   

Effective communication helps organisation to go into ladder of success as it is important factor through which relations can be build between employees, employees and customer's. Different styles exists at heterogeneous levels (Jones, Torezani and Luca, 2012). They are reading, speaking, writing and listening. Technology has became important at workplace. Appropriate channel for communication is required within organisation to enhance performance.

Letter

To, Senior Management Travelodge Hotel, London 26th December, 2018 Respected sir/ma'am, As per information received from employees, Travelodge Hotel is experiencing three major issues that are employees are not technically skilled, retention of workers and differences in culture. These issues impact overall performance of Hotel and reputation is also on stake. Hence to amend this, it is must that all employees should be trained in proper manner and meetings must be conducted on day to day basis. With this effective communication is also needed to ensure improved relationship. Eligible candidates must be hired to handle technical issues who can perform better in specific sector. To assist subordinates, managers must communicate with them, organise formal meetings in professional ways and analyse results. For middle level managers, conferences and seminars must be conducted to establish better communication techniques. For lower staff, information can be displayed in notice board by which messages can be transferred effectively.

Memo

Travelodge Hotel To: All Staff Mambers From: Manager Date: 26th December, 2018 Subject: Issues faced by Hotel                As it has been analysed that Hotel is going through various disputes due to which sales and productivity is decreasing. This memo is related to issue that some employees are not skilled and they need appropriate training to enhance their knowledge and skills. It will assist employees to deal with challenging situations, with respect to this suitable benefits, monetary benefits, bonuses and other development activities will be given to employees.

P2.3 Effective time-management strategies

Business strategy planning requires efficient time management strategies (Critical Path Analysis, 2018). Time management is first and foremost responsibility and necessity in every business organisation. It is necessary to develop effective time balance for every task. Mentioned below there are some strategies are briefly describe below:

Prioritising workload of employees:

First step of time management process is prioritising workload of organisation employees. According, to this roles and responsibilities are assigned and defined to employees as per their skills and abilities (Haasler, 2013). This process will benefit Travelodge hotel to accomplish their goals and objectives on effective time frame.

Setting objectives:

This step is very important and necessary in every organisation in order to perform day-to-day activities effectively. With this process both employees and manager can increase their productivity and job performance.

Making appointments:

In this process records to day-to-day activities are maintained systematically. In this information related to upcoming appointments are effectively summarises that help employees to know about their daily activities.

TASK 3

3.1 Roles people play in a team an how working together can help in achieving shared goals

To evaluate roles and responsibilities it is necessary for Travelodge to implement effective strategies and models to perform their activities in administrative way (Gbadamosi and et. al., 2015). Company can adopt Belbin team theory to take effective measures of their day-to-day activities and provide proper guidelines to each and every individuals about their roles and responsibilities. This theory can divided into three categories which includes, action- oriented, people oriented and thought oriented roles which are firmly described below:

Action-oriented Roles: 

Individuals in this group are those who  accept challenges and work effectively  towards shaping their goals. This will benefit them to become role model for others and motivates them to perform remarkably towards goals of organisation. To implement and take systematic strategies and decisions is one of the basic step role in this process. In addition to this, an employee in order to achieve their finish their targeted goals and perform their task in an effective team (Kong and Yan, 2014). This will help organisation to eliminate errors and deliver results in qualitative manner.

People-oriented Roles:

This role mainly consists of three factors that includes, coordinator: an individual who maintain healthy and effective working environment and formulate systematic measures for teams in order to pursue goals in remarkable manner, team worker: an individual who is authoritatively responsible for managing and supporting whole team and a team leader: is an individual who is fully responsible for assigning roles and responsibilities to each and every individual (Durrani and Tariq, 2012). At the end, here comes the responsibility of resource invigilator: who is authorised to deliver proper basic need to every individual which will aid every person assigned in a task to deliver their results in an effective way. In order to achieve all these pre-determined task it is essential to maintain effective relationship with stakeholders. It is foremost responsibility of resource invigilator to have skill of negotiation to crack best deal effectively.

Thought oriented Roles: 

It is necessary for each and every organisation to adopt new strategies and implement effective innovative techniques in order to remain in a market for long run. Thus, with the help of thought oriented roles company take take more competitive advantages. (Dhiman, 2012) This process mainly includes Plant: these are those individuals who create different types of innovative and new techniques in order to accomplish task on effective time frame. Specialists: they are considered as those individuals who are experienced and specialised in their particular field for instance: Role of a technicians, nobody can properly perform their task if they are not having enough knowledge related to that field.

By implementing this approach, Travelodge hotel managers can make sure that task are allocated and performed effectively as with the help of action oriented role, team members can able to perform their work effectively and can eliminate errors while performing their task. They can also guide each other and share one other skills and knowledge to complete their target on particular time frame.

P3.2 Team dynamics

In order to understand team dynamics, Tuckman's model will be more relevant.

Tuckman's model: As team acquire ability and maturity, relationships develop and style of leadership changes. It starts with directing, training or coaching, participating and delegating . At this moment of time a new leader may be formed and existing leader may build a new team. This model forms five stages they are as:

Forming:

It includes what kind of people form team and what they have to do are basic questions which are formulated (Dhar, 2012). A new team is formed, behaviour of each member is different but still they need guidance from leader.

Storming:

Team members are able to build trust and they are able to voice out their opinions which will result in clash as ideas may conflict. Patience is must as individual has to work on idea given by someone else which may not seem pleasing to individual.

Norming:

 In this idea has been got and team works for practical fulfilment of specific idea. Team is open to ideas given by others and helps in formulating values, rules, methods and standards which enhance skilfulness of team.

Performing:

In this stage team works as one unit and they sync their energy to achieve objective of team. At this point they know what is their role and exactly what they have to do. Now they are able to make decisions and work independently without any guidelines.

Adjourning:

At this moment task is completed and team is decomposed, due which team members can face anxiety. To bear this loss they will distance themselves.

P3.3 Suggest alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals

Objectives and goals of organisation can be achieved by different procedures but if appropriate results are not attained then alternative methods are used by employees and managers of Travelodge Hotel to accomplish them (Deeley, 2014). Some of methods are discussed below:

Innovation:

Wider perspective can be viewed when new candidates or employees are hired by HR department as well as it will alter amount of employees. Fresh candidates can have new ideas to solve specific problem and issue.

Setting Standard:

HR manager is responsible for setting up standards before they implement some activities or plans. It will provide guidance to employees and they will be aware of what activities are conducted within organisation to achieve specific objectives.

Effective Communication:

It acts as basic medium for interaction between different elements of Travelodge Hotel. Managers make sure that they use simple, delicate and effective way to communicate with subordinates which can be easily comprehended by others.   

TASK 4

P4.1 Tools and methods for developing solutions to problems.

There are various types of difficulties that every organisation face while running there business (de Guzman and Choi, 2013). In relation to this context, Travelodge are facing various issues that is important to be solved. Mentioned below there are some effective tools and methods in order to develop solutions:

SWOT analysis:

It is a tool through which company can understand their internal strength and weaknesses. This will help to achieve their goals effectively. SWOT analysis highlights positive and negative attributes of Travelodge that will help them to gain competitive advantage. This method benefits company to find various opportunities and modify their current activities in order to achieve profitability. SWOT analysis examine threats that can be faced by Travelodge :

Brainstorming:

In this, there are strong group of people who develop and creates unique ideas in order to solve organisation problems. Strong brainstorming program can help in determining various opportunities. It can also examine various possible reason for any particular problem. This will benefit to solve a problem with different other opinions and resolve that in effective time frame (Deeley, 2014).

P4.2 Strategy for resolving problem of labour turnover in an organisation.

Labour turnover is defined as rate at which employees leave organisation hence it is referred to as employees leaving organisation within stipulated duration of time. There can be different reasons for this like bad working conditions, attitude of management and lower wages  etc. Different issues are faced by every organisation which affects operation and working of business. For overcoming or dealing with such kind of problems, proper strategies and planing of actions is required. Further Travelodge Hotel can utilize time and critical path analysis for handling and resolving issues and they are described briefly as:

Critical Path Analysis:

For accomplishing tasks for identifying  time and means which is needed for completing tasks in effective manner this technique is used. It is used for recognition and analysation of project for knowing results and outcomes before implementation of specific operations. Travelodge Hotel is experiencing issues like cultural differences, technological skills and employment retention (Cunningham and Hillier, 2013). At this moment managers ensures that how much time is needed for employees to be trained so that their skills can be enhanced with respect to latest technology being used. It is form of consecutive activities which helps employees by providing basic training before they are given technological training.

Time Scale:

It is defined as description which helps employees to do specific task in specific moment of time frame. Thus it is referred to as quality and duration of time which is furnished by individual or an employee. This can be considered as one reason for employees to leave Travelodge Hotel. Example can be taken like, if new entrant is given hard job and have to finish it within stipulated time duration then it can create pressure on them and they wont be able to handle this due to which they can leave job. For solving such kind of issues Travelodge can choose strategies mentioned below:

Monitoring and providing training:

 It is crucial for employees that they are provided appropriate training so that organisation can run in effective and efficient manner. In this perspective managers plays vital role as they are responsible for observing or monitoring performance of employees who are present within organisation (Chalamwong, Y., and et. al., 2012). With help of this they can develop and implement effective training curriculums. Example can be considered: to handle issues related with conflicts between employees due to language barrier and cultural differences, they can be resolved by meetings and discussing relative issues.

P4.3 Potential impact on business of implementing the strategy

Positive outcomes can be obtained by implementing strategies at Travelodge Hotel as policies are defined and implemented in efficient manner. By applying effective strategies labour turnover can be reduced and their retention can also be decreased. Profitability and sales can be improved as a result of this (Andrews and Russell, 2012). As organisation consist of experienced employees for longer time then it will reduce cost of training as well as save time required for this. Old workers do not need any kind of training as they know how to work and complete or do their responsibilities. There are several financial  impact that can arise and hamper business growth and that may be beyond management control some of  that financial impacts are, change in market conditions or failure of product.  Company can also face some non financial impact on their business like, decrease in reputation, goodwill , consumer confidence and loss of employee morale. In order to effectively overcome all those condition it is essential for managers to implement systematic strategy and examine business functions regularly to resolve all those conditions.

In Travelodge Hotel, it provides vantage in terms of facilities and services being offered to customers.

Conclusion

As per the above concluded report, it has been analysed that employability skills is the ability of an individual to survive in any particular organisation or area. Various motivational theories can be follow by an individual to motivate themselves and set smart objectives to achieve targets. With help of Maslow' hierarchical needs and Herzberg theory  overall results of any task or target can effectively achieved.  This project implicates solutions of facing problems and issues that are faced by an employee or a team members as a leader to take effective decisions. This assignment covers recommendations of the objectives and measures to develop and improve performance employees by attending various training secessions and class room learning programmes. Team leader also plays an essential role in motivating employees towards leading in an effective manner also by adopting strategic methods leader can able to resolve conflicts in proper way and increase productivity and profitability of company.

References

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• de Guzman, A. B. and Choi, K. O., 2013. The relations of employability skills to career adaptability among technical school students. Journal of Vocational Behavior. 82(3). pp.199-207.
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