HR Manager's Employability Skills Analysis Report for Travelodge

This report examines the employability skills essential for an HR manager within the context of Travelodge Hotel. It begins by outlining the responsibilities and performance objectives of an HR manager, emphasizing the importance of self-evaluation through SWOT analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses. The report then delves into evaluating effectiveness against objectives, highlighting the need for improved communication and strategic planning. Recommendations for improvement include personality development sessions and staying updated on industry trends. The report also explores motivational techniques, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Herzberg's two-factor theory, to enhance employee performance. Furthermore, it addresses work-based problems, including setting goals and employee performance, proposing solutions such as training and motivation. Different communication styles within Travelodge are discussed. The report also covers time-management strategies, team dynamics, and alternative approaches to task completion. Finally, it evaluates problem-solving tools and develops a strategy to address labour turnover, assessing the potential impact on the business.

EMPLOYABILITY
SKILLS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Developing a set of own responsibilities and performance objectives.................................1
1.2 Evaluating own effectiveness against defined objectives.....................................................2
1.3 Recommendations for improvement.....................................................................................3
1.4 Motivational techniques can be used to improve quality of performance............................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Solutions to work based problems........................................................................................4
2.2 Different styles of communication in Travelodge Hotel.......................................................5
2.3 Strategies for better time-management at workplace............................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 The roles people play in a team and process of working together to achieve shared goals..7
3.2 Analyse team dynamics.........................................................................................................8
3.3 Suggest alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals..................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Evaluate tools and methods for developing solutions to problems.....................................10
4.2 Develop a strategy for solving the problem of labour turnover in an organization............11
4.3 Evaluate the potential impact on the business of implementing the strategy.....................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Different types of skills are required to perform variety of tasks. These inefficiencies can
be termed as employ-ability skills. It includes making plans, communicating effectually,
organizing the work, team management, etc. The stated skills are helpful for a person to get the
desired job as well as one can also use these skills to improve the actual position.
Implementation of the required abilities and ideas in a right way can excel the performance of a
person. The report is based on given case studies in context to Travelodge. It is a private
organization which deals in hotels or it can be said that the firm provides hospitality services in
UK. By considering the given case studies on Travelodge, certain evaluation will be done.
Report will depict the analysis of an employee that helps the organization to achieve its goals. It
also defines a fruitful solution to work based problems that arise in the organization (Andrews
and Russell, 2012).
TASK 1
1.1 Developing a set of own responsibilities and performance objectives
An organization is made up of variety of people who come from different backgrounds,
cultures and motive. But, when they work in a company, their efforts are made to attain the
common organizational objectives. To perform various acts and tasks, different skills and
abilities are needed by an individual. It is important to analyse the use of required skills at correct
place. Being a Human Resource (HR) manager at Travelodge, there are different responsibilities
that are needed to be performed by me. I keep in mind the duties and responsibilities that are
needed to be fulfilled. There are different responsibilities of mine towards organization and my
designated position is mentioned further. Being the HR manager, it is my duty to provide the best
human resources to company who can effectually contribute in the success of business.
Moreover, the firm can achieve its desired goals and objectives by taking the right use of
selected workforce. My responsibility is to examine the process of recruitment, selection,
training and development. With proper supervision of stated activities, abilities of a candidate
can easily scrutinize by me (Avramenko, 2012).
Being an HR manager at Travelodge, recruiting a right talent for the organization is my
performance objective. I ensure none the employee in the firm feel discriminated on any ground
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of employment. My aim is not only to achieve the objectives of the company but to improve my
current position as well. It can be improve by making self evaluation which can be done by
SWOT analysis. This analysis helped me to know my strengths and weakness. On the basis of
analysis my strengths are
1. Leadership skills
2. technical skills
3. friendly behaviour
And my weaknesses are not good at communication, needs improvement in making plans and
strategies. By focusing on my weaknesses I can improve them and grab the upcoming
opportunities. If I do not focus on my weakness and required improvements can not be done than
it can affect my future opportunities (Burnett and Jayaram, 2012).
1.2 Evaluating own effectiveness against defined objectives
The evaluation of own effectiveness against the organizational objectives is necessary.
The analysis of one's current position would not only aid the organization but the individual too.
Being an HR manager at Travelodge, I perform several tasks at a point of time. These tasks
require some skills to perform in an appropriate manner. The evaluation of effectiveness can be
done by taking SWOT analysis into consideration. This analysis would help me in finding out
the abilities and skills in which I am good. It also defines the shortcomings or qualities that I
require as a manager. Being the HR manager, it is necessary to have good communication skills
so that proper interaction can be done with employees at different levels. On the basis of
analysis, I found myself not good at interacting with people. I also came to know that
improvement is required while making strategies and plans. Moreover, the success of Travelodge
is purely depended on the strategies framed by management. This is the reason; it is crucial to
improve the above mentioned skills so that performance of work can be done effectively
(Chertkovskaya and et.al., 2013).
The analysis also defined strengths which are required to accomplish the objectives of
Travelodge. The industry works with an aim of increasing customer base and providing best
services in UK and rest of the World. However, it is the leading sector of UK for providing great
hospitality services to the customers. The firm requires accomplishing demands of customers in
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such a way that the objectives of industry can be accomplished. I can use my strengths to excel
mine and the firm's position. On the basis of evaluation, I realised my strengths According to
which I am good at managing my team, in technical skills as well as in the implementation of
plans. I am good at performing technical tasks that would help me to conduct the proper
operations of organization. Various tasks are performed by me that require good level of
technical knowledge. It remains useful especially when I need to do the management of human
resources. I need to maintain the data regarding their personal details in HR management system.
However, the stated strengths and weaknesses were needed to be analysed so that the goals of
firm can be accomplished (Dacre Pool and Qualter, 2013).
1.3 Recommendations for improvement
To work in a dynamic environment, it is important to improve the present position on
timely basis. To cope up with the variety of tasks, one needs to keep on improving his skills.
Being an HR manager at Travelodge, it is my duty to provide quality work to company so that I
can fulfil my responsibilities towards organization in the best possible manner. I have mentioned
my strengths and weaknesses on the basis of SWOT analysis. For better performance of work
and to grab the future opportunities it is important to improve weaknesses. My communication
skills are not that good as it requires being a HR manager. I have to deal with other employees,
clients and customers too. At that point of time it is necessary to have good interactions with all
the mentioned category. However, communication is the best way to express the ideas and
feelings. With the help of effective communication I can make a good interaction with them. I
need to make sure my team is working properly or not. In this situation I have to deal with
different employees of my team. At this point my communication should be expressive so that I
can deliver my message to them. It is recommended to join personality development sessions
that would help me to improve my skill. I can use seminars and conferences that leads to
improve my skills (Dhiman, 2012).
On other side, I need to modify myself at making plans and strategies for organization.
As the success of Travelodge is depends on proper planning and strategies. Forming effective
strategies can gives a direction to work. That is why it is necessary to improve this skill. The
recommendation for the stated skill is that for making strategies high and updated level of
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knowledge is required. The level of knowledge can be updated by accessing internet on which
the latest trends can be known. Even the magazines and newspapers can also remain useful for
updating kno0wledge.
1.4 Motivational techniques can be used to improve quality of performance
Motivation can be the best tool for uplifting the quality of performance of an employee.
These techniques are helpful for the employees at every level of hierarchy. Being a human at
some point of time we may feel boredom or not willing to complete a task. In that situation the
tools aids in improving the condition and make an employee to get back to work. There are
different motivation theories that can be used enhance the morale of an employee. The two
theories can be taken into consideration for understanding the subject. Maslow's hierarchy of
needs and Herzberg's two-factor theory would give an idea about the concept. The management
of Travelodge needs to implement the stated theories in practical aspects. According to Maslow,
the management needs to understand the needs of an employee. It includes psychological, social,
safety, self-esteem and self actualisation. On other side, Herzberg's theory includes motivational
factors and hygiene factors. By keeping in mind these theories, the management needs to
motivate its employees for betterment of work. The management must provide incentives and
rewards so that one can get himself into work. Appreciation is the best tool to get work done by
others. It is the duty of leader to appreciate its team members on timely basis. It would increase
their efficiency and willingness towards work. Incentives should be provided to the deserving
candidates so that they can ignore work distractions and get back to work (Finch and et.al.,2013).
TASK 2
2.1 Solutions to work based problems
As working in Travelodge Hotel as HR manager, it is my responsibility to overcome
from the problems occurs during the working hours. Problem is such difficult and doubtful
situation which requires the solution. There are mainly two types of problems identify by the
manager such as setting up goals and the barriers. The problems are as follows:
Setting Up Goals: It is the main problem occur at the workplace. It is the prime function
of the management of the Travelodge Hotel to set up goals. When it is set up by the management
4

another responsibility goes to the lower manager and employees to set their own goals and
targets to achieve the organizational objectives. At the workplace, it is the main problem which
effects the functioning of the enterprise. Until and unless the targets are not set up by the
employees themselves, the work will not go in smooth way. The weak point of the workers or
employees at this hotel is that they are not able to set up their targets (Helyer and Lee, 2014).
Performance of the employees: The second most important problem at workplace is
related to the performance of the employees working there. The employees at Travelodge Hotel
are not performing there work or functions properly. The performance of the employees has
direct impact on the productivity of the enterprise.
Solutions to the above problems
Being HR manger it is my duty to solve the problems occurs in the organization and to
overcome from the above problems. The first step is to provide training to the employees to
increase their efficiency. Under training, the different and latest techniques are to be used to
educate the manpower. Through training session their energy as-well-as efficiency will be
boosted. Motivation is also very effective tool to boost them on right path. It will help in
increasing their morale (Jackson, 2014).
2.2 Different styles of communication in Travelodge Hotel
Communication is the process of transferring the information from one person to another.
Travelodge Hotel uses three types of communication at the workplace such as verbal, non-
verbal, written and visual communication. These are discussed as below:
Verbal Communication: Verbal communication is such which involves the use of
spoken words, sounds and specific languages. Today, there is a large diversity of people that
create the standard workforce. There are various types of employees work in this hotel with
different ages, cultures and races. So it is important to create environment of verbal
communication to communicate with them. It is easy to understand the business activities
through this communication.
Non-Verbal Communication: This is such under which physical manner of
communication is being used to transfer or share the ideas and information. At the workplace,
5

this type of method is generally, used in the board meetings, conferences and seminars. Here, the
person observe the other through his/her behavior, body language, gestures and other activities.
So, this type of communication is also very important for the environment of Travelodge Hotel
(Miller, Biggart and Newton, 2013).
Written Communication: This method of communication is also very essential for the
management of Travelodge Hotel. This involves either writing or typing out the facts, figures,
ideas, information and other necessary things. It is a written way to express the thoughts and
ideas of the individual. It could be in formal or informal way to exchange the information. It
includes the letters, reports, emails, text messages, evaluations, memos and other documents.
Visual Communication: In the workplace, it is very common to interact with the
individuals through visual communication to provide information to them. Examples of these
communications are electronic communication, documents, presentations, etc. The employees
working at Travelodge Hotel should have the capability to implement this method to their
workplace to make it more effective.
2.3 Strategies for better time-management at workplace
The term time-management is misnomer. It is the duty of the HR manager of Travelodge
Hotel to adopt different strategies to improve the time-management. As the time cannot be
manageable, the events in relation to time can be managed. The time-management strategy is
totally depended on the ability, personality and self discipline. From the strategies discussed as
below, time can be managed by HR manager more effectively (Mohamed, SPR and Yacob,
2012).
Set Priorities: To manage the time effectively it is more important to distinguish between
the important and urgent work. The simplest way to prioritize is to make list to do work
accordingly. The HR manger has to make list as per the work delegated by the superiors.
Use of Plan Tool: The manager may use a personal planning tool to improve the
productivity of the individual. For this he can use the different methods such as pocket diaries,
calendars, wall charts, notebooks, index cards, etc. For this the targets and tasks should be
written down and according to that schedules are made to focus on the priorities.
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Delegate: Delegation is shifting of transferring the workload from one person to another.
The managers at top, generally, uses this tool to manage their time effectively for the other
important work. It is the responsibility of the HR manager to delegate the overloaded work to
some experts, who can accomplish that. For delegation, HR manager has to first identify the
tasks that others can do and then selecting the suitable person to perform it (Nilsson and
Ellström, 2012).
Avoid multitasking: In recent trend, the persons do multiple tasks at a time and thinks
that it will save their time. But this concept is wrong, as per the psychology multitasking does
not actually save time. In fact it has opposite impact on the work. Through routine multitasking
individual cannot focus on the task.
Stop Procrastinating: The management may put off tasks for variety of reasons that will
lead to overwhelming and unpleasant task. So, to overcome from this, HR manager of
Travelodge Hotel should break down the tasks in smaller parts which required the less time to
complete it. For implementation of this he may collect the materials or organize the notes. Try to
build up a reward system on the completion of each small task.
TASK 3
3.1 The roles people play in a team and process of working together to achieve shared goals
A team is formed of number of people to work together for a particular task. Different
roles are played by different team members to accomplish a task. The roles played by the team
members can be understood by taking the Belbin's theory. The theory states the different roles
that can be performed by the team members. The theory is based on three roles that are action
oriented roles, people oriented and thought oriented roles. These roles are further segregated in
three. By adopting this theory the particular role that an employee performs in a team can be seen
(O'Neil, 2014). The action oriented role includes shaper, implementer and completer- finisher.
The people come under the category of shaper are dynamic and extrovert people. People under
this category are ready to face obstacles and challenges. Whereas, people under the category of
implementer are the one who implement the plans and strategies into practical action. This kind
of people are disciplined and believe in completing the work systematically. Another one is
7

complete- finisher who examines the projects and eliminates the errors and omissions. Further,
people oriented
Illustration 1: Belbin's theory
(Source: Nilsson and Ellström, 2012)
Roles are explained in which three elements include. Coordinator is the one who helps
other team members and guide them to perform a work. Whereas team worker are the one who
supports the team and make sure the work of people is effectively done or not. Resource
investigator is the one who is innovative and brings new ideas (Pillai and et.al., 2012).
The last category is thought oriented roles in which again the three factors are included.
They are plant, monitor- evaluator and specialist. Where a person includes in the category of
plant is the innovative person. They believe in working apart from the team. Monitor- evaluator
makes strategic plans. Sometimes, they may become poor motivator. And the last one is
specialist, people under the category are good at having specialised knowledge to complete the
work.
3.2 Analyse team dynamics
Team dynamics can be defined as the process through which the behaviour of team
members can be analysed. The performance of team can affect the whole task. To understand the
concept of team dynamics, Tuckman's model can be taken into consideration. This model
consists of four factors i.e., Forming, storming, Norming and performing. According to the
following stages the behaviour of employees in team can be analysed.
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1. Forming stage: the behaviour of team members are positive and polite. They do not have
any idea about the work they need to perform. In this stage the role of team members are
not clear. This stage remains for some time till the work.
2. Storming stage: This is the next step in which employees start crossing their boundaries
of forming stage. In this stage there may a condition arises when people my create
conflicts. Employees may work in their own way at their personal level. But after being a
part of team it is important to take the thoughts together and implement them on one plan
(Rao, 2014).
3. Norming stage: In this stage a perfect level of understanding is created among the team
members. As a result, employees start to resolve their conflicts and differences. At this
stage they are able to understand the perceptions and behaviour of each other. They
started developing a good level of communication and understanding among the
employees.
4. Performing stage: This is the final stage of Tuckman's theory in which the whole team
work with one aim i.e. team goals. At this stage the chaos, conflicts and differences are
removed. A leader can divide the amount of work according to the abilities of the
employees.
The management of Travelodge can take the steps into consideration for understanding the team
dynamics of their organization's team.
Illustration 2: Tuckman's model
(Source: Rao, 2014)
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3.3 Suggest alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals
The team goals can be achieved by adopting certain ways which would help the team
leader to understand the alternatives. Mainly, there are three alternative ways to complete a task
and achieve team goals. They are mentioned below.
Setting standards: Setting team standards would help in accomplishing a task on time.
The set standards will also help the team to evaluate and improve their performance. The
evaluation of performance can be done by comparing the past performances with the present
ones. It aids in creating competitive environment in a team which leads to improve in group and
individual performance as well (Rosenberg, Heimler and Morote, 2012).
Communication: Communication is considered as the best way of expressing views and
ideas. At different level of hierarchy different form of communication is required. In a team all
the employees are equal. So, the form of communication can be used in a team is verbal. Proper
interaction would help the team to express view and thoughts. It leads to removal of confusions
and misinterpretation of thoughts. It is the duty of team member of Travelodge to conduct the
verbal communication sessions. So that it will broaden the relationships of employees with each
other.
Motivation: Motivation can be defined as the best tool to get work done by others. A
team leader should focus on motivating its members so that their willingness towards work will
tend to increase. The leader should give rewards and incentives that would enhance the morale of
employees. Sometimes, the situation arises when one may feel boredom in that situation the
leader makes sure to appreciate them. It will turn up the willingness and interest towards work.
TASK 4
4.1 Evaluate tools and methods for developing solutions to problems
Problem can be explained as an act due to which one is facing difficulty in completing a
task. Being a HR manager at Travelodge, I found my employees facing problems in the
organization. I also face problems at the time of dealing people and tasks. It is not necessary that
all the people have same point of view or perception. Thoughts of two persons may vary in a
situation. In that condition an argument may arise which can become a big problem. At that time
it becomes necessary to deal with the problem as soon as possible. To cope up with the conflicts
10

and situation I follow some methods and steps that help me find a solution of any problem
(Wang and Tsai, 2014).
Evaluate the problem: Analysis of the situation is important to find the actual reason
behind any problem. Diagrams and flowcharts can be used to gain a better solution of any issue.
It is necessary to writ the problem so that recalling again and again would help in finding the best
alternative.
Generate alternative solution: It is crucial to think from all the corners of a problem. So
that alternative solutions of a problem can be generated. Having more than one solution will
enhance the weight age of final solution. It would make the half task easy in decision making.
Evaluate and select the alternatives: After generation of alternative solution it is time
to evaluate the alternative by keeping in mind the interest of others. The final selection should
not hamper the values of others and must be coloured.
Implementation: It is the last step of the process in which the plan and strategies are
implemented. The most effective and suitable solution is taken as final solution of a given
problem in the company (Goodling, 2011).
4.2 Develop a strategy for solving the problem of labour turnover in an organization
Labours are known to be the most required people in the organization. They do a lot of
handwork and they are the base of an organization. The labour class of Travelodge includes
room service people, dishwashers, waiters and watchman. It is the duty of the management to
keep in minds the needs and demands of lower level. To resolve the problems the management
can provide feedback form to the labours. Or a short meeting or session can be conducted with
them. So that they can easily express their views and demands. It is necessary to take actions
against the demands of the labours. They must feel satisfied while working in the organization.
The management must make sure the interest of employees is valued or not. By keeping
in mind the above stated strategy the organization can solve the problem of labour turnover
(Gündüz, 2008).
4.3 Evaluate the potential impact on the business of implementing the strategy
A positive impact can be seen in the company by implementing the strategies. The major
problem that an organization faces is labour turnover. If the stated strategies are followed by the
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company, the cost of training can be minimised (Finch and et.al., 2013). However, the labour
would stay in the firm for long which leads to gain in experience. Having the experience
employees the company will not need to provide the training to new employees. Because the
training can be give by the existing employees at the workplace only. It would decrease the cost
of organization and as a result the company can increase its profits and revenues (Andrews and
Russell, 2012).
CONCLUSION
Employ-ability skills are the most important skills that one requires at the time of
employment. By adopting these skills one can improve one's performance. Report depicts the
various strategies to improve and develop employ-ability skills. It also showed the impact of
these skills in the organization. Travelodge is a leading hospitality industry in UK. The
organization works with an aim of being competitive in global level. By adopting the stated
techniques the company can maintain its image in the market.
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Dhiman, M.C., 2012. Employers' perceptions about tourism management employability skills.
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Pillai, S and et.al.,2012. Enhancing employability through industrial training in the Malaysian
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Rao, M.S., 2014. Enhancing employability in engineering and management students through soft
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Wang, Y.F. and Tsai, C.T., 2014. Employability of hospitality graduates: Student and industry
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