Continental Contractors, Inc. has been a member of the hotel design and construction industry for more than 20 years. Packed full of fun, hospitable, innovative, hardworking, and dedicated people, it is an amazing group to be a part of. The sheer number and diversity of individuals involved in any hotel renovation or new-build project are astounding. Each stakeholder – hotel owners, brokers, designers and architects, construction teams, skilled tradespeople, and property management – plays a vital role.

As general contractors, we at Continental Contractors understand that our role, while pivotal, is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Beyond the brilliance of architecture and design, it is crucial to acknowledge the coordination, resources, and tenacity of everyone involved. From the purchasing agent ensuring timely delivery to the project manager crafting countless budgets, the list of professionals who deserve recognition is too long to create, even for one single project.

In light of current industry challenges, including the impact of the pandemic, recognizing and retaining talent has become even more important. From property level staff to designers and contractors, many of the companies listed above as stakeholders are having a hard time backfilling roles previously held by workers with many years of experience. Perhaps, then, the industry could look to the research on employee recognition as a means to retain some of those knowledgeable and skilled members of the workforce. Research shows that recognition can be a powerful tool in addressing these staffing shortages. According to a recent survey by OnePoll, 46% of respondents left a job because they felt unappreciated, while another 65% said they would work harder if they felt like their contributions were noticed by management. Not only are employees focused on what their supervisors think, 65% of respondents felt that they would stay at a job with an unappreciative manager if they received appreciation from their peers.

Hotel renovation projects are harder now than they have ever been. Financing is more difficult and expensive, margins are slim, contracts are more complicated, and supply chain challenges persist. Amid these difficulties, assembling a cohesive team with a proven track record is a challenging and invaluable achievement. When such a team exists – and the owner, construction manager, designer, purchasing agent, and general contractor are all in lockstep – that is something to be celebrated. As an industry, we should continue to applaud the work and creativity behind transactions and transformational designs, but also go a step further and take the time to appreciate the contributions that each team member makes toward the completion of a successful project.

Steps are being taken to celebrate industry contributions, such as the announcement of the inaugural Structures of Hospitality Excellence Award presented by NEWH, the Hospitality Industry Network. This award will recognize general contracting firms within the hospitality industry and is a great opportunity for owners, architects, and designers to nominate general contractors who have helped bring their visions to reality. The Radical Innovation Awards recognizes not only innovation in hospitality design, but in the product space as well. Yet, beyond these formal recognitions, there are countless smaller opportunities to express appreciation. And so we must create small moments that count. Sending an email to the owner of a subcontracting firm recognizing his installers’ professionalism. Taking time to make a phone call with positive feedback to a plumbing distributor. Acknowledging the positive and cooperative approach by a director of engineering or housekeeping during a daily stand up meeting. The little moments don’t require a stage or a crowd, and every one of us can create them, every single day.

As we navigate the complexities of today’s hospitality design and construction landscape, remember that recognition is a powerful tool in building stronger teams and retaining our industry’s most valuable assets – its people. Every gesture of appreciation, no matter how small, contributes to a culture where every stakeholder feels valued and motivated. By recognizing the contributions of each member of our teams, we not only foster a more positive environment but also pave the way for continued innovation and success in our industry. Let’s commit to making recognition a daily practice, ensuring that every achievement, big or small, is celebrated and that everyone involved knows they are an essential part of our shared success.

–Renee Bagshaw, COO