"People  need and want acceptance,  approval,  and  recognition,"  says  Payne.   The most important actions you can take to respond to those needs are communicate, communicate, communicate, recognize, recognize, recognize, thank, thank, and thank."  After that,  Payne recommends developing ongoing weekly or monthly programs that will keep employees connected to you emotionally, create  excitement,  and make your business unique compared to  your nearby competitors.  Here are just ten ideas Payne offers to reap the rewards of satisfied employees. 
 
 

At American Hospitality Management hotels, Professional Certification  through  the  Educational Institute of  the  American Hotel  & Motel Association is required within the first 120  days for  all line-level employees and supervisors.   Department heads and  general  managers are also required to pursue  certification within appropriate time periods. 

"Don't  underestimate  the power of developing your  staff," Payne advises.  "Investing in staff in various ways,  especially with certification at every level, goes a long way toward helping retention.   And improving the employee retention problem will go a long way towards solving the recruiting problem."  Payne recommends  certification  because it creates the framework  for  each 
hospitality  professional by defining exactly what it takes to be successful in a particular role. 

"Certification creates a  level  playing   field" says Payne, "especially  when  a  company operates  hotels  of  various brands.  And it provides a new starting point for ongoing professional  and  leadership growth.   If anyone is serious about  the hospitality industry and committed to a career in it,  certification is a must."