Hyatt ‘celebrates’ hardworking staff

  Hyatt Regency Saipan concluded its annual “Celebrating Our People” initiative yesterday, capping a three-day event aimed at embracing the hotel’s most valuable asset for their tremendous service and dedication to Hyatt’s unparalleled corporate culture and ideals.

Close to 200 associates trickled in droves at the hotel’s sprawling lovely gardens for a day of fun and fellowship as they shared a sumptuous lunch of fresh green salad and sashimi, barbecued chicken, and spareribs plus a delightful array of desserts.

The employees were seemingly laidback during the gathering, unmindful of the blazing summer heat as they savored their time off of work and with the company of colleagues.

From Monday until yesterday, the “Celebrating Our People” campaign also arranged for a number of activities for Hyatt’s formidable workforce which participated in Taga Fit, Total Black Out, Dodge Ball Classic, Tilapia Fishing, Desperate Housewives, Paddle Surf Race, Cook-off challenge, and the Departmental Obstacle Course.

Wednesday’s appreciation party was highlighted by the awarding ceremony for Hyatt’s most outstanding employees. Melanie Koch and Benjamin Babauta received trophies for winning the Best Hafa Adai Spirit awards.

Anthea Baltazar bagged the Leader of the Year award for the second consecutive year and also took home the Trainer of the Year award. She received trophies for both awards.

The Best Supporting Department went to Engineering and Landscaping, which received a towering trophy for ensuring that the hotel runs efficiently and with the highest standards of quality 24/7.

The coveted Hystar Award was bestowed on Benjamin Babauta for operations support and to William Arevalo for guest services support. Babauta and Arevalo each received $1,000 in cash, a trophy, and five days of extra annual leave.

Josephine Mesta, Hyatt human resources director, described the awardees as “exceptional” and passionate about understanding and demonstrating Hyatt values even if they have only been with the company for less than 10 years.

“They exemplify what Hyatt expects of their employees. I’m very proud of who they are for representing the company’s culture and values,” she told Saipan Tribune.

According to Mesta, “Celebrating Our People” sends a “very strong” message that Hyatt considers its employees as its most important asset, validating its standing as the “preferred employer” anywhere in the world.

“Happy employees make happy customers,” Mesta explained. “If you take care of your employees, they would surely take care of our guests. It works that way. I hope that other companies would take that up and appreciate their employees a little bit more.”