Treating the employees in a way that is comfortable for them is crucial when it comes to employer-employee relations. Thus, every state has legislation that protects the rights of the workers as well as their health and safety. It is also important to provide the employees with an appropriate level of financial support (Emerson, 2009, p. 551). However, no matter what legislation a state has, the employer should understand that workers are people that have human rights to be accepted and treated with respect. A great example of the corporation that got it right when it comes to treating employees well is the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts run by Isadore Sharp.
Treating Employees Right so They Treat Customers Right
The Forbes article Four Seasons Leader Isadore Sharp: Treat Employees Right So They Treat Customers Right by Micah Solomon examines the success of one of the leaders in the hospitality industry, The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as well as the rules and policies the company has concerning corporate ethics. Founder and Chairperson Isadore Sharp built a massive brand in the hospitality industry that includes ninety-three hotels worldwide. Sharp is an advocate for longstanding relationships between employers, employees, and all other entities involved in creating a great experience for the customers. The Four Seasons corporate framework says, “In all our interactions with our guests, customers, business associates and colleagues, we seek to deal with others as we would have them deal with us” (as cited in Solomon, 2015). This approach has brought great success to the company, as well as given amazing results when it comes to employee retention and employee engagement.
The company’s main decision of making the quality of the services higher led to the decision of treating the employees correctly, so they wanted to work at the company. For the employees to perform at their best, it was important for the Four Seasons to treat them with respect and dignity as well as to create a team environment comfortable to work in.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, this task at first was very challenging, as some experienced senior-level workers in the company did not want to be treated the same way as the younger generation of employees. Those who did not want to abide by the rules were fired because of an improper attitude. It took the Four Seasons many years of hard work to become what the company is now in terms of corporate relationships. The main purpose was doing the right thing for the corporation and never compromising in the way the employees are treated. Now, with more than 45,000 employees working for the Four Seasons, the rock-solid reputation for the quality of services distinguishes the company from other competitors in the field (Solomon, 2015).
Another sound approach of Mr. Sharp’s workplace philosophy is the approach towards the idea of leadership. In his opinion, leadership is something that should be earned by a person over time. The only way leadership can become effective is when a person earns the trust and respect of the employees. Once the person earns the respect, then he or she can influence the workplace. An effective leader can get employees beyond their possibilities and encourage them to do their best at the job they love.
Legal Issues Addressed
The National Labor Relations Act states that employees have a right to “organize and bargain collectively with their employers, and to engage in other protected concerted activity” (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.). This issue is one of the main aspects of the article, as the company was the advocate for tight cooperation between employees and the employer. The key to the Four Seasons’ success was not only treating employees right but also cooperating with them in the most important aspects of the working process.
Unions are also important when it comes to the matter of treating employees right. The statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Standards show that there 12.3 percent of workers are involved in union relations, although it is much more prevalent among government employees (Halbert & Ingulli, 2012, p. 58). The Four Seasons does not limit employees in creating unions, although, with the transparency of the company’s corporate ethics, a union can be unnecessary.
Lessons Learned. Conclusion
The main idea of the Forbes article by Micah Solomon on The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and the owner Isadore Sharp is to show that good corporate ethics, as well as a respectful attitude towards employees, are key elements in building a strong business. Not only the employees will treat the customers right, but they also will be respectful of the employers that do their best in creating a friendly and comfortable environment in the company. No matter what laws are there concerning the protection of employees in the workplace, the employer should treat all workers as people and guarantee a safe and inspiring working process.
References
Emerson, R. W. (2009). Business Law (5th ed.). Hauppage, NY: Barron’s Educational Series Inc.
Halbert, T., & Ingulli, E. (2012). Law and ethics in the business environment (7th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.
Solomon, M. (2015). Four Seasons Leader Isadore Sharp: Treat Employees Right So They Treat Customers Right. Web.
U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act. Web.