Bike rides & quizzes | HR leader on engaging live-in staff during pandemic

Many HR leaders had their work cut out for them over the last year, namely because none had ever dealt with a global pandemic before. This meant that many leaders had to furlough staff, implement remote working policies and manage employee wellbeing form afar.

For one HR leader, however, another challenge presented itself. Rohaise Rose-Bristow, People Director and Co-owner of Highlands-based The Torridon, was no stranger to furloughing staff due to the closure of hotels throughout the pandemic, but for this hotel employees lived on-site due to its rural location in Scotland.

Due to this, Rose-Bristow had to continue looking after staff on-site, despite them being unable to work. “It’s like running another hotel really,” she told HR Grapevine. To find out how this HR leader continued to support its employees, while also maintaining engagement while they were furloughed through activities such as bike rides and quizzes, HR Grapevine spoke with Rose-Bristow to get her insights…

Has your rural location impacted the way you have managed staff at The Torridon?