Stability rather than staff turnover

Hamburg, 1st March 2023

The privately run Hotel Hafen Hamburg opened its doors to guests from all over the world more than four decades ago. Almost as long as the history of this traditional hotel is the career of some of its employees: the longest current tenure stands at an impressive 41 years. Hotel Director Enrico Ungermann knows how to retain employees for many decades in an industry where high staff turnover is the norm.

Hotel Hafen Hamburg offers space for individuality, development, and new ideas

Hotel Hafen Hamburg stands for Hanseatic tradition and continuity, but it has continuously evolved over the past years. In 1987, the tower was added, which today shapes Hamburg’s skyline around the Landungsbrücken. In 1999, the hotel was expanded with a new building, increasing the number of rooms to 380. Space for personal development and growth is also provided to the hotel’s employees, who are as unique as the property itself.

“Despite the size of 380 rooms, we maintain a very family-like atmosphere, which is highly appreciated by our employees. Thanks to the positive working environment and the open corporate culture, we manage to keep staff turnover at such a low level,” says Enrico Ungermann, Director of Hotel Hafen Hamburg.

Employees strongly identify with the hotel, its values, and the city of Hamburg. Even in early talent development, Hotel Hafen Hamburg focuses on individual strengths. For example, apprentices can acquire additional qualifications tailored to their skills and interests. This is complemented by fair compensation, Sunday and holiday pay premiums, and precise time tracking.

The ongoing shortage of skilled workers in hospitality and gastronomy is making it increasingly difficult for companies to find qualified staff. This makes employee retention all the more important for Director Enrico Ungermann: “A strong driver of change in the world of work was the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the subsequent shortage of skilled workers. This forced – positively seen – a rethinking and restructuring. Home office, video conferencing, virtual teams, and advancing digitalization are the result,” Ungermann explains.

Being able to respond to changing circumstances is a key factor in successful personnel management. Remaining attractive as an employer and placing greater focus on the individual are equally important. Through this combination, Hotel Hafen Hamburg has managed to retain skilled employees for decades. The fact that the hotel is privately owned also plays a major role. Short decision-making processes and flat hierarchies enable flexible adjustments and allow employees to participate in various projects. “In our unique workplace, there is space for individuality, development, and new ideas. My area of responsibility is so diverse that it never gets boring,” says Jana Weise, who has worked in the F&B department at Hotel Hafen Hamburg for 16 years. For the hotel director, this is the key to success: “Those who feel valued as individuals within a company and are given opportunities to grow do not look elsewhere for new challenges,” Enrico Ungermann summarizes.

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E: hotelhafenhamburg@biss-pr.de