MONTEGO BAY, St James – Some people may find it unusual for any company to stage a staff awards ceremony four times yearly.

But for the management of Secrets Resorts and Spas in Montego Bay recognisiong outstanding members of their staff in a very special way every quarter has been the norm since the resort opened its doors more than two years ago.

“We want to recognise the best employees and supervisors every quarter, but importantly, the most loyal people,” said Emilio Huhn, Secrets general manager.

“Our loyal staff are the ones who make a difference and make our guests always want to return because of the treatment and honesty meted out to them during their stay,” Huhn said, making special reference to Nicola Davis, an employee who found a guest’s wallet and made every effort to have it returned to the visitor.

For her act of honesty, Davis, a room attendant, was publicly recognised and was given the Spirit of Honesty award at the resort’s recent staff awards ceremony.

Pointing out that employees were quite motivated about their job, Huhn said those who share the best ideas on how management can do a better job to make a guest more satisfied are also rewarded, once the idea is implemented.

“Everybody is involved and makes a decision as a manager,” Huhn said. Every employee can make a decision for a guest, as long as it is in the guest’s best interest.”

Asked what he believes is the motivating factor behind the employees’ drive, Huhn replied: “We train our staff constantly and I believe that’s the most important thing.”

“Every employee knows that their salary comes from a guest and that their future is attached to a happy customer, who will go and spread the word about the hotel and Jamaica at large.”

There are over 1,000 persons employed to the twin property— Secrets St James and Secrets Wild Orchid.

Of that amount roughly 10 per cent are nominated quarterly for awards.

Some 33 employees were awarded at the recent awards ceremony, covering categories such as employees and leaders (managers) for the months of September through December 2012; most mentioned staff on Facebook and Trip Advisor; best idea for the quarter as well as spirit of honesty.