56 Nationalities and 32 Languages Represented in the 600 Strong Workforce at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

With more than 600 employees needed to serve the 374 guest rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, scheduled to open in September, Ritz-Carlton human resources professionals around the globe have combined efforts to fill these positions with qualified individuals. The result is a truly international service team representing a total of 56 nationalities speaking 32 different languages, including 123 employees transferring from Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts around the world. Approximately 80 percent of the vacancies are now filled.

Qualified Ritz-Carlton professionals around the world provided assistance to Doha’s human resources department, conducting the more than 3,250 interviews that have already taken place with prospective employees. The largest contingent, 58 employees, is making the move across the Arabian Gulf from The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. Managers from The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun traveled to Havana to interview Cuban nationals for the hotel’s Habanos Cigar Bar. The Ritz Carlton, Bali has contributed more than 15 Indonesian ladies and gentlemen to the hotel’s workforce. Another 40 outside applicants are from Bali’s hotel school, “Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata.”

Four European hotel schools, including the Cesar Ritz University, were included in the two month long recruitment road show which traveled through Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Thailand and Indonesia. Acknowledging the importance of providing jobs to Qatari nationals, a mass hiring is scheduled to take place in Doha in June to attract candidates from the local Arabian population.

Each prospective employee participates in one of the most stringent selection processes in the hospitality industry. Every candidate is required to undergo a comprehensive quality selection program to ensure they possess the required skills and disposition to deliver the international hotel company’s unique brand of personalized service.

After an employee is selected, a relocation kit is sent to the individual prior to departure providing important information on Qatar and advice on making transition to a new country as easy as possible. Upon arrival at Doha International Airport, a welcome team led by general manager Darrell Sheaffer greets each new employee and personally escorts them to their new residence where their immediate needs have been anticipated. A stocked refrigerator, toiletries and even a salary advance in the local currency awaits them.

“We are in the hospitality industry,” said Darrell Sheaffer “and we must extend the same warm welcome to our employees as we ask them to provide to our guests.” Worldwide, The Ritz‑Carlton, Hotel Company enjoys one of the lowest turnover rates in the industry and The Ritz‑Carlton, Doha intends to reflect an annual turnover rate of less than 20 percent.