Author Archives: Quinn Pochekailo

National Plan for Vacation Day | December 2023 Insider

A Celebration of Paid Time Off

National Plan for Vacation Day, observed on the last Tuesday of January, is a call to action for professionals, particularly in high-demand sectors like ours, to prioritize planning their Paid Time Off for the year. This observance aligns with Guest Services’ commitment to employee well-being and holistic development. In this fast-paced environment, where dedication to providing exceptional experiences is paramount, it is equally important for our team members to take time for personal rejuvenation. Utilizing PTO is critical for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and contributes to overall job satisfaction and productivity.

PTO is highly valued by employees, with national surveys indicating that a significant majority of people believe having paid time off is essential. Despite its importance, many employees do not fully utilize their PTO, with around 46% of the country’s workers not using up all of their available time off.

Planning vacations has demonstrable benefits, including improved mental health, increased creativity, and enhanced workplace morale. It offers an opportunity for employees to disconnect, explore new places, engage in leisure activities, or simply relax, leading to a refreshed and revitalized return to work. This proactive approach to vacation planning, encouraged by National Plan for Vacation Day, ensures that employees can schedule their time off in a manner that benefits both their personal needs and the operational requirements of the company. So let’s start planning!

 

Employee Discounts

As you prepare for National Plan for Vacation Day, remember to leverage our Employee Discount program for your getaways. The program is our way of saying thank you for your hard work and dedication. You’re entitled to 50% off on a variety of services, such as lodging, dining, and recreational activities. This includes cheaper rates at some of the most iconic destinations in the country.

To take advantage of our Employee Discount program, you will need to present proof of employment with Guest Services. Proof of your employment can easily be accessed through The Core at www.TheCore.GuestServices.com.

Once you are on the homepage of The Core, click My Profile, Actions, and Launch Employee ID. You will be asked to sign your ID, which requires entering your username and password. To access the signed Employee ID, click My Profile, Documents, and then click on the Documents icon.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy what our company has to offer at great value!

DEI Updates | November 2023 Insider

In light of current global challenges, it’s important to respect and acknowledge the diverse experiences and challenges our colleagues may face. Last month’s ERG meetings were a vibrant mix of culture and learning. If you missed them, here’s a recap: The Hola Group celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, rewarding Virtual Scavenger Hunt winners with authentic hot sauce. The Believe group welcomed a speaker from Riott Change to discuss allyship and surprised participants with Candy Bags on Halloween. Our Women’s ERG shone a spotlight on our HR team, offering insights into their roles, while Kaleidoscope shared empowering videos about embracing authenticity at work. All these enriching sessions are recorded and available on the intranet. We’re very encouraged by the overall increasing engagement in these meetings, thank you to all who attend and make them possible!

As we step into November, we recognize Indigenous Heritage Month, a time to appreciate and learn about the significant contributions of Native Americans and the history of colonization that has affected Indigenous people. PBS is featuring an exceptional lineup of programming for this observance.

We continue to encourage and appreciate your suggestions and ideas on how we can foster a more inclusive and understanding workplace. Let’s continue to support each other and embrace the diverse perspectives and experiences within our community.

2023 Inductees to the 25 Year Club

We proudly introduce the 2023 inductees to the 25-Year Club, honoring their unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions across various roles and locations. Thank you for all you do!

 

Brian Crawford Knight, Columbia Island Marina

Brian Crawford Knight, a cook at Columbia Island Marina, has been a reliable and skilled presence at Guest Services for an impressive 50 years! Known for his delicious food and vast culinary knowledge, his colleagues and management value him for his dependability and resilience in all working conditions. “Brian has a library of knowledge built up over years of experience, but maybe even greater than his acquired skill is his constancy and utter dependability,” says Bruce Ward, GM. Brian is also known for his love of deep-sea fishing and annual family cruises.

 

Char Broadus, Holocaust Museum Café

Char Broadus has excelled in managing the Holocaust Museum Café’s kitchen and catering for over 15 years, demonstrating an exceptional ability to work under pressure and maintain strong relationships with clients and staff. His extensive knowledge and quick problem-solving skills are consistently praised by management. He is also deeply dedicated to his mother and a passionate football fan. Char’s loyalty and comprehensive understanding of the café’s operations make him an invaluable team member.

 

Trang Doan Pham, Boeing NRO

Trang Doan Pham, having worked under Ashley Rodriguez’s supervision since 2021, is renowned for her expertise in managing the salad bar and creating delicious, cost-effective salads. She is appreciated by customers and colleagues alike for her time management skills, recipe creation, and station knowledge. Besides her professional achievements, Trang is also known for her dedication to caring for her elderly mother.

 

Thea Crosier, Florida Southern College

Thea Crosier, an Administrative Manager at Florida Southern College, has been an integral part of the institution for over 25 years, handling complex accounting and HR tasks with exceptional organization and multitasking skills. Besides her professional expertise, Thea is dedicated to humanitarian causes, sponsoring children and college students in India, and enjoys quilting and gardening. Her positive attitude and forward-thinking approach have been crucial in navigating the college’s challenging demands.

 

Patrick Godwin, Florida Southern College

Patrick Godwin, a part-time baker at Florida Southern College since 2015, is celebrated for his artisan breads and high-volume baking consistency, contributing significantly to various dining outlets. His colleagues and clients, including the College President, admire his quiet, focused work ethic. Outside of work, Patrick enjoys gardening and spending time with his family, including his partner of 29 years and their two Shih Tzu dogs.

 

Celebrating Milestones of Dedication and Service

Once again, congratulations to our 25 Year Club inductees, and thank you for your dedication! We also proudly recognize team members who have reached the 30, 35, and 40-year milestones, exemplifying an enduring commitment to Guest Services, Inc.

30 Year Milestone

Brenda Wimbush – 30 years, Natural History – Food
Raymond Palmer – 30 years, Boeing – Southwest

35 Year Milestone

Cindy Fincham – 35 years, WTC LM Food and Beverage
Henry Hurdle – 35 years, HPDTA Housekeeping Support Svc

40 Year Milestone

Vernon Fenwick – 40 years, East Potomac Tennis – Rec
Chris Shuck – 40 years, Giants Ridge Ski
Susan Pourian – 40 years, Indian Room – Non GSA