Pros
Insurance benefits are decent. Associates who leave IH as very well-versed in their market & reports. One of the BEST, most successful elements is their cross-hotel bonus program, open to all associates (but utilized most frequently by sales). Anyone who refers a client to a sister property is given a 10% bonus from the business leads that actualize. Other franchise companies have similar bonus programs, but Island's I-Lead program is particularly well-run. It is promoted from key players in corporate office, followed up on for payment in a timely manner, and easy to process on the property level. The program results in continued interaction among all the hotel reps in their portfolios, cross-brand product training, and company loyalty on the part of associates & paying customers. Associates felt they actively contributed to the company's success through the measurable commission payments & by the thank you notes accompanying their bonus, which makes them want to continue the referrals. This was the only area in which employees felt appreciated by the corporate office.
Cons
These reviews show employees feel the company leads primarily by fear versus encouragement. The execs do not make successful attempts to control their tempers & are moody at best, vicious at worst. When service scores are low, managers are expected to put in 6-7 day work weeks and 10-12 hour days (not to mention give up their vacation time), which makes the quality of leadership presence tired, resentful, and impatient - which does not promote an environment that leads to better scores or return business. Hourly employees learn professional advancement is more dangerous than playing small. The fear of being fired without warning/reasons is strong & results in: micromanagement, wasted time on irrelevant details, accusations/blame & loss of trust. When fear is in the workplace, people blame. My advice to prospective and current employees: back your decisions up in writing. If you're in sales & quote rates, print out the current demand, inventory, selling rates, & comp set shops at the time of the quote & keep it in the file. Inevitably, market conditions change & you will be questioned/blamed for a decision made months prior to arrival. If you have declining market share or bad guest service scores, be prepared for detailed explanations. Good decisions by managers were very rarely acknowledged. Because positive reinforcement was minimal and reprimands were plentiful - team members learned to do the bare minimum.
