Singapore - Ritz-Carlton has rolled out a new initiative which aims to provide employees with job security.

The newly-launched Multi-Tasking Programme (MTP) was launched on 28th January at the hotel's Chinese restaurant. According to HR director Cecilia Chia, the rationale behind MTP is to safeguard employees with jobs during this downturn.

Under the MTP scheme, the hotel will reduce its reliance on casual labour, especially for banquet events, and redeploy employees to these jobs instead. By doing so, Chia says it helps reduce labour cost and increase employee productivity. Ritz-Carlton will also ensure employees get the minimum 250 hours of training. Chia says employees will learn a new skill and enhance their knowledge about the new department that they are sent to.

"This allows them not only to build camaraderie with another department, it also helps them understand the operations there and even contribute great ideas to improve things. They are also able to see their current role and department in relation to other departments," she adds.

Before implementing MTP, the company held communication sessions in late 2008 with leaders, employees and the union. This two-way feedback session was important for transparency and feedback for them to understand the objectives of MTP, Chia says. "Most of them have been working here for many years, they understand the situation and are fully committed to do their part and help the hotel go through these tough times."