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With holistic talent development and inclusive leadership, the hotel is redefining how hospitality brands invest in their people to drive business success, foster innovation, and build a deeply engaged workforce.
This article is brought to you by W Macau - Studio City.
Nestled in the vibrant Macau’s Cotai Strip, W Macau – Studio City, part of Marriott International's global portfolio, is more than a luxury destination – it is a trailblazer in human capital excellence.
Built on a ‘put people first’ philosophy, the hotel has earned industry acclaim for its human-centric HR strategy across workplace culture, talent development, and inclusive leadership at the recent HR Excellence Awards (HREA) in Hong Kong.
“This is a significant achievement for W Macau - Studio City, showcasing the passion and dedication of every talent,” says Adrian Chan, General Manager, W Macau - Studio City.
“This recognition motivates us to continue innovating and investing in our people and striving for excellence. It also reinforces our position as an employer of choice in the hospitality industry, while celebrating the dedication of our HR team. Further, it strengthens our brand reputation, enabling us to attract top talent and maintain high standards in service delivery.”
A culture built on empowerment and engagement
At the heart of W Macau - Studio City’s success is a workplace culture where talents feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow. “Our people are our greatest asset. We understand that treating our talents well leads to exceptional customer service," asserts Chan.
This philosophy is translated into strategic HR initiatives grounded in five core values: putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity, and serving the world. From the ‘30 Days Luxury Onboarding’ experience that immerses new hires in the brand’s culture to flexible work arrangements and a comprehensive wellness programme, every stage of the employee journey at W Macau - Studio City is designed to be meaningful and supportive.
To create a dynamic and empowering environment, the hotel takes a holistic approach to talent development. Its structured internship programme identifies and nurtures future leaders; 'Individual Development Plans (IDPs)' empower employees to set personalised growth goals; and a mentorship network connects staff with senior leaders for guidance and knowledge sharing. The 'Digital Learning Zone (DLZ)' offers a wide range of online training courses, complemented by AI-driven platforms that personalise learning and track progress, ensuring learning is both accessible and impactful.
With a workforce of 500 talents, representing 12 nationalities and a near-equal gender balance (55% male, 45% female), the hotel celebrates individuality and champions diversity and inclusion. Initiatives such as Pride Month celebrations, International Women’s Day events, and inclusive grooming policies reflect its commitment to authenticity and respect. All talents also undergo harassment and human trafficking training during onboarding, reinforcing a safe and equitable environment from day one.
Leadership that listens and leads
A defining feature of the hotel’s HR success is the active involvement of its leadership. Senior executives regularly participate in feedback initiatives, ensuring that voices are heard and valued. They also promote a learning mindset, encouraging team members to pursue continuous development and innovation. This authentic leadership fosters a culture of transparency and open communication, inspiring talents to engage fully and contribute to shared success.
One standout leader is Dennif Lai, Director of Human Resources (pictured below), whose strategic approach to talent management, recruitment, and training earned him the gold award for the HR Leader of the Year category at the HREA.
Sustaining excellence
Looking ahead, W Macau – Studio City remains focused on adaptability, resilience, and cultivating an engaged, purpose-driven workforce. Key priorities include advancing data-driven decision-making, expanding talent mobility, deepening DEI efforts, strengthening talent pipeline, and broadening wellness initiatives.
By embedding a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous development, W Macau – Studio City is not only shaping the future of hospitality – it is setting a new benchmark for balancing operational excellence while staying responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of today's talent.
Photos / W Macau - Studio City
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices – head over to our Behind the Win section!
Want to be part of the celebration next year? If you’re ready to showcase your achievements and join the ranks of our winners, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Gloria Yam to learn how you can enter the awards and stand a chance to win.
Are you a respected industry leader? We’re also inviting senior HR professionals to join our esteemed panel of judges. If you’re passionate about recognising excellence and shaping the future of the industry, contact Selina Kwok to explore judging opportunities.
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