The Sandals resort chain recently held a second group-wide meeting for 2024 that saw Adam Stewart, its executive chairman, address employees from nine countries including The Bahamas.

The event showcased various projects focused on enhancing both the staff experience and resort offerings. It featured the launch of the Sandals PALM Pass, a staff discount programme offering savings across a wide range of merchants including supermarkets, restaurants, gyms and travel services.

“This is our way of easing the burden of rising global costs,” Mr Stewart said. “I’ve seen our head office working tirelessly, reaching out to business leaders across the Caribbean to make this happen.” He credited the success of the initiative to the employee experience division, spearheaded by corporate manager Jamie Green, and emphasised that it is only the beginning of Sandals’ efforts to enrich the lives of its workers.

The PALM Pass is part of a package that includes improved gratuity offerings and expanded discounted rates for team members and their families. These initiatives were informed by a group-wide survey earlier this year, where staff were invited to suggest how Sandals could elevate the employee experience.

“Because you spoke, we listened,” Mr Stewart affirmed, addressing thousands of employees both in-person and online. Building on feedback from the survey, Sandals established eight pillars of employee welfare, which focus on communication, social engagement, collaboration, health and wellness, recognition and innovation.

Mr Green described these as akin to a chef’s recipe for crafting the perfect dish. One initiative, Project Sparkle, has already transformed a dozen staff restaurants across the group, with six more renovations in the pipeline.

“From mental health initiatives to improved dining facilities, we’re ensuring these pillars touch every level of the organisation,” Mr Green said. “So whether you are a supervisor, a team member, or at any level of the organisation, you will feel the impact of the eight pillars of employee experience.”

Mr Stewart also focused on Sandals Corporate University (SCU), the fully funded training ground empowering employees to grow within the company. Success stories, such as those of Delino Moss and Tamon Allen, who advanced from entry-level roles to senior management, highlight the opportunities available.

“These stories are just a snapshot of the magic happening in this company and that has been happening for years,” Mr Stewart said. “We are a people business. The real horsepower that makes us who we are is our 18,500 team members.”

Looking ahead, Sandals also announced plans for new resorts in The Bahamas, Jamaica,and other destinations, promising more than 5,000 new hires and 300 managerial positions. Mr Stewart encouraged employees to enroll in the SCU, reiterating that Sandals is dedicated to promoting from within.

“When we grow, you grow,” he said. “I’m offering to 100 percent of our team members in this company that, if you have the right attitude and aptitude, I’ll pay for it. I’ll take you, with our team, to levels you may not be able to reach on your own. Why? Because it’s good for you, and if it’s good for you, it’s great for this company. And if it’s great for this company, we’re going to the moon. And that is the plan. We believe in education.”