MEDIA

Summer Leisure Travel Means No Break From Employee Crises and Concerns

June 7, 2013  |   tagGeneral

With the summer travel season swinging into high gear, employee crises and concerns never take a break, which is why the unique strategic initiative of workplace chaplains like Marketplace Chaplains has found a fast-growing acceptance in leisure facilities like hotels, country clubs and resorts.

Marketplace Chaplains, the country’s largest and original workplace chaplaincy program, currently serve in more than 23 different types of companies around the country, in more than 3,000 client company locations, across 44 states and 978 cities, serving the needs of over 536,000 employees, their family members, guests, and customers alike, through care and compassion.

Some of the 23 industries served by Marketplace Chaplains include dozens of hotels, motels, resorts and recreational facilities. It also serves several country clubs, two of which include the Northwood Club in Dallas, and Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, all of which are nearing peak season.

“When my father was in the hospital in Austin (Texas), the chaplain came there to visit him and it was very comforting to know they were there to pay a visit. I really appreciated that,” said PGA Head Professional, Bob Elliott, at the Northwood Club.

“Just the fact they’re here to help with my crew has been huge, and they have helped out in many different ways and crises,” added Course Superintendent, Kevin Carpenter.

“There are a lot of temptations in this business that can lead people astray, and  the workplace chaplaincy program is the biggest human resource support you can ever have,” said longtime Texas hospitality resort expert Jack Parker, whose multi-decade career spans several workplace chaplaincy programs.

Courtney Connell said he experienced Marketplace Chaplains when he worked with Parker in the past, and is experiencing it again first-hand in his role as Head Golf Pro at Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.  He has seen the impact it can make in employees’ lives, working in what people consider a ‘carefree’ business.

“The chaplains at Mira Vista are listening, caring and getting to know the employees needs and their issues,” said Connell. “I have seen it work as a great benefit for our employees and our club.”

Marketplace Chaplains also works with dozens of hotels and motels all over the Southeast, along with the famed Biltmore Estate and Inn on Biltmore Estate, in Asheville, North Carolina.

With the recovering American economy propelling more domestic travelers than ever, it has brought increased business and employee stresses to popular resorts like the massive Biltmore.

“We have been pleased with our level of service (from our chaplains),” said Bill Cecil, President and CEO. “They have made special connections with our employees in times of need, such as family illness and death, and in times of celebration like weddings.”

The Generation Companies, based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, has seen an increase in its business at dozens of hotels and finds comfort in having a workplace chaplain.

“These employees need an advocate and that’s what our workplace chaplains are there to do,” said Ron Jacobsen, Vice President of Operations for Generation Companies.

Marketplace Chaplains 2,741 workplace chaplains not only help the employees and their family members of their client companies, but also their guests and customers alike.  Whether travelling for business or pleasure, stresses and crises can and will occur. Regardless of the reason for travel, chaplains are there to help.

“It’s key to remember that while people are pursuing leisure activities in the summer, the needs and concerns of employees and their families never go away. That’s why these innovative leaders have chosen Marketplace Chaplains to serve their associates,” said Richard S. De Witt, President and COO of Marketplace Chaplains.