Cut costs through training programs

Manage risk and stay in compliance

OLYMPIA — The value in even a little training for your employees goes beyond mitigating risk – it can protect you from citations, penalties and lawsuits.

For example, in lodging, all housekeepers, laundry and maintenance workers have an occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) and must be trained. While one BBP citation can be a minimal cost, a second one becomes a repeat/willful violation and costs could result in a multiplier of up to 10%.

Another example lies with the Isolated Workers’ Safety law that began Jan. 1, 2020, for hotels and motels with 60 and more rooms. All other hotels and motels must comply by Jan. 1, 2021. One aspect of this law requires hotel and motel housekeepers and room service attendants receive mandatory sexual harassment prevention training.

Did you know the Washington State Retail Food Code is changing in 2020? A new proposed rule says one person per establishment must be certified as a Food Protection Manager. Not only do we offer this training through ServSafe Manager, but we have it at a discounted rate for members. One certified manager can pass on advanced food safety knowledge to all your employees, making your business considerably safer.

Jesse Eggers, executive director of CARDAN Hospitality, Inc., which owns IHOPs in the Spokane area, regularly sends employees to ServSafe Manager training hosted by the association.

“Our employees have to protect the food safety for the customers,” Eggers said. “Those leaders, who have received the training, are going to pass on their knowledge to others because that’s what leaders do. Leaders impact other people.”

Food safety training ensures you are serving safe food to your customers and community. Closing your business for even one day because of a health department violation can impact your bottom line. The ServSafe Manager course can alleviate stress for you and continue to enforce better food safety practices with your employees.

The Education Foundation (EF) offers all these trainings and similar wraparound services such as first aid/CPR/AED and unconscious bias training to help you stay in compliance and avoid risk.

Labor shortage: Invest in employee growth and earn their commitment

When you train your employees, you’re showing them you’re committed and invested in their success, just as they’re committed to your success and likewise that of your business.

Work with your employees to figure out what their goals are, then incorporate them into a career path within your business. That career path will highlight training opportunities you can provide them and not only earn their trust but retain them for the long-term.

“If you invest in employees, you’re showing them that they’re worthwhile,” said Mike Lewis, supervisor/district manager of the Tumwater Domino’s Pizza. “It gives them loyalty.”

This sentiment is echoed by Ryan Utesch, general manager of Jersey Mike’s, in Bonney Lake.

“Training helps show the employee that the company is committed to the employee.” Utesch said. “When your company invests in training, you as the employee know that the company wants you to grow and become a better you.”

The EF provides those opportunities with professional grade hospitality certifications for all levels. These are nationally recognized and accredited certifications through the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute that require not just coursework and an exam, but also hours of hands-on industry experience.

Seattle’s Pan Pacific Hotel needed training opportunities that fit into their budget – we were able to work with them and provide those opportunities.

“Our training budget is smaller than bigger companies or franchises. How do we still provide our leaders with the training they need,” Jessica Horton, director of people support at Seattle’s Pan Pacific Hotel, asked. “That’s where you guys [Washington Hospitality Association] come in.”

The EF delivers top-notch programming and customer service, thanks in no small part to our outstanding partnerships with agencies across the state. These partnerships connect us to resources we can share with you, ensuring you stay in compliance – and in business.

We’re here to serve you and help you succeed. Find out what resources are available through the EF. We want your employees trained.

whaef.org | 877-695-9733 |