In hospitality, first impressions matter not just for our guests, but for our people too. Every interaction, from the first welcome email to that first warm greeting at the workplace, shapes how our team members experience life at The QHotels Collection. Behind every unforgettable stay is an empowered team from day one.
That’s why we’ve invested in an innovative onboarding journey powered by Mapal One, our Learning Management System. This platform ensures every new starter receives a seamless, engaging and personalised welcome. Through tailored learning, early access to essential information, and instant connection with their team and our culture, every colleague feels equipped, supported, and ready to succeed.
Connecting New Starters Before They Arrive
Onboarding at The QHotels Collection begins the moment a candidate says “yes”. New starters are welcomed and introduced to our employee digital platforms, Mapal One and Fourth Engage, giving them an immediate sense of belonging.
Through Mapal One, they access personalised onboarding collections, complete essential compliance and role-specific training, and explore key resources such as the Employee Handbook, company policies, and “Welcome to The QHotels Collection” materials. Fourth Engage connects them with our internal newsfeed, showcasing company updates, success stories and wellbeing initiatives. Early access brings our culture to life and makes every newcomer feel part of the team instantly.
Hotel teams prepare for each new arrival by planning inductions, setting up uniforms and equipment, and sending warm welcome messages. This coordinated approach reduces first-day nerves and ensures new colleagues feel valued from the start.
Tailored Onboarding for Every Individual
No two journeys into a new role are the same, and our onboarding reflects that. Our teams are diverse, from Gen Z starting their careers to experienced returners and seasonal team members. Each deserves an experience that feels relevant, welcoming, and personal.
For Gen Z colleagues, digital-first learning comes naturally. Using Mapal One, Evolve Authoring and Canva, we deliver short, interactive modules that keep training engaging and accessible. Our Life at The QHotels Collection social media channels offer behind-the-scenes glimpses through “Day in the Life” stories, showing real people and roles.
Returning staff benefit from flexible reboarding, focusing on what’s new, while seasonal hires receive condensed, high-impact introductions to build confidence quickly. Role-specific pathways ensure every new starter learns what matters most for their position.
Our Learning & Development team bring onboarding to life with beautifully branded resources, while Fourth Engage connects colleagues to news and celebrations, helping everyone feel fully integrated into the wider company community. At The QHotels Collection, onboarding isn’t just training, it’s about belonging.
Embedding Culture and Values from Day One
Onboarding is more than an introduction to systems; it’s the first real opportunity to bring our culture to life. From the moment new team members log into Mapal One, they learn not just what we do, but who we are and why we do it.
Our Company Induction module introduces every new joiner to the story of The QHotels Collection, our heritage, our people and the values that define our work: Individual, Curious, Passionate, Proud and Together. These values were shaped by our people and are interpreted personally in each role.
Each value is reflected in how we welcome and support colleagues. Individual is evident in tailored onboarding journeys. Curious is encouraged through interactive learning. Passionate comes alive during hotel inductions. Proud is celebrated through company-wide recognition on Fourth Engage and in our monthly Inside Q newsletter. Together is felt from day one through peer support, teamwork and shared purpose.
A Sustainable and Evolving Process
At The QHotels Collection, digital onboarding has reduced paperwork, streamlined training, and cut unnecessary travel, while ensuring every new colleague receives the same warm welcome. Our onboarding and learning management systems keeps the process structured and scalable, with clearly defined “collections” guiding learning across the first three months, from Onboarding to 1 Week, 1 Month, and 3 Month milestones.
By streamlining compliance training from 13.5 to 5 hours, we’ve combined key modules into meaningful, role-relevant learning that makes a real impact, saving time while ensuring each employee completes essential training efficiently. Collaboration between HR, Operations, and department heads ensures content remains practical, people-centred, and aligned with our values. The result? A consistent, high-quality onboarding experience – wherever you join us, and whatever your role.
Claire Cregan, our HR Director, explains: “Successful onboarding must be tailored to your organisation and culture. Real people and real experiences are what set you apart.”
The QHotels Commitment to People
By combining smart technology with genuine care, The QHotels Collection is redefining onboarding in hospitality. Every step of the employee journey, from pre-arrival to progression, is designed to build confidence, connection, and long-term careers. Because at the heart of every great guest experience are our people and helping them thrive is where our story begins.
Find out more about Careers with The QHotels Collection and explore our latest opportunities here: https://www.qhotels.co.uk/careers/
