More Than Just Hiring and Firing

By Jenny Julius

Strumming her fingertips on the keyboard, Megan Moliassa pauses to lean back in her chair and take a deep breath before starting a letter of recommendation. As Manager of Human Resources at the JW Marriott, Moliassa’s days are filled with more than just hiring and firing people, but rather practicing effective communication to the company’s staff to guarantee the hotel runs as smoothly as possible.

Where it Began
Since childhood, Megan Moliassa was fascinated by the plethora of hotels across the world and the endless number of opportunities available within each hotel. While in college earning her degree, Moliassa obtained positions as a housekeeper, front desk attendant, hostess and finally came to realize her passion within hospitality as a human resources intern with the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. After completing her requirements as an HR intern, Moliassa had made such an impression that she was offered a part time job with their staff. Once she graduated, the part time job turned into a full time position with an array of opportunities for growth. While working for the Amway Grand, Moliassa was able to partake in the development of the Human Resources team at the new JW Marriott Hotel. Her dedication and skillful interaction with employees earned her a position with the JW Marriott as a Human Resources Generalist. Almost a year of dedication to the JW flew by and before she knew it, Moliassa was being presented with the Human Resources Manager position; quite an accomplishment for someone so young. Her new promotion has proven to be beneficial for both the JW Marriott and Moliassa; their mutual engagement with each other has led employees quite satisfied in their experiences with human resources.

Writing Within Human Resources
Communication is key within any organization, but is especially crucial when dealing with a company as large as the JW Marriott. In order for Moliassa to help the JW live up to its standard, “Luxury in unexpected places,” she must maintain constant communication with employees to ensure guests are impressed. Although not a professional writer by title, Moliassa spends much of her time writing. The most common forms of writing she undertakes are memo’s, letters of recommendation, employment verification, detailed insurance information, governmental forms and interdepartmental emails. It is essential that Moliassa has superb writing skills so that she can, “Articulate what I need to communicate to every department.” Everybody responds to communication differently, and one of Moliassa’s most important roles is knowing what type of communication works best for the party involved. Whether it be written, spoken or given in an email, Moliassa’s communication must always be above par.

A Passion for Communicating
Megan Moliassa’s passion for interacting with others in her personal life has helped make it a smooth transition into her role of Manager of Human Resources. While speaking to Moliassa she said, “My favorite part of the day is interacting with our employees. Everyday is completely different from the one before, and I love constantly having to adapt.” Moliassa has come to find the long hours and ever changing staff an essential part of a successful business. With such diversity in the staff, it is up to Moliassa to help blend everyone together. Her creative communication techniques keep everyone in the loop of the latest happenings within the hotel and have helped to keep employees all on the same page. Moliassa also finds that letting employees know their appreciated promotes a positive work environment which helps in creating an enjoyable experience for guests at the hotel. Her latest effort to keep morale strong was Employee Appreciation Week, which included:

• Buffet providing food to employees atop the parking ramp
• Exquisite lunches prepared by the culinary team each day of the week
• Raffles for prizes
• Carnival games offered during employee break
• Bowling hall rented for a night of free bowling
• End of the week banquet to thank everyone for a job well done

Moliassa takes pride in her dedication to the staff at the hotel and is grateful that she is able to communicate so well with others. And with a quick memo to the Culinary Team, she is off to interview a new prospect to add to the always changing staff of the JW Marriott Hotel.

Please click here for more information on the JW Marriott Hotel.