Last Blog

I really enjoyed the first few weeks of discussions in this class. I thought it was interesting to learn the Manitoba Human Rights Legislation and how it applies to Hospitality Industry. I also found it very interesting when we discussed ethical and social issues in the workplace and in everyday life.
I would enjoy taking a full course that was entirely on this topic. My perspective has changed after discussing these issues, and it was very refreshing to hear my classmates’ opinions on some of the issues we are experiencing at work.
I learned to have an open mind when it comes to discussions in class. Many of the issues we discussed had to do with ethics, and they could get pretty controversial. Sometimes opinions can have more impact than actual fact. I really appreciated the debating.
I plan to use this knowledge in the future when I am running my own business. I want my business to have a very positive and honest atmosphere.

Secondly I think that the job description and interview assignment has been very helpful, especially at this time of the year. When I was going out for interviews I had a good idea what the interviewer was looking for. I could catch on to certain signals that gave me an idea whether or not the interviewer was interested.

For example, at my first interview the man interviewing me had lost my resume, so I gave him another one. Then he read it over quickly right in front of me, and then asked me vague questions… and I was only able to give him decent answers.
The second interview was much better, the interviewer had my resume ready and had parts of it highlighted with notes on the side. She asked me a few behavioral questions and I was able to give her detailed answers. I think I was more confident in myself because I could understand what the interviewer was looking for in me.
Without taking this course I would have never caught on to these subtle hints, and I think it helped me get the job that I wanted.
I want to use this information in the future for my business because I now see how important it is to take a few extra steps in employee selection (job description, interview questions and interview rating sheet).

Job Description

I was not given a job description before my last work placement. I managed to get by doing very well in the kitchen all summer; but it was always a challenge know exactly what was expected from me. I was able to ask questions to get some help, but too many questions was frowned upon.

Eventually I found my place in the kitchen, I was able to do the tasks that were expected from me plus a lot more. I think a Job description would have helped me at the beginning of my work term. I also think a job description would have helped my work, because the training process would be much easier for them.

My last work placement was not unionized. I think this was a a large disadvantage on behalf of the employees. There was a high turnover rate, and most employees were unaware of their rights and responsibilities.
Language and attitude in the kitchen was almost always vulgar, even though I appreciated the humor from my friends in the kitchen it was upsetting to be treated the same way but people in the kitchen who were not my friends. I think if my placement was unionized i would feel a bit more respected in my work placement.

2nd blog

In my opinion, reflecting the minimun employment standards in a company will benefit the company. Choosing to ignore the needs of your employees will damage your company eventually, Even if it benifits the company in that moment.
As an employer you possess a great amount of responsibility, because you are managing people. Employers who do not respect this fact will have difficulty finding skilled people to work from them because they have a damaged reputation.

First Blog

I am hoping to learn as much as possible on human rights and minimum work standards, and also how to manage workers in a kitchen. I am very interested in learning what my rights are, so I can understand when I might be treated wrongly, so I can avoid working in a poisoned enviroment. I also think that learning about human rights will help me understand some of the conflict that happens in my everyday life and globally.
I think a kitchen works better when everyone feels important and everyone is respected and respects eachother. People will feel inclined to do a better job if they feel that their work is appreciated and they are respected. I look forward to learning more in this class.