The Landmark London, the five-star Grande Dame hotel situated in the heart of Marylebone, has been awarded the prestigious Best Companies Award 2024 (www.b.co.uk) for its 10th year in a row, placing as the Number One Hotel, to work for in the UK. The Landmark London was also recognised as the third Best Large Company in the UK, second in the regional (London) category, and a finalist for the special Wellbeing award, making it into the top three in this category.
Photo credits: The Landmark London
The award accreditation is based on a unique score generated by a survey that is conducted directly with employees to generate unbiased results and an accurate benchmark against which to compare engagement levels year-on-year, as well as ranking the hotel against other businesses.
For 2024, 90% of The Landmark London’s team members agreed that the organisation has a strong social conscience and gives something back to the local community. The hotel encourages guests to donate £1 from each bill to support a local charity. In 2023, the organisation donated £22,000 to Debra, a national charity and patient support group for people living with the rare, extremely painful, genetic skin blistering condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) also known as ‘Butterfly Skin’.
When quizzed on progression, 91% of the team at the hotel agreed that the organisation is run on strong values and principles. The Landmark London's management team leads by example, fostering a culture of respect and improvement. They encourage team members to live the company's values and principles, instilling a sense of trust and support. Through its comprehensive buddy system, the hotel provides each employee with a clear structure of the learning available to them. In addition, 97% of the team agreed that their manager regularly expresses appreciation for a job well done.
Whilst one of the oldest railway hotels in London, The Landmark London has a modern-day approach to HR processes, rebranding the division as Talent and Culture, allowing the team to shift away from the traditional personnel management to a more holistic approach, that has an emphasis on employee wellbeing, engagement, talent/people and organisational culture. This also represents a broader, more strategic approach that recognises the importance of employees, culture, and the overall employee experience in driving organisational success.
In early 2022, The Landmark London introduced a scheme to allow its chefs to work a four-day week, with increased pay, as part of its continued commitment to invest in team wellbeing and improve the experience of individuals working in the hospitality industry. The hotel also prides itself on having a strong apprenticeship scheme and training academy and set wellbeing days and activities for all its employees, spanning mental health, financial and physical wellbeing.
Group Director of Talent and Culture at The Landmark London, Nicola Forshaw said: “71% of staff agreed that they receive fair pay for the responsibilities they have in their job. In addition, team members at The Landmark London now have access to VIPerks, an internal hub launched in April 2024. This employee communication, benefits, and recognition platform provides all team members with easy access to news, employee benefits, and quick links to everyday essentials.”
Fergus Stewart, CEO The Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company and General Manager at The Landmark London said: “Being recognised as the Number One Hotel to work for by our team via Best Companies this reflects our innovative approach to employee engagement, focusing on learning and self-development. The Landmark London Academy offers numerous courses, shadowing opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences. Our incredible team and Talent and Culture practices are key to our success. We strive for five star treatment, for our people as well as for our guests."
