The Star Stories en - April 2023

EMPATHY

Truly listen.

Walk in shoes of others.

Respond with compassion.

We care for people so they can be their best

We care for people so they can be their best

GLOBAL MONTH OF SERVICE IS HERE!

Global Month of Service (GMOS) number 13 started off on April 1 as a great opportunity to enjoy ourselves while contributing with value actions. Throughout this month, hotels and offices of Hyatt and ALG around the world joined together as volunteers to create a positive impact in their local communities, all of which supports our World of Care platform: https://about.hyatt.com/en/worldof-care.html

All of our colleagues had the opportunity of living our values and purpose. The activities carried out included: cleaning of rivers, cenotes, lagoons and mangroves, a turtle camp, reforestation and cleaning of different locations, among others.

Thanks a lot to all colleagues for contributing!

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST BRAND, HYATT STUDIOS

Dear Hyatt family,

I’m thrilled to introduce Hyatt Studios, the newest brand to join our portfolio. Please view a video message from me below.

Today’s announcement is supported by signed letters of interest from multiple developers for more than 100 Hyatt Studios hotels. This immediate interest is a testament to the close collaboration with the developer community to create an upper-midscale brand that reaches new markets for Hyatt.

There’s never been a more exciting time to be in the hospitality business than now! Moments like today demonstrate how we’ll continue to transform our business to care for our owners, guests and members in meaningful ways.

Please learn more clicking here to read today’s press release

All my best,

MARK HOPLAMAZIAN President and Chief Executive Officer Hyatt Hotels Corporation

HYATT’S 4 LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

Hyatt now has one leadership model that applies to all leaders and connects to our Purpose & Values – providing greater adoption and leader accountability.

The Leadership Expectations define the behaviors necessary to get better business results today and in the future. They provide clear and actionable direction for all leaders to succeed in their individual role and in leading their teams to achieve results.

Below, we share with you what these 4 expectations are:

HOW DO WE BUILD A CULTURE OF INCLUSION?

As companies evolve, awareness of labor inclusion increases. Employees attach greater importance to this issue, as supported by a Deloitte study which showed that more than 80% of employees consider inclusion to be an essential factor when choosing a company. But what do we mean by being an inclusive company? Labor inclusion is the process by which a work culture is created where talent is recognized, the right conditions are provided for colleagues to develop their potential, and respect, collaboration and fairness are encouraged, while at the same time people feel valued for their qualities.

Diversity & Inclusion

So how do we build a culture of inclusion? The first step is to create clear inclusion policies and practices and make everyone in the company aware of them. Another step is ongoing employee training, since inclusion is a practice to be lived in daily interactions where leaders play a vital role— as they must promote and be a living example of inclusion.

Moreover, open and honest communication is the foundation of any culture of inclusion. Some ways to obtain feedback are opinion surveys, focus groups and one-on-one meetings. At Unlimited Vacation Club®, we dedicated March to inclusion. We invite everyone to recognize this value and put it into practice, treating people fairly and equitably.

PARTICIPATE IN THE VALUES AWARDS!

Do you know a colleague who lives our values every day?

If the answer is yes, we invite you to nominate an Amstar colleague for the Values Awards by clicking the button below:

The winner will be presented at the next edition of our Global Town Hall

TREE PLANTING IN JAMAICA

April was a month of great joy, as our colleagues in Jamaica had the opportunity to contribute to our communities in favor of the environment. On this occasion, our dear representatives planted trees at the Secrets Hotel.

It was undoubtedly a very special activity, where they had the opportunity to enjoy a healthy activity that also contributes to protecting and conserving the environment.

Thank you very much to all our colleagues for joining us!

“If I knew that the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant a tree today.”

Martin L. King

GLOBAL VOLUNTEER MONTH IN PUERTO VALLARTA

At Amstar Puerto Vallarta, we experienced Hyatt’s Global Month of Volunteering by participating in the beach clean-up on April 22nd at Holi Beach, where in addition to collecting garbage, we had the opportunity to spend time with the teams from the hotels that joined this cause and strengthen our relationship with them. We appreciate the participation of each colleague in joining these activities that contribute to our communities and the environment. To Carlos Rivera, Ismael Rosas, and Adriana Martinez for their commitment and effort to these fantastic causes.

Protecting the beaches, the sea, and everything in it is vital to maintain the environmental balance so that future generations can enjoy nature.

MOBAY CITY RUN IN JAMAICA

On May 7, our colleagues in Jamaica participated in the MoBay City Run, a significant race that aims to support various worthy causes. We want to congratulate our colleague Ryan Baker, who was among the top 10 in the 5k race and was the first Amstar colleague to cross the finish line.

Here’s a little bit about the race: MoBay City Run, a 10K/5K run and walk, was explicitly created to raise funds to support struggling university students eager to fulfill their dreams and aspirations to achieve a tertiary level of education.

One of the conditions is that the beneficiaries reside in western Jamaica. This is MoBay City Run’s way of helping to support Western-based institutions. The recipients are chosen from the University of the West Indies, Mona-Western Jamaica Campus, UTECH Jamaica Western Campus, Montego Bay Community College, and Sam Sharpe Teachers College.

Many thanks to all who participated; you certainly put our purpose, “We care for people so they can be their best” and our values!

AMSTAR JOINS THE CODE OF CONDUCT PROGRAM IN COSTA RICA

At Amstar, we have a solid commitment to our values, and that is why, in Costa Rica, we joined the Code of Conduct program, which is aimed at tourism companies, and whose objective is to raise awareness and provide the necessary tools to be able to detect and perceive signs that indicate suspected cases of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (CSEC) and thus be able to protect them.

This program was developed and implemented by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ITC), and now Amstar is part of it by being an ambassador to contribute to the prevention of commercial sexual exploitation in travel and tourism through timely reporting.

LIVING THE WELLNESS AND EXPERIMENTATION IN COZUMEL

April was a month focused on our values: Wellness and experimentation. All our colleagues in Cozumel participated in different activities prepared by our leaders, Irving Aguilar and Luisa Abarca.

This month, Nayeli Castillo was recognized for her excellent performance and teamwork; thank you very much for your commitment, Nayeli!

Another of the activities we did with our colleagues in Cozumel was a familiarization tour, where we visited the beaches of the eastern part of the island and a tour back to the island. Without a doubt, it was a time to get to know each other and connect.

Another of our activities this month was a brainstorming session with the whole team to strengthen the group and improve the work we do every day. Below, we share with you how it was:

THE MONTH OF VOLUNTEERING IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN!

As you read earlier, in April, we experienced a special event for everyone at Amstar: Global Month of Volunteering (GMOS), where all our colleagues came together to support worthy causes in their communities.

These activities allow us not only to connect with other colleagues but also to connect with our values uniquely. We thank everyone’s commitment from registration to the end of their activity, Hyatt and ALG for providing such valuable opportunities, and our dear Lucia Rodhas, Manager, Social Responsibility, for coordinating these activities. Below, we share with you the photos of what it was like:

A DAY WITH ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT IN JAMAICA

Department objective: Provide accurate and timely accounting information to stakeholders and provide general support to other divisions.

Departments/contact areas: Transportation, Meeting and events, customer service, HR, Sales.

Team phrase:

Persistently

consistent

Team members:

No problem!

Patricia Hewan Accounting Manager

Daidrey Morris

Loreal Campbell

Neisa Whyte

Christine Costa

Tamara Heathe

Nichola Clarke

Accounts Payables Clerk

Accounts Supervisor

Cashier and receivables

Accounts Payables Clerk

Treasury Representative

Accounts Payables Clerk

INTERVIEW WITH AREA LEADER PATRICIA HEWAN

What has been your career within the company?

I joined the Amstar Jamaica team in October 2013 as the Accounting Manager.

What does Amstar mean to you?

A company that is evolving and I have the pleasure of being a part of the process. I have watched the growth and development of colleagues in various departments over the years.

What is the main strength of the department?

Working together to achieve targeted results.

What are the main challenges facing the department today?

Not having automated processes in some key areas. Nevertheless, we deliver through flexibility, planning and time management.

What information about the department would be helpful for all colleagues in the company to know that would help the department provide better service, meet its goals, or make a more significant impact?

The accounting team combined have a wealth of knowledge and skills. We play a supportive role to all departments, we complement each other, so call us whenever you need help. On the other hand, the other departments could assist the accounts department by being mindful of deadlines.

In Amstar our priority is your personal and professional development, so we put at your disposal our online platform My Learning, where you can have access to our catalog of courses that will help you to be your best version.

SELF-ESTEEM & EMPOWERMENT

By We Emotionally Care

Many thoughts come to our minds when we talk about self-esteem; many believe that having good self-esteem is simply pretending that we are always doing well and that we are always doing great.

But when we talk about self-esteem, it is important to highlight the importance of feeling good about ourselves, our bodies, and our thoughts. Self-esteem is a pillar for every individual because it is our awareness of ourselves.

When mentioning self-esteem, we cannot overlook security because one influences the other; that is, a person with healthy self-esteem feels secure about who he is and what he can achieve; he is also much more aware of his lights and shadows.

All human beings have internal battles we deal with daily, which can sometimes limit us. Believing in oneself and having the security and empowerment of our being can lead us to achieve the goals we set for ourselves, as long as we are realistic and know ourselves.

Have you ever analyzed what you tell yourself?

Sometimes, if not always, we let thoughts such as, you are a failure, you are incapable, you will never succeed, and these thoughts limit us from taking action and take away our little motivation.

To have healthy self-esteem is to be aware that we have limitations, but what can I do today that will get me to where I want to be tomorrow?

Empower yourself, your life, and everything you want to achieve, and above all, fall in love with you. You are the only person who will be with you for the rest of your life and the only person you should truly care for, love, respect, and value. Because if you are well, you will be well with others.

MOTHER EARTH DAY APRIL

22ND

The goal of this day is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide and mobilize it effectively to build a healthy and sustainable environment, address climate change, and protect the Earth for future generations.

The term “Mother Earth” is an expression to refer to the planet Earth and is used in various countries and regions, demonstrating the interdependence that exists between humans, other living species, and the Earth we all inhabit. That is why it is so important to protect our environment, planting trees, keeping our forests and habitats clean, and taking care of animals, among other actions.

Next, we will share with you some curious facts about mother earth: Earth is not a perfect sphere

Our planet is usually represented as a perfect sphere, but that is not its precise shape. The Earth is flattened at the poles, so its form is more like an ellipse than a circumference.

Every year, 10 million forests are lost worldwide Which is equivalent to the territory of Iceland

It is estimated that only 14% of the living species on Earth have been identified of the living species on Earth. America is the continent with the most incredible biodiversity

HEALTH TIPS

BY DAVID PRITCHARD

Now is an excellent time to evaluate our lifestyle, diet, and habits and consider what adjustments we can make that might improve our health and nutrition. While no magic pill, food, or exercise can make you healthier, these small, simple steps can help you get there. Here, I share a few of my favorites.

1. Before deciding to get healthier and eat better, getting your head in the right place and focusing on being positive is vital. The best place to start is by expressing gratitude for the good in your life. To start, write down five things you are grateful for daily.

2. Get some fresh air: Whether you live in warm, sunny weather or it’s cold and cloudy, get outside. Take a walk around the block and be one with nature. It boosts your mood and helps you get going.

3. Enjoy a berry parfait: Whether or not it’s healthier to eat breakfast first thing in the morning is still debatable. I advocate starting the day with something healthy, even if it’s not first thing in the morning. I recommend choosing a healthy protein, whether eggs, yogurt, or nut butter, and adding fresh fruit or whole grain. If you prefer to avoid eating a big meal in the morning, make a yogurt parfait: Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt), your favorite berries, and a sprinkling of nuts and flax seeds.

4. Prepare ahead of time: always have a variety of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables on hand, and stock your pantry with healthy options, including nuts, olive oil, beans, legumes, and whole grains.

5. Try something new: Whether you decide to try new food (after all, there has to be a vegetable you haven’t tried yet!), do a different workout, take a class, or travel a different route to work, change things up gets you out of a rut. It gets you off to a fresh start, and change is good for your brain too.

6. Be wise about portion size: Watching your portion size is the best way to control calories without counting them. There’s no need to ban your favorite foods; practice portion control instead. And enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables in unlimited portions. No one I know got fat from eating too many carrots or bananas.

7. Stay active by doing what you love: Being active has been shown to have many health benefits, both physically and mentally. Exercise helps you lose weight, improves your mood and outlook, lowers your heart rate, and is suitable for your bones and brain. Choose an activity you enjoy and stick to it.

8. Make self-care a priority: It’s been a tough year, and we must pamper ourselves a little! Get your stress under control, take a bubble bath, curl up with a good book, and focus on doing things for yourself! You deserve it!

9. Eat a colorful salad: Eating salad may be one of the healthiest eating habits you can adopt today. Salads are a great way to get a few servings of fruits and vegetables. They are full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

10. GO FISHING: Fish is one of the healthiest foods. It’s full of nutrients, including protein and vitamin D. Fatty fish like salmon are also one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for brain and heart health. Include fish in your diet at least twice a week.

STAR COMPETENCYBASED INTERVIEW

Now that we’ve seen the great benefits that competency-based management grants us, and since we understand competencies a lot better, it’s time to dive into practical ways we can apply all of this into our company.

One way of doing so is looking to detect the presence of desired competencies for a position in the recruitment process, and to do so we can use an interview technique called STAR.

What is the STAR competency-based interview?

The STAR competency-based interview is an interview technique that is based on specific situations that the candidate has faced in the past. The acronym STAR stands for:

Situation

Describe the situation or context in which the situation occurred

Task

Explain the task or problem that needed to be addressed

Action

Describe the specific actions that were taken

Result

Enumerate the results or achievements obtained

How is the STAR competency-based interview used in the selection process?

The STAR competency-based interview is used in the selection process to evaluate the skills and competencies of candidates. Interviewers ask specific questions related to situations that the candidate has faced in the past and how they handled them.

Below are some examples of questions based on the STAR acronym:

Can you describe a situation in which you had to solve a complicated problem at work?

Can you explain how you handled a situation in which you had to work in a team to complete a project?

Can you describe a situation in which you had to make an important decision at work?

After the candidate answers each question, the interviewer follows up with additional questions to obtain more details about how the situation was handled. At the end of the interview, the interviewer should have a good understanding of the candidate’s skills and competencies.

This way, the interviewer not only finds out about the candidates experience or mentality, but he also, through the candidate’s answers, is able to discern the competencies that they use in their day to day at work, matching them with the competencies defined for the position.

What do you think of this technique? Have you been interviewed in this manner? There’s still much more to learn about competencies and you’ll get to see how we’re implementing them in our company! Remember to come back to learn more month after month.

KUDOS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT!

Jorge Raúl Sánchez Pech Sales support Executive

We want to send a big congratulations to our colleague Jorge Raúl Sánchez Pech, who, with his commitment, dedication, and a great attitude, has contributed to support the Onyx project and our business partners KHM Travel Group, who recently recognized these great qualities in him. Thank you very much, Jorge, for being part of our company!

To: Aury Isabel

From: Virgilio Hernández

We want to thank you for your dedication and professionalism for two months in a row with perfect results in your concession sales, exceeding your monthly target by 200%; many congratulations for the excellent performance.