Making Work a Passion

Guests settling in for a meal at the Tiffin Room at Raffles Singapore often get served more than just food. Restaurant Captain Madan Lal is always there with a bright smile to brighten the day.

His peers call the soft-spoken 33-year-old ‘Iron Man’, all due to his dedication to work, his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure, his keen attention to meeting guests’ needs and helping colleagues.

“My job is to give good service and take care of my guests. As a captain, I try to take care of their needs such as providing them an infant chair if they have young children or re-arranging the seating to accommodate the elderly who may need more space,” said Madan, who has worked at the Raffles Singapore for nearly four years. 

A Passion For Learning

With four different operational shifts, working at the Tiffin Room can be demanding, yet the pressure is something that Madan relishes.  

“The standard here is high, and every day I will need to learn different things and attend different types of training. This is all very good because I enjoy learning new things and training to improve myself. This is what motivates me,” said Madan, who has attended both formal courses and received regular on-the-job training, especially on the food and beverage items offered in the restaurant.

He adds that his motivation stems from the satisfaction of seeing his guests happy, and from the camaraderie he shares with his colleagues.

“I’m energetic because I like to work. It brings me happiness because I’m proud to be able to be working Raffles Singapore. I’ve worked at other hotels, but when I’m here, I’m very happy,” he said.

Going Above and Beyond

Madan may work five days a week, but he readily volunteers to help support the hotel’s other restaurants should they need an extra hand. He also shared how he takes the initiative to mentor new staff and help colleagues who may be experiencing difficulties coping with changes at work.

“I will find out the details from my managers, understand how things work and then share this with my colleagues, especially the newcomers, by making the information simpler and easier,” he said.

Though Madan has never encountered any problems at work, the Food Drinks & Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) member shared that he can count on the union’s branch officials in the hotel for help should he encounter any problems.

Employee of the Year Award Ceremony 2017

For his passion, commitment, teamwork and excellence in his work, Madan was one of 71 exemplary hotel employees who received the Employee of the Year. At the same time, the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa also received two Hotel Sector Innovation Awards for Workplace Safety and Health for two submitted projects.

Organised by FDAWU, NTUC ‘s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and the Singapore Hotel Association, this year’s Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony 2017 was held at the NTUC Centre on 18 July 2017. The awards were given out by FDAWU Advisor and Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Christopher De Souza.

“With their passion to serve, these recipients truly deserve their awards. They are the shining stars of their industry and I’m very sure that they will be able to lead in their own ways back in their organisations,” said FDAWU General-Secretary Tan Hock Soon.

“Many organisations see the value and importance of recognising their exemplary employees and commend them for their efforts and enthusiasm at work through various channels. The Employee of the Year Award is one good platform to recognise hospitality professionals who put their customers at the heart of their jobs, make a significant impact within and beyond the company, and are constantly seeking improvement," added e2i CEO Gilbert Tan.

Good To Know

Hotel Virtual Career Fair

In a first for the hotel sector, e2i’s virtual career fair gives Singaporeans the opportunity to browse the many job opportunities in the hotel industry and get connected with potential employers online.

Interested Singaporeans need only visit www.rightspot.co/e2i/hotelcareers/ or download the Rightspot app, create a profile and enter the ‘HOTELCAREERS2017’ link code to get started. The virtual fair will take place from now till 27 October 2017.