Courtesy of Lunga G.
Name: Lunga G.
Position: Guest Experience Expert — Switchboard
Hotel: The Westin Cape Town
Dream Destination: I would love to visit the United States of America and see the most beautiful tourist attractions like the Grand Canyon.
Favorite way to practice well-being: I love walking in the morning and feeling the morning breeze to start my day.
Ever wondered what it’s like to start your career at one of Marriott’s most unique locations in Africa? Take a peek into Lunga’s journey. He is a Guest Experience Expert and telephone operator at The Westin Cape Town, a five-star hotel nestled between the hills of Table Mountain and the waters of Table Bay in South Africa’s bustling legislative capital.
Lunga started working as a Porter at The Westin in 2022 and very soon realized there were many opportunities for growth within the hotel and the company.
“I was interested in working as a Front Desk Agent, but I applied for a Switchboard position first to get better knowledge, and later I hope to grow into a Front Desk Agent,” Lunga says.
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According to his managers, it seems like he made the right choices. In the short time he’s been at The Westin, Lunga has already been chosen by his HR team as a great example of career growth to inspire his colleagues.
“I felt like part of a community when I was invited by HR to engage with the entire hotel in a Town Hall meeting and speak about my growth experience and motivate others to do the same,” he says.
Leading by example again, Lunga has recently become part of the global hotel brand’s new Heart of Westin: Wellness Cards, Move Well Collection. Each one of the 30 cards shows a Westin associate from a different part of the world performing a specific move or stretch that can help you get ideas on how to take an active pause and feel better.
Westin
For example, in Lunga’s Move Well Card you can learn how to do an exercise called “slow sways” where you push your hips back and reach for your toes as you gently sway side to side finding a nice little moment of relaxation at any time during your workday.
Learn more about Lunga’s Westin experience and his participation in this inspiring new wellness program in his own words below.
How does your hotel or Marriott encourage you to prioritize your well-being?
There are programs in place designed to ensure my well-being, such as move-well programs, sports activities, counseling and support services.
How do you experience the ‘Heart of Westin’ in your day to day?
I experience it through the Westin wardrobe collection. The uniform we wear at the hotel is very stylish and I feel comfortable and professional wearing it.
Courtesy of Lunga G.
How would you describe Westin culture?
Our workplace culture includes associates in activities that motivate them to be optimistic, such as competitions, charity work, and student programs. We are also given the opportunity to do cross training in different departments to gain experience.
What is your favorite part of working at your hotel?
The benefits the associates get such as a free meal every day, free transportation and other awesome benefits.
Courtesy of Lunga G.
How do you feel supported in your role?
By getting involved in employee surveys, I have the opportunity to voice my concerns regarding growth and remuneration.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Engaging with guests, ensuring they get prompt service for an exceptional experience during their stay. That’s also my favorite part of my job.
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