Hays Travel has recently announced the winners of its prestigious ‘Be the Sunshine’ award, recognising outstanding customer service across 23 regions.
Each winning agent will receive a £1,000 reward and further recognition within the company’s well-regarded programme celebrating excellence in customer care.
Celebrating Excellence in Customer Service
The ‘Be the Sunshine’ initiative was introduced at Hays Travel’s 2023 retail conference held in Portugal. This programme is designed to acknowledge and reward exemplary customer service, open to all levels of staff, from apprentices to branch managers. The initiative aimed to inspire and motivate Hays Travel colleagues by recognising those who have gone the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
Monthly Recognition Leading to Regional Winners
From January to September 2024, exceptional staff members were nominated from the various branches across the UK for their superior service. Monthly winners were awarded a certificate along with a £100 credit added to their Smile reward card, encouraging staff to maintain high standards of service.
These monthly victories accumulated to highlight the best from each region, culminating in the announcement of regional winners during the National Customer Service Week.
Acknowledging Remarkable Contributions
Each regional winner receives not just the £1,000 reward but also a certificate and a regional winner badge which serves as a testament to their dedication to customers.
Paula Barrett, Hays Travel’s head of retail, expressed immense pride in their retail colleagues, emphasising the company’s commitment to excellent service. “We are incredibly proud of our 23 Be the Sunshine winners,” she remarked, highlighting their relentless effort in ensuring customer satisfaction.
This acknowledgment is part of Hays Travel’s broader initiative to foster a culture of excellence and commitment to customer care, aiming to set new benchmarks in the travel industry.
The Path to National Recognition
Following their regional success, each winner advances to the divisional finals. Here, five divisional winners will emerge, each gaining the opportunity to attend the 2024 overseas conference.
The pinnacle of the ‘Be the Sunshine’ programme will be the selection of a national winner at this conference, marking a celebratory moment for the entire company.
Profiles of Regional Winners
Among the celebrated individuals is Rebecca Dodd from Brentwood, Essex, known for her remarkable ability to connect with customers and deliver personalised service.
Also lauded was Stacy Buxton from Talke, Greater Manchester, whose strategic solutions and customer management skills have set her apart. Furthermore, Peter Holgate from Cheltenham, South Midlands, has been commended for his unwavering dedication to enhancing customer experiences.
Other notable winners include Gemma Hague from Hucknall, North Midlands, and Sharon Corkhill from Fulwell, Tees & Wear, each illustrating the depth of talent and commitment within Hays Travel.
The Broader Impact of the Initiative
The ‘Be the Sunshine’ programme not only celebrates individual achievements but also promotes a collective striving for excellence within Hays Travel.
This initiative demonstrates the company’s investment in its workforce, aiming to elevate service standards and create a more client-centric environment.
Conclusion and Future Aspirations
The ‘Be the Sunshine’ awards set a new standard in recognising customer service excellence within the travel industry.
As Hays Travel prepares for its next phase, the programme continues to inspire and motivate staff to uphold the highest standards of customer care.
Hays Travel’s commitment to recognising exceptional service through the ‘Be the Sunshine’ awards underscores its dedication to customer satisfaction.
Anticipation builds for the divisional and national stages, promising further acknowledgments of service excellence.
