Celebrating 40 Years of Graceful Living with Grace Hospitality Week
August 14th 2024
At Grace Management, Inc., we believe in celebrating our associates and the exceptional work they do every day. This year, we are thrilled to announce our annual Hospitality Week, themed “Celebrating 40 Years of Graceful Living” with a fun and nostalgic 1980s flair. This week-long event, designed to reinforce our core hospitality values, promises to be filled with engaging activities, team-building exercises, and plenty of recognition for our dedicated associates.
What is Hospitality Week?
Hospitality Week is an annual celebration aimed at reinforcing the hospitality concepts taught throughout the year and promoting a culture of kindness and excellence at each Grace Management, Inc. community. Inspired by the spirit weeks commonly seen in schools, this event spans five days, each dedicated to one of our core Graceful Service Standards. Spearheaded by our National Director of Hospitality, Engagement, and Training, along with Hospitality Champions from each community, this event ensures that every associate feels valued and appreciated.
Daily Themes and Activities
Monday: Have Compassion and Respect for All
We kick off the week with activities that encourage empathy and understanding. Associates will participate in icebreakers such as “Just Five Things,” where they will list five things in response to a prompt, promoting team bonding and mutual respect. Another activity, the “Origin Map,” invites associates to mark their birthplace on a map and share a value or tradition from that place, celebrating the diverse backgrounds within our community.
Tuesday: Greet and Welcome Everyone with a Smile
Tuesday is all about spreading joy and positivity. Associates can visit a Smile Photo Booth to capture cheerful moments with fun props, and these photos will be shared on social media to spread happiness. Additionally, impromptu dance sessions to tunes like “The Macarena” or “The Chicken Dance” will bring spontaneous fun throughout the day, with candy rewards for those caught dancing and smiling. An “Acts of Kindness Challenge” will encourage associates to perform small acts of kindness, further enhancing our welcoming environment.
Wednesday: Actively Listen to and Engage with Residents and Associates
Wednesday’s focus is on fostering connections. Associates will engage in a Bingo game designed to help them learn more about their colleagues and residents. This interactive game encourages conversations and building relationships across different teams and shifts. Other activities, like matching famous quotes with their authors or finding ten unique things in common with another person, will further promote active listening and engagement.
Thursday: Project a Professional, Positive Image
On Thursday, we emphasize professionalism. Associates will have the opportunity to update their professional headshots and nametags, ensuring they present their best selves. Workshops on professionalism, including topics like neurodiversity and creating a healthy work environment, will be offered to provide valuable insights and skills. These activities help create an environment where associates feel seen and valued as individuals.
Friday: Grace Spirit Day
The grand finale of Hospitality Week is Grace Spirit Day. Associates are encouraged to wear purple and participate in a catered lunch or a special meal organized by the dining services team. This day is all about celebrating the spirit of Grace Management, Inc., with leaders serving their teams to demonstrate hospitality in action. The week culminates with a prize drawing for those who completed their hospitality passports, adding an element of excitement and reward.
Why Hospitality Week Matters
Grace Hospitality Week is more than just a series of events; it is a celebration of our values and the people who embody them. By dedicating time to recognize and appreciate our associates, we reinforce the importance of a positive, compassionate, and professional culture. Associates with consistently positive experiences are more likely to stay with the organization, experience less burnout, and contribute to innovation and excellence.
As we celebrate 40 years of Graceful Living, we look forward to another successful Hospitality Week, filled with joy, connection, and gratitude. Here’s to honoring our past, celebrating our present, and looking forward to a bright future together.
About Grace Management, Inc.
Grace Management, Inc. is committed to creating vibrant senior living communities where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our ongoing training and the exceptional care we provide. Join us in celebrating our associates and the wonderful contributions they make to our communities every day.
For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media to see the highlights from Grace Hospitality Week!
