Great HR support is underrated. In today’s legal, talent, economic and social climates, hospitality businesses and employees alike rely on trustworthy and knowledgeable HR and talent support more than they may realize. Empowered Hospitality’s team of HR and talent experts sees this firsthand every day - either from the spotlight or behind the scenes, we know how important it is to care for our people. Since our inception, we have helped hundreds of hospitality businesses build HR infrastructures, foster strong cultures, develop great teams, and hire key leaders. Building great workplaces is what we do. It all started back in 2016, when I was laid off as an HR and training leader for a popular NYC restaurant group. I realized after meeting with dozens of companies in my panicked job search that HR support was needed everywhere, for a few key reasons:(1) While most adults in the U.S. have worked in a restaurant at some point in their lives, most overlooked the exceptional career opportunities available. Frankly, restaurant jobs are often viewed as stepping stones and require a new perspective to more fully appreciate their long-term potential. (2) Those who do build careers in hospitality often find themselves burning the candle at both ends, with no one to turn to for help. Consumed by the day-to-day, there’s little time for development, strategy or inspiration. Many feel stuck and cannot progress.(3) Leaders who understand the unique demands of our industry are typically very busy themselves, and companies that offer day-to-day HR and recruiting support are either hard to find or financially out of reach. Empowered exists to answer these calls. With the right perspective and support, hospitality can offer fantastic careers, healthy workplaces, and long-term stability to hardworking people who are passionate about what we do. As a Certified Great Place to Work, Empowered demonstrates every day that bringing passionate people together to work in an industry we love is not only possible, but is essential. As our team continues to grow and meet more leaders in our industry, I personally have been privileged to speak at industry conferences and universities, to participate on the advisory committee for the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Programs, and to contribute to articles in leading publications. But above all, I love connecting with others.My purpose is, and will remain, to elevate our industry one workplace at a time. And to help bright, driven hospitalitarians find long-term career opportunities.