Fairmont’s Mountain Region helps staff reach their peak

Moving from India to Guelph, Ont., wasn’t as much of a culture shock for Implepreet Sahota as moving across Canada to work for Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, one of five hotels operated by Fairmont’s Canadian Western Mountain Region.

“Coming from such a busy environment to here, which is so quiet and serene – it was a big transition,” says the conference services manager.

That transition ended up being a smooth one thanks to the excellent onboarding and supportive community she found with her new employer.

“I was so nervous because it’s such a big company,” she recalls. “But the onboarding was so good that it really set the tone for my journey.”

Sahota started at the hotel through Inspire, Fairmont’s 18-month leadership development program which improves soft skills and emotional intelligence for new leaders.

Three years of learning and three promotions later, she’s still at the chateau and excited by the opportunities.

“Relationships and proven trust helped shape my career here,” she says. “Whenever I wanted to try something new, my director sat down with me to make a plan. I’ve never been made to feel like something is impossible.”

Opportunity at the company isn’t tied to enrolment in its many training programs, however – it can be as simple as raising one’s hand.

That was the case 25 years ago when Jennifer Melanson was working in food and beverage at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Melanson, who had studied human resources, applied to become human resources secretary. Over two decades later, she’s now regional director of talent and culture.

“I could list all the training I received, but more importantly there is a culture of freedom to progress in whatever direction you choose,” says Melanson. “It's very individualized.”

Movement within the organization is so encouraged that the regional hub has implemented a hiring strategy called Opportunity Knocks.

Every two weeks, talent acquisition shares success stories from employees moving into leadership roles, along with current leadership openings, while prioritizing internal applicants.

“You get to watch how people are growing in their careers. It’s really wonderful to see,” Melanson says.

The learning and development culture stems from many places, including being a people-first organization, she explains. “Being focused on guest satisfaction and guest experience, it’s in our nature to deliver that to our employees as well.”

Recruitment and retention are also key players and have pushed the hotels to focus more on employee investment.

“We’ve been very intentional about investing in all of our employees,” says Melanson. “They're going to be better at what they do, have more confidence and be more loyal.”

The investment has shown marked success, slashing recruitment by almost one third.

Training and development opportunities run the gamut and include an online culinary school, student work experience programs and luxury service training, as well as diversity and inclusion or neuro-inclusivity training.

While Melanson is proud of every opportunity offered, the robust leadership training particularly shines.

From having authentic conversations to building trust or self-awareness, leadership training gives employees valuable skills for every life stage, she explains.

“Those soft skills that allow you to lead and make life better for other people are universal,” she says. “You'll take that wherever you go.”

For Sahota, the mentorship, training and opportunities have only been matched by the community and shared values she’s found in her new home.

“There are people here from all over the world and everyone gets an equal opportunity. It’s very rare,” she says. “Inclusivity matters so much to me, and I feel that here. My voice is heard.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Alberta’s Top Employers winners, published January 28, 2025 in the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.