Pillar 3. Social well-being: better service starts with how we treat our team
What is "social welfare" in a hotel?
It's the least Instagrammable and most decisive part of the experience. A hotel may have good architecture and good food, but if the staff is tired, poorly paid, or constantly changing, you'll notice.
At Gandum, social welfare means creating conditions for the people who make the hotel happen to have stability, growth, and respect. For you, this translates into something very simple: more consistent service with genuine enthusiasm.
1) Local employment: those who receive it know the territory
Hiring locally is not a "good deed." It's operational intelligence.
What we do
We prioritize hiring people from Montemor-o-Novo and the surrounding area whenever possible, and we create roles that go beyond the minimum necessary to "open doors."
What do you gain from this?
better recommendations because they come from people who know the region
more natural service and less "scripted"
continuity throughout the year, not just during peak season
2) Continuous training: better detail, every day
The difference between a "nice" site and a "well-managed" site usually lies here.
What we do
We invest in practical training, team routines, and continuous improvement, from room service to daily operations.
What do you gain from this?
fewer minor flaws that spoil the experience
more consistency between shifts and days
faster resolution of unforeseen events without drama
3) Inclusion and accessibility: a place where you can be yourself
Inclusion is not a slogan; it is experience and operational design.
What we do
We work to ensure equal opportunities within the team and improve accessibility when space and architecture allow. In the restaurant, we offer a wider range of options and flexibility for different dietary requirements.
What do you gain from this?
a more comfortable environment for different guest profiles
less "friction" for families, seniors, and people with specific needs
greater safety in care and attention
4) Local community: a hotel that does not live in a bubble
Montemor is not just a backdrop. It is part of the stay.
What we do
We have established partnerships with local producers, artisans, and projects, and we have opened Gandum to moments when guests and locals naturally intersect.
What do you gain from this?
more authentic experiences because they are not imported
feel of a lively place, not an "isolated resort"
gastronomy and culture with context, not just aesthetics
5) Team well-being: attentive service does not happen by chance
This is the point that most affects your experience, even if you don't see it.
What we do
We strive to pay above the local average and create a stable work environment, with respect, clarity, and room to grow.
What do you gain from this?
more attentive and humane service
less turnover, less "new team every month"
better energy in the restaurant and throughout the hotel
Goals that help keep it real
create direct and indirect jobs in the region
organize events and initiatives with the community throughout the year
engage guests in activities with social/environmental impact without moralizing
measure team satisfaction and adjust as necessary
SDGs linked to this pillar
SDG 4 Quality education
SDG 5 Gender equality
SDG 8 Decent work
SDG 10 Reduced inequalities
Social well-being at Gandum means this: a hotel that works better because people are at its heart. You can feel it in the service, the atmosphere, and the way the place relates to Montemor.