Case Study: Transforming Onboarding with
Blended Learning: A Hospitality Case Study
Executive Summary
TrainingPros’ leading global hospitality client partnered with us to revamp its new manager training program, addressing high turnover rates and the need for a more engaging, effective onboarding experience. TrainingPros provided change management and instructional design expertise to create a hands-on, mobile-enabled, and mentorship-driven learning experience. As a result, the company reduced new manager turnover from 23% to just 7.85% while enhancing engagement and operational performance.
The Challenge
The hospitality industry is known for high turnover, and new managers often struggle with a lack of structured training and support. Historically, the client’s onboarding process resulted in a 23% turnover rate among new managers, indicating a gap in engagement and preparedness. The company sought to:
- Reduce turnover by providing a structured, engaging training experience.
- Enhance learning through hands-on experience and real-time access to information.
- Integrate mobile technology and digital storytelling to reinforce key concepts.
- Establish a mentorship program to provide long-term support for new managers.
TrainingPros was engaged to design and implement a comprehensive, modern onboarding program aimed at reducing turnover and equipping new managers with the skills and support needed for long-term success.
The Solution
TrainingPros collaborated with the client to develop a comprehensive, onboarding learning journey incorporating personalized learning, mobile technology, and mentorship. The key components included:
1. Structured, Hands-On Training with Certified Operations Training Managers
New managers were paired with Certified Operations Training Managers for an immersive three-week training experience at a Certified Hotel. TrainingPros helped design a structured three-week curriculum that focused on:
- People & Culture – Emphasizing guest experience and employee engagement, with a focus on company values and service excellence.
- Product & Operations – Hands-on training covering room cleaning and maintenance processes, operational best practices, and brand standards.
- Profit & Performance – Training on financial management, operational tools, and leadership strategies to drive business success.
By blending real-time learning with digital tools, TrainingPros ensured new managers gained practical experience while having immediate access to key resources.
2. Mobile Learning & Digital Storytelling
To create a more engaging and flexible learning experience, TrainingPros helped integrate mobile learning through:
- A mobile-enabled Video Portal featuring 60+ digital stories illustrating company values, operational processes, and leadership insights.
- Pre-loaded mobile devices equipped with iBooks, company-specific software, and cloud-based learning materials.
- Interactive learning resources such as iPads with training modules, assessments, and real-time tracking.
These tools ensured that new managers could reinforce learning beyond their in-person training sessions.
3. Mentorship & Ongoing Development
After completing the three-week training, new managers continued their development through:
- A fourth week of on-site coaching at their assigned property, where they worked with a mentor to assess operations and develop 30-, 60-, and 90-day action plans.
- Monthly virtual check-ins via webcam with a Training & Development Manager to track progress and provide additional coaching.
- A six-month in-person follow-up for General Managers to ensure continued success.
- Additional training for promoted Assistant General Managers, offering an extra week of hands-on learning to prepare them for their new leadership role.
By integrating ongoing mentorship, TrainingPros helped the company create a structured support system for new managers beyond the initial onboarding phase.
4. Enhanced Communication & Engagement
TrainingPros also worked with the learning department to introduce new communication strategies to make the onboarding process more welcoming and informative, including:
- Personalized welcome letters outlining the learning journey and setting expectations for new managers.
- Regular status updates for regional and executive leadership, ensuring alignment and support at all levels.
- Feedback loops that allowed new managers to share their experiences and contribute to continuous improvement.
The Result
The partnership between TrainingPros and the leading global hospitality company resulted in a highly successful transformation of the new manager onboarding experience. Key outcomes included:
- Turnover Reduction: The turnover rate for new managers dropped from 23% to just 7.85%, demonstrating significant improvements in retention.
- Increased Engagement: Over 102 new managers completed the training in the first 10 months, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
- Improved Business Performance: By equipping new managers with the skills and support they needed, the company saw enhanced operational efficiency and leadership effectiveness.
Conclusion
Through TrainingPros’ expertise in instructional design and change management, the leading global hospitality company successfully redefined its new manager onboarding experience. By incorporating hands-on training, mobile learning, digital storytelling, and structured mentorship, the company significantly reduced turnover, increased engagement, and set new managers up for long-term success.
TrainingPros was honored to partner with this leading global hospitality company to deliver impactful learning solutions that drove measurable business results, further reinforcing TrainingPros’ commitment to supporting workforce development and organizational success.
Resources Provided
Technology Used
7 Key Design Elements of Successful Onboarding Programs
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