While our guests and visitors may adore the Abama golf course or our beach cove, it’s the Abama team that are the focus of almost every positive review our resort receives. Time and again, we hear about our staff’s attentiveness, attention to detail, and welcoming attitude, and we are incredibly proud these exceptional people have chosen to be part of the Abama family. For some insights into how Abama has been able to find and retain this special team, we spoke with Sandra Estupiñan, our Director of Human Resources. She believes it’s a combination of the Abama Talent Culture and the recognition and promotion of excellence that has been the magic formula in hiring for jobs at Abama.
What is the Abama “Talent Culture”?
To me, this concept brings together two of the most important pillars in an organization: on the one hand, culture, which is really the driver of organizations. It defines, not how you behave in a business, but rather the principles and norms that inspire the people that work there. And on the other hand, you have talent, which are the skills, abilities and knowledge at the service of an objective. I see “talent culture” as an environment in which all the skills and strengths of people are focused on achieving an inspiring vision that is the one the company has dreamed of and with which employees identify. It’s a culture that goes beyond the simple adding up of individual capacities to become a harmonious combination of people who are clear about their goal.
How do you apply these concepts when it comes to hiring for jobs at Abama?
The My Way Culture is one of the key elements when we’re putting together a team. To give our guests the experience we want them to have, we need not only people with skills and knowledge, but a team aligned in their principles and values. We look for people who share these principles and feel connected with our culture. So when it comes to our selection process, in addition to validating that candidates have the required technical capacities, we also try to ensure there’s a match between the vision and aspirations of the candidate and our corporate culture.
How important is it to the HR Department that you hire locally?
It’s fundamental. Abama is committed to helping generate jobs in the Canary Islands for people who are passionate about the hospitality industry. That’s also why our doors are open to young people looking for their first job after completing their studies. We love to help people make their way, grow professionally and remain a part of the team in the long term.
Which qualities do you most seek in candidates?
The capacities and qualities we look for in a candidate depend on the jobs at Abama they are applying for, so there’s nothing I can generally say is our top priority. But we do seek people aligned with our principles and values, as I said. We want people who are committed and responsible, not just when it comes to work, but also with respect to their colleagues, guests, society in general, and the environment.
Open always to the best local candidates for jobs at Abama, the Abama HR Department's objective is to create relationships with employees in which both parties benefit. Sustainable homes are only one part of the Abama sustainability philosophy; making the resort a generator of employment and developing the Tenerife hospitality industry and its local talent is another.
