Bloc magazine autumn 24.

62 Meeting the team. How did you come to work at Bloc? After earning my degree, I began my career in hospitality by working at a local hotel. When I saw a housekeeping supervisor position open at Bloc Hotels, I knew it was a perfect opportunity to expand my skills. I was thrilled to receive a job offer after applying and successfully completing a series of interviews. How does hotel work differ to other jobs you've had? Before beginning my career in the hotel industry, I worked as a receptionist. Compared to my previous company, Bloc is much broader and more dynamic. Hotels can be fast-paced, especially during peak seasons or events, requiring you to work efficiently and be flexible in your duties. Working for ahotel involves significant communication between departments, and teamwork collaboration is crucial to ensuring smooth operations. What are the best bits about becoming part of the Bloc team? Being part of the Bloc Hotel team means joining a supportive and dynamic group with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Every member of the team is always ready to help and support you. What are the most important aspects of your role? In my opinion, the most crucial elements of my work are paying attention to detail and maintaining a cheerful attitude. Being part of a team that takes pride in their work every day is immensely enjoyable to me. I greatly appreciate the sense of achievement that comes from knowing my efforts and those of my team contribute to the comfort and satisfaction of our guests. What is the biggest challenge you have faced? The biggest challenge is maintaining consistency on busy days when the hotel is fully booked. We overcome this by careful planning and having an organised schedule. Another challenge is dealing with unexpected issues or maintenance problems, where flexibility and quick problem-solving are essential. Who inspires you and why? Senior managers and all teams are my main sources of motivation. They are a diverse mix of highly skilled and driven individuals, each contributing unique talents and viewpoints that inspire me to improve. What is your most memorable experience at Bloc? My most memorable experiences include receiving the 'Dedicated to Detail' award and, more recently, the 'Truly Enterprising' award. Additionally, I have many other fond memories from my time at Bloc, such as witnessing the camaraderie among team members from different departments, who always supported each other during hectic days while maintaining a cheerful atmosphere. If you're interested in joining the Bloc team, you can find our current vacancies at: blochotels.com/careers In this issue we introduce Simona Pavalache, Housekeeping Supervisor at Bloc Hotel Birmingham.