A global company’s success hinges on embracing diversity and fostering cultural awareness in today’s interconnected world. At AltoVita, these values are fundamental to building a strong team and a product that truly serves our customers and partners.
With its headquarters in London and a team spread across the globe, AltoVita serves customers on every continent and manages an extensive inventory of corporate apartments worldwide. This global reach makes respecting diversity and cultivating cultural awareness for all backgrounds, religions, and genders essential to the company’s success.
The Role of Intercultural Awareness in Hospitality
To explore how intercultural awareness informs AltoVita’s approach, we spoke with Intercultural Hospitality Consultant Rosina Budhani. With nearly a decade of experience at Design Hotels and now leading her consultancy, Hospitality & Diversity, Rosina emphasises the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in hospitality.
“Intercultural training is designed to help individuals or groups develop the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to interact effectively with people from different cultures,” Rosina explains. “The goal is to enhance cross-cultural communication, reduce misunderstandings, and promote successful interactions in diverse environments. This is crucial in the hospitality sector, where creating inclusive, welcoming spaces is key to ensuring positive guest experiences and effective staff communication.”
Every hospitality experience starts online, so our product team is committed to building a solution and user experience that meets every user’s needs, whether they’re a relocation specialist, global travel manager, or employee booking a corporate apartment.
Building a Diverse Workforce
At AltoVita, diversity is not just a corporate policy but a lived experience. The company’s workforce includes individuals from various cultural backgrounds and identities. For instance, Danni, an LGBTQ employee, and Joy, from the Middle East, exemplify the diverse perspectives that enrich AltoVita’s corporate culture and product offerings. Rosina notes that such diversity within the team is crucial for developing a product that meets the needs of a global user base.
“In what ways does AltoVita incorporate intercultural awareness into its company culture and product offerings?” we asked Joy. She shared, “Understanding and respecting cultural nuances is essential for exceptional service. AltoVita’s commitment to this principle is evident in how they engage with their clients and manage their properties.”
Carol Fergus, Director of Global Travel, Events & Ground Transportation at Fidelity International, underscores the importance of cultural understanding.
In a recent fireside chat in India hosted by AltoVita, she shared, “When we talk about Environmental, Social, and Governance values (ESG), people are at the core of everything we do. There is no ESG without the people. Guests want to feel that someone has considered their culture and dietary preferences,” said Fergus, who also expanded on how technology plays a role in this process.
“If it's a traveller's first time in a country, they need to know how seamlessly and securely they can get from A to B. When you come to India, for example, it’s important to embrace the people here, the different cultures, and the unique behaviours, truly participating and being part of that experience.”
Practical Steps for Inclusivity
Rosina offers practical steps for companies to enhance their inclusivity and cultural awareness. “Creating a psychologically safe working environment is paramount,” she says. “Employees should feel comfortable being authentic without fear of negative repercussions. This involves addressing any discriminatory language or behaviour promptly and effectively.”
Rosina also stresses the importance of inclusive marketing and communication. “Companies should ensure that their marketing imagery and language reflect diversity. It’s not just about using stock photos; it’s about genuinely representing the diverse makeup of your staff and customers.”
A Global Perspective on Product Development
A diverse workforce contributes significantly to AltoVita’s global product development. By integrating diverse perspectives, the company can create solutions that cater to a broad range of cultural needs. For example, AltoVita’s product development team considers different cultural preferences and requirements when designing their software features.
“In some countries, using pronouns and inclusive language is a significant aspect of user experience,” Rosina explains. “However, languages like German, Spanish, and Italian have different nuances. Understanding these differences is vital for creating a product that resonates with users worldwide.”
The Power of Cultural Awareness in Global Business
AltoVita’s dedication to cultural awareness and diversity is a cornerstone of its success. By embracing these values, the company builds a more robust, cohesive workforce and develops a product that meets the diverse needs of its global user base. Rosina aptly says, “Together, we can create the most supportive environment possible for everyone to thrive.”
AltoVita exemplifies how a global perspective can drive corporate success and exceptional product development through ongoing DEI initiatives and a commitment to understanding cultural nuances.
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