10 Questions With … Jonelle Roman, Director of People at The Hoxton, DTLA

Amidst the craziness of opening The Hoxton, Downtown LA, Jonelle Roman was on hand to keep the team happy, healthy and motivated. We got chatting about some of her initiatives, starting with those wellness stations during launch week.

What’s a typical day for you?

The great thing about working in People is that no day is typical! It can vary from check-ins with team members, to scheduling team member programs or events, to working with department heads on initiatives to ensure their teams are successful.

What attracted you to The Hoxton?

A dear friend of mind, knowing about my experience and love for travel, suggested I check out The Hoxton. And what I loved most (beyond the beautiful spaces) was the sense of community and inclusivity The Hoxton gave focus to.

What is your mission and vision for the brand?

One of the things I love about Ennismore is how we walk the talk when it comes to our values. This mindset carries through to how we approach hiring and our employee perks. I want to continue to level up our internal community and offerings so that The Hoxton is THE place to work in DTLA.

What’s your biggest challenge and how are you tackling it?

Right now? Making sure the LA team stays sane through the hectic-ness of launch week. We have regular one-on-one check-ins and I put together a wellness station during launch week where team members could stop for a few mins to get a foot massage, and take a moment to breathe!

Any tips for cultivating wellbeing in the workplace?

C O M M U N I C A T I O N! Successful workplace wellbeing starts with communication. If we don’t know that something is wrong, we can’t help provide solutions.

Which skills are most important in your job?

Being able to read people and a room is super important. It plays a part in interviews and is important in assessing the ongoing wellness of your team. Also, it’s important to be objective so as to provide solid feedback and coaching.

What’s on your agenda for 2020?

Rolling out a robust ‘Discover Your Best Self’ monthly program for the team members. It’s such a great opportunity for team members to learn something new, improve a skill, or see through the lens of another role.

How do you unwind after a long week?

I’m an architectural history buff, so I have a few books on it I love to dive into. I’m also big on skincare. At-home face masks are my thing!

What’s your best travel tip?

Always carry wet wipes and an essential oil with you – lavender or eucalyptus are my faves! You can use them to disinfect, or put a view drops in your hands and take a deep breath for calm relief during those stressful travel moments that always happen.

What are your favourite haunts in Downtown LA?

Peking Tavern. It’s this amazing basement bar/restaurant that serves modern Szechuan-style street food that is SO GOOD! I’m there so much the owners know me, haha! For arts and culture, The Broad museum is another favourite.

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