LERCH Worlds of Enjoyment

The challenge is not new; however, it constantly requires new solutions and individual concepts: a shortage of skilled workers and securing skilled labor in the hotel industry. The family-run Lerch Worlds of Enjoyment group operates five hotels, 13 chalets, nine lodges, and a campsite in the Allgäu region. Instead of relying on the shrinking German applicant market, Thomas and Angela Lerch and their four children, along with partners, began actively searching for motivated young people in EU and non-EU countries as early as 2019.

The bureaucratic effort and initial language barriers were significant. But today, trainees from Morocco, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Nicaragua, Armenia, Madagascar, or Vietnam are part of the team, bringing new perspectives, cultures, and traditions to the establishments. "This is where I belong, this is where I fit in" is the promise to guests. And thanks to this initiative, it has long applied to employees and trainees as well. Meanwhile, their siblings, cousins, or friends often apply to Lerch Worlds of Enjoyment.

In addition to the two-day Welcome Day, trainees can expect a varied weekly training session – covering industry-specific topics such as "Cleaning Standards" or "Barista Training," as well as broader topics like "The Allgäu" or "My Future – What Could My Path Look Like?". There are also shared events, additional benefits – and staff accommodation.

The jury praised the pragmatic focus on young people, the intercultural approach, the "fighting through" bureaucracy, and the very social approach. What this private company has tackled and demonstrated is adaptable for many other businesses.

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• excellent adaptability for other businesses with a true role model function

• sleeves rolled up and simply got it done – pushing straight through the problematic path of bureaucracy

• the focus on young people is good and right; it's the only way to overcome the shortage of skilled workers