Johnson joined Elior in 2005 as HR manager before being promoted to HR Director in 2018. He created a HR Service desk to improve the speed of service for the business and he implemented a Business Partnering model to enhance capability in this area.
Other achievements include launching an engagement survey for all 10,000 employees, creating a network of mental health first aiders and introducing ‘Celebrate Equality’ champions. Johnson also created a ‘You Made a Difference’ scheme for colleague recognition.
Catherine Roe, chief executive of Elior UK, said: “This is a wonderful achievement and reflects the success that Justin has accomplished in developing and driving a winning HR strategy which has improved colleague engagement, labour productivity and resourcing.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Johnson prioritised communication, engagement and wellbeing. The engagement survey revealed the happiness of colleagues increased from 69% to 77% and the overall enjoyment at work increased from 85% to 90%.
Following the pandemic he has switched the focus to the challenges of retention and resourcing as well as setting up a coaching programme to help create a coaching environment, improve performance and drive cultural change.
Commenting on this award, Johnson said: “I am thrilled to have received this recognition – the last couple of years have not been easy for the hospitality industry and it has been so rewarding to develop a strategy that enhances the service that HR can provide for the business but also improves the lives of our colleagues at work.”