IHF Employee of the Year 2026/2027

The IHF National Employee of the Year Awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding contribution made by employees working in hotels and guesthouses throughout Ireland.

The awards provide IHF members with an opportunity to recognise team members who make a real difference within their workplace, while showcasing the rewarding careers, skills and progression opportunities available across the hotels and guesthouses profession.

Please read the full competition information below before submitting your nomination.
Nomination forms for each branch can be found at the bottom of this page.

Who can be nominated?

Nominees must:

be a full-time or part-time permanent employee of an IHF member property;
be employed at craft level up to and including supervisory level; and
have a minimum of one year’s experience working within your property

We encourage all IHF members to consider nominating an employee who they believe deserves recognition.

Please click here for
IHF Employee of the Year Key Dates and Information

hotel employee in uniform smiling at front desk

What are we looking for?

When selecting a nominee, members are encouraged to consider the individual’s overall contribution to their hotel and what makes them stand out as an employee. The nomination should provide examples of the nominee’s:

contribution to their role and workplace

commitment to delivering excellent standards

career development and progression

willingness and ability to learn new skills

participation in training and development

contribution to colleagues and the wider team

initiative and personal qualities

positive impact on the guest experience and/or the successful operation of the hotel and guesthouse

Where possible, nominations should include specific examples that bring the nominee’s contribution and achievements to life.

How the Awards Process Works

The Employee of the Year Awards begin at IHF Branch level.

Following the closing date for nominations, submissions are reviewed and shortlisted nominees are invited to attend an interview with an independent judging panel appointed by their IHF Branch.

Each Branch selects an Employee of the Year, who then progresses to represent their Branch in the IHF National Employee of the Year Awards.

The national finalists are brought together for the final stage of the competition, culminating in the announcement of the IHF National Employee of the Year.

The awards are also an important opportunity to highlight the people within our industry and to promote the profession as a rewarding career choice.

Making a Nomination

Nominations should be completed and submitted through the IHF Employee of the Year Portal.

Please ensure that you have reviewed the eligibility criteria and nomination questions before beginning your submission and provide as much relevant information and practical examples as possible.

Your Branch closing date and any relevant arrangements for interviews and the Branch awards process will be available through the Quality Employer Programme portal.

Ready to Nominate?

Nominate a full-time or part-time permanent employee at craft to supervisory level (with a minimum of one years’ service) who has made an outstanding contribution to your hotel or guesthouse