Inside Asian Gaming

Metnbership has its privileges In the race to become the employer of choice in a city straining un­ der an acute labor crunch, Venetian (Macau) is trumpeting its plush staffcanteen and gym. The company has dug into its deep pockets to provide facilities that will be the envy of its competitors, and keep its "team members" (a.k.a. employees) fromjumping ship as poaching intensifies. Pumping iron with Venetian Macau chief operating officer Frank McFadden. Human resources In addition to basic benefits such as medical insurance, shuttle bus service, 24-hour catering and laundry service, the Las Vegas-based casino operator re­ cently set up a top notch gym for the ex­ clusive use of its employees in Macau. The gym is fully equipped with ad­ vanced training facilities, a giant plas­ ma TV and several computers provid­ ing internet access. Consistent with the company's policy of adding value to its human resource, the gym also features a mini library consisting of books on tourism and food. There is a trainer as well as a nutri­ tionist on hand. Aerobics, Tai-Chi, Pi­ lates and Kung-fu classes are on the menu, and the gym is surrounded by a panoramic harbor view. The Venetian (Macau) staff gym outshines pretty much all private gyms in the city, but access is limited to "team members." The staff canteen is equally enviable, and is run 24-hours a day to provide meals and snacks for over 4,800 em­ ployees. According to executive chef, Paray Li, the canteen actually does serve all employees hai ry crabs and abalone. Despite the steep cost of providing such succulent meals (the meals cost al­ most eighty percent more than the bud­ geted US$7 each), the canteen is under no pressure to cut costs. Venetian (Macau) may have gone a bit far in proclaiming itselfMacau's "best employer." It should just let its impres­ sive benefits package do the talking. Inside Asian Gaming September 2005 11