3. Social Welfare
Social Welfare is a central pillar of Gandum Village's Sustainability Plan, reflecting a commitment to valuing people, strengthening the community and promoting equity. This pillar goes beyond hospitality, creating positive social impact through job creation, ongoing training, inclusion and connection between guests and the local community.
Vision and Objective
Vision: To be a catalyst for positive social impact, promoting human and community development through inclusive, educational and regenerative practices.
Objective: To create opportunities for the local community, inspire guests to participate in social actions and integrate practices that promote equity and collective well-being.
Social Welfare Strategies
1. Creating Local and Skilled Jobs
Local Hiring: Prioritize the hiring of employees from the region, offering opportunities to people who do not normally have access to the hospitality sector.
Continuous Training: Training employees in topics such as sustainable hospitality, regenerative practices and excellent customer service.
Internships and Apprenticeship Programs: Partnerships with local schools and universities to welcome young talent and train future professionals.
2. Inclusion and Diversity
Inclusive Work Environment: Ensuring equal opportunities, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or physical ability.
Accessibility: Making Gandum accessible to guests and employees with reduced mobility.
3. Connection with the local community
Community Events: Organizing fairs, workshops and cultural events open to the population of Montemor-o-Novo and the surrounding area.
Partnerships with Local Businesses: Working with local artisans, producers and organizations to strengthen the regional economy.
Involvement in Local Initiatives: Supporting community and environmental projects led by local NGOs and associations.
4. Education and Awareness
Workshops for Guests and the Community: Carry out educational activities such as environmental regeneration workshops, healthy cooking classes and day-to-day sustainability practices.
Guests as Participants: Offer programs that connect guests to Gandum's social practices, such as "Adopt a Tree" or support for community projects.
5. Employee well-being
Fair Wages and Benefits: Ensure remuneration above the local average and offer additional benefits such as ongoing training and access to health and wellness programs.
Culture of Support and Growth: Creating an environment where employees feel valued, promoting personal and professional growth.
Monitoring and targets
1. Creating Local Jobs
Target: 30 direct jobs and 50 indirect jobs by 2025.
Monitoring: Annual hiring and training reports.
2. Participation in Community Events
Target: Hold or support at least 6 annual events involving the local community.
Monitoring: Registration of events held and feedback from participants.
3. Guest Participation in Regenerative Actions
Target: To engage 500 guests a year in activities with a social or environmental impact.
Monitoring: Participation data in activities and workshops.
4. Employee satisfaction
Target: Achieve a satisfaction rate of over 90% by 2025.
Monitoring: Regular surveys and feedback sessions.
Connection with the SDGs
SDG 4 (Quality Education): Promote education and training for employees and the community.
SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Ensure equal opportunities for all.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Create decent jobs and strengthen the local economy.
SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities): Promote inclusion and equity.
Expected Impact
Social Welfare at Gandum Village transforms it into a regenerative tourism model that values people and creates a lasting positive impact. This commitment inspires guests, empowers the community and reinforces the sustainability of the project.
3.1 Creating Local and Skilled Jobs
The creation of local, qualified jobs is one of the central objectives of Gandum Village's Social Welfare pillar. This commitment ensures that the project's positive impact extends beyond its operations, promoting empowerment, equity and economic development in Montemor-o-Novo and the Alentejo region.
Objective
Offering fair and dignified employment opportunities for the local population, with a focus on continuous training and professional development, contributing to strengthening the regional economy.
Implementation Strategies
1. Prioritizing Local Hiring
Work in collaboration with local councils, local associations and technical schools to identify talent in the region.
Target: Ensure that at least 1/3 of employees are residents of Montemor-o-Novo or the surrounding area by 2025.
2. Training and Development Programs
Internal Workshops: Train staff in areas such as sustainable hospitality, customer service and regenerative management.
Educational Partnerships: Establish agreements with schools and universities to offer internship programs and practical courses.
Internal mentoring: Implementing a mentoring system where experienced employees help younger ones develop their skills.
3. Inclusive and Diversified Jobs
Ensuring equal opportunities for under-represented groups such as women, young people and people with disabilities.
Adapt functions and spaces to be accessible to all.
4. Talent retention
Offer competitive benefits, such as ongoing training, financial incentives and a positive working environment that encourages people to stay.
Create clear career plans, allowing employees to evolve within the organization.
Examples of positions created
1. Hospitality and Accommodation: Receptionists, reservations managers, housekeepers and cleaning staff, all trained in sustainable practices.
2. Gastronomy: Chefs, kitchen assistants and dining room staff at Provenance, trained in sustainable gastronomy and excellent service.
3. Management and Operations: Sustainability managers, those responsible for events and regenerative activities, and maintenance technicians with a focus on energy efficiency.
4. Local Partnerships and Education: Coordinators for community partnerships, educators for workshops and guides for agroforestry tours and other regenerative activities.
Benefits for the Local Community
1. Strengthening the regional economy: Increased employment has a direct impact on the local economy, through wages circulating in the community.
2. Skills development: Ongoing training enables employees to apply their skills both at Gandum and in other future projects.
3. Social Inclusion: Creating opportunities for under-represented groups promotes equity and reduces inequalities in the region.
4. Raising awareness of sustainability: The team becomes ambassadors for Gandum's regenerative practices, inspiring other members of the community.
Connection with the SDGs
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Creating fair jobs and promoting local economic development.
SDG 4 (Quality Education): Continuous training of employees and opportunities for young people through internships and training.
SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities): Inclusion of under-represented groups in the labor market.
Examples of concrete actions
1. "Sustainability in Practice" Training Program: Internal course that teaches employees about Gandum's regenerative practices and how to apply them on a daily basis.
2. Partnership with local technical schools: Offering paid internships to students of hospitality, tourism and sustainable management.
3. Annual Gandum Community Day: An event that celebrates the collaborators and the project's impact on the community, with workshops and presentations by the teams.
4. Retention Incentives: Recognition program for high-performing employees, including bonuses and internal growth opportunities.
Expected Impact
The creation of local, skilled jobs turns Gandum Village into an engine of economic and social development for Montemor-o-Novo. Through inclusive practices and ongoing training, Gandum ensures that the positive impact goes beyond its physical boundaries, empowering people and strengthening the community.
3.2 Inclusion and Diversity
Inclusion and diversity are fundamental pillars for Gandum Village, which seeks to create a hospitality and work environment where everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical ability. This commitment is reflected both in the treatment given to employees and in the experience offered to guests.
Objective
Promoting an inclusive and diverse culture, guaranteeing equal opportunities and accessibility for all those who work at and visit Gandum.
Implementation Strategies
1. Inclusive Contracting
Focus on Diversity: Establish recruitment processes that promote equal opportunities for people from different backgrounds and conditions.
Partnerships with NGOs and Associations: Work with local organizations that support the integration of marginalized groups into the labor market, such as people with disabilities or the long-term unemployed.
2. Universal accessibility
Adapted infrastructures: Ensure that all areas of Gandum, from accommodation to common areas, are accessible to people with reduced mobility or other specific needs.
Inclusive Activities: Developing experiences and workshops adapted for different abilities and ages.
3. Inclusive Work Environment
Equal Opportunities: Ensuring that all employees have access to the same opportunities for growth, regardless of gender, age or other characteristics.
Culture of Respect: Implement regular training for staff on diversity, inclusion and combating prejudice.
4. Inclusive Guest Experience
Multilingual communication: Ensure that Gandum's communication (website, signage and staff) is available in several languages, facilitating access for international guests.
Inclusive Food: Offering menus at Provenance adapted to different dietary restrictions (vegetarians, vegans, food intolerances, etc.).
Benefits for Gandum and the Community
1. Strengthening the Team: A diverse team brings different perspectives, promoting innovation and empathy.
2. Attracting Conscious Guests: An inclusive environment attracts guests who value diversity and respect.
3. Positive Social Impact: The inclusion of marginalized groups in the job market helps to reduce inequalities in the local community.
4. Positive Reputation: Promoting diversity and inclusion reinforces Gandum's image as an ethical and sustainable destination.
Connection with the SDGs
SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Promote equal opportunities for women and men.
SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities): Integrate marginalized groups and ensure universal accessibility.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Create an inclusive and fair working environment.
Expected Impact
Promoting inclusion and diversity makes Gandum Village more than just a destination - it turns it into an example of regenerative hospitality that respects and values differences. This approach reinforces the positive impact on the community and the unique experience of guests and employees.
2.3.3 Connection with the local community
Connecting with the local community is a central element of Gandum Village's mission, promoting the strengthening of ties with Montemor-o-Novo and the Alentejo region. This commitment goes beyond occasional interaction, creating a relationship of mutual exchange that benefits both the community and the guests, by valuing local culture, resources and traditions.
Objective
Establishing Gandum as an integral part of the local community, promoting partnerships, boosting the regional economy and preserving cultural and environmental heritage.
Connection Strategies
1. community events and activities
Local Fairs in Gandum: Organization of regular markets in Gandum for local producers, artisans and artists, promoting their products and talents.
Open Thematic Events: Workshops, lectures and film or music screenings in the open air, with the participation of the local community.
Cultural Partnerships: Collaboration with institutions such as Espaço do Tempo to integrate the region's cultural offer with the Gandum experience.
2. Promoting Local Business
Partnerships with artisans and producers: Supplying local products for Provenance and the Gandum store, such as olive oil, honey, ceramics and textiles.
Local Tourist Routes: Creating packages that include visits to points of interest such as Montemor-o-Novo Castle, Herdade Freixo do Meio or routes inspired by José Saramago's "Levantado do Chão".
3. Social and educational impact
Workshops Open to the Community: Sessions on regenerative practices, sustainability and hospitality, given by the Gandum team.
Educational projects: Partnerships with local schools to promote visits to Gandum and activities such as planting trees in the agroforest.
4. Active participation in local projects
Support for NGOs and local associations: Collaboration with organizations working in areas such as environmental conservation, regenerative agriculture and social inclusion.
Volunteering Initiatives: Involve the Gandum team in community actions, such as cleaning up rivers, reforestation or supporting families in need.
5. Communication and Awareness
Giving Voice to the Community: Incorporating local stories and traditions into Gandum's communications, from social media to promotional materials.
Fostering Local Pride: Showing the inhabitants of Montemor-o-Novo how Gandum contributes to the regeneration and promotion of the region.
Connection with the SDGs
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Support local businesses and create economic opportunities in the region.
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Strengthen the connection between Gandum and Montemor-o-Novo to promote sustainable tourism.
SDG 15 (Terrestrial Life): Support environmental conservation and regeneration projects in partnership with the local community.
Expected Impact
The connection with the local community positions Gandum Village as an engine for social, economic and cultural development in Montemor-o-Novo. This involvement not only strengthens ties with the region, but also creates authentic and enriching experiences for guests, reinforcing the regenerative value of the project.
2.3.4 Education and Awareness Raising
Education and awareness are fundamental tools in Gandum Village's Social Welfare pillar, with the aim of empowering employees, guests and the local community to adopt regenerative and sustainable practices. This commitment promotes environmental and social awareness, inspiring practical change and long-term positive impact.
Objective
Empowering people through practical education and awareness-raising, promoting conscious behavior and strengthening Gandum's social and environmental impact.
Education and Awareness Strategies
1. Training for Employees
Internal Workshops: Training staff in sustainability practices, regenerative hospitality and resource management.
Ongoing Mentoring: Create an internal mentoring program to develop specific skills in each function.
2. workshops and activities for guests
Agroforestry and Sustainability: Practical activities that show how Gandum's agroforestry works, its environmental impact and how guests can replicate these practices at home.
From Field to Plate: Experience with the Provenance chef, exploring local ingredients and creating sustainable dishes.
3. Local Community Involvement
Open Classes: Educational sessions for local residents on topics such as waste management, regenerative agriculture and conscious consumption.
Partnerships with schools and universities: Organization of visits to Gandum for students, with practical educational activities such as planting trees or workshops on biodiversity.
4. Raising Awareness Through Communication
Digital Content: Creation of educational series on Gandum's blog or social networks, highlighting regenerative practices and stories of local impact.
On-site initiatives: Place educational signs in key areas of Gandum (e.g. solar panels, composting, agroforestry), explaining the benefits of each practice.
Connection with the SDGs
SDG 4 (Quality Education): Offer practical and inclusive education for all audiences.
SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production): Raise awareness of sustainable practices in everyday consumption.
SDG 15 (Terrestrial Life): Promote the importance of environmental preservation and soil regeneration.
Expected Impact
Through education and awareness-raising, Gandum Village becomes a catalyst for change, empowering individuals and organizations to adopt regenerative practices. This pillar extends the impact of the project, involving the community and guests in a shared vision of sustainability and regeneration.
3.5 Employee well-being
Employee well-being is essential to the success of Gandum Village. By valuing and supporting the team, Gandum creates a healthy, motivating working environment in line with its values of sustainability and regeneration. This pillar reflects the commitment to creating fair conditions, opportunities for growth and a balance between personal and professional life.
Objective
Ensuring that employees feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute with excellence, while enjoying a working environment that promotes their general well-being.
Employee well-being strategies
1. Fair Working Conditions
Competitive Remuneration: Offering fair salaries, above the local average, with additional benefits.
Flexible hours: Whenever possible, allow hours adjusted to personal needs, promoting a balance between professional and personal life.
2. Health and Wellness Programs
Psychological support: Providing mental health consultations for employees, promoting an emotionally safe environment.
Physical well-being: Organize activities such as yoga, walks in the agroforest or mindfulness sessions on site.
3. Training and Professional Development
Continuous training: Regular training on hospitality, sustainability, leadership and other relevant areas.
Career plans: Develop clear paths for internal growth, with mentoring and opportunities for progression.
4. Inclusive and Respectful Environment
Equal Opportunities: Ensuring that all employees, regardless of gender, age, origin or ability, have the same opportunities for growth.
Culture of Respect: Implementing practices that promote diversity and combat any form of discrimination.
5. Recognizing and Retaining Talent
Recognition programs: Create initiatives to value performance, such as monthly awards, bonuses or team celebration events.
Constant feedback: Hold regular meetings to listen to suggestions and concerns, showing employees that their opinions matter.
Employee benefits
1. greater satisfaction and motivation: happier and healthier employees are more productive and committed to Gandum's vision.
2. Reduced turnover: Providing a positive environment reduces the need to constantly hire and train new employees.
3. Personal and Professional Development: Investing in employees creates more qualified professionals who are prepared for the future.
4. Strengthening the Organizational Culture: A well-treated team reflects Gandum's values in the services offered to guests.
Connection with the SDGs
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Ensure fair and safe conditions for all employees.
SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Promote equality in the workplace.
SDG 3 (Health and Well-being): Focus on the physical and mental well-being of the team.
Expected Impact
By investing in employee well-being, Gandum Village creates a motivated team that is aligned with the project's regenerative mission. This commitment ensures a healthy and positive working environment, which is reflected in the quality of service and the experience offered to guests.
