The luxurious Castle Leslie Estate, located on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside in County Monaghan, is renowned for its world-class hospitality, fine dining, and equestrian experiences. As the business grew, its leadership recognised that long-term success would depend just as much on the experience of its employees as that of its guests.
In 2022, with a team of just over 200, the estate began a focused effort to improve its internal culture. The aim was clear: create a more supportive, inclusive, and engaging place to work — one where staff felt valued and had the opportunity to develop and thrive. Over the next three years, that commitment would lead to meaningful results for both employees and the business.
Investing in Growth at Every Level
One of the first steps taken was a deep investment in staff development. Every department, from housekeeping to management, was offered extensive training that enabled them to thrive and clearly aligned with their individual career paths.
In the equestrian division, team members followed structured BHS Level 1, 2, and 3 pathways, paired with Horseboy equine therapy training, helping staff master a rare and specialised skillset. In the kitchens, the Executive Head Chef took on a mentoring role, helping budding culinary professionals refine their craft and build future careers.
Inclusivity also became a pillar of the growth strategy. A meaningful partnership with EmployAbility Monaghan Cavan allowed the estate to create real employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health challenges; further strengthening its values of equity and compassion.
A Culture of Celebration
Development wasn’t just professional - it was personal. At Castle Leslie Estate, they have made real efforts, especially over the last three years, to recognise and celebrate achievements both big and small. Birthdays are marked with casual gatherings, while major milestones (like earning Great Place to Work Certification!) are publicly celebrated with the full team.
In a unique move, the estate closes twice a year during peak seasons, giving employees well-earned breaks for rest and celebration. In such a fast-paced industry, this break is much appreciated by employees, and allows teams to recharge fully to prepare for the influx of guests at peak times. Employees at Castle Leslie Estate also enjoy three annual family fun days, including a magical Santa visit, reinforcing a "family-first" ethos and creating shared moments that transcend work.
These efforts have built a culture where employees feel deeply appreciated, seen, and part of a real community, not just a workplace where they clock in and out.
Communication that Builds Trust
Open and consistent communication also played a key role in strengthening internal trust. Employees now receive regular newsletters, take part in structured performance reviews, and attend resource meetings that give them a voice in operations.
Perhaps most importantly, Castle Leslie Estate made a public commitment to act on employee feedback — and they’ve followed through. From survey insights to day-to-day input, staff have seen tangible changes based on their contributions, creating a feedback loop rooted in mutual respect and responsiveness.
The Results
Castle Leslie Estate’s efforts to improve workplace culture have led to meaningful progress - particularly in areas that matter most in hospitality, where employee engagement directly influences guest experience.
Between 2022 and 2024, overall trust among employees increased from 73% to 82%. That growth suggests a stronger connection between staff and leadership, something especially important in a fast-paced, people-driven environment.
More employees also now see a future for themselves at the estate. The percentage who believe they can achieve their career aspirations at Castle Leslie Estate rose from 64% to 79% — a significant shift in an industry often marked by short-term roles. From this, it's clear that the estate’s focus on training and development is being felt on the ground.
Staff also reported feeling more supported in their day-to-day roles. Those who said they receive regular performance feedback increased from 58% to 76%, while belief that managers care about them as individuals climbed from 68% to 80%. These kinds of improvements help build stronger teams and more consistent service delivery.
Notably, there’s been a marked improvement in how staff view internal communication. Belief that the organisation will act on employee feedback jumped from 65% to 85%, pointing to a workplace where people feel their input isn’t just heard, but acted on.
And while not the only measure of success, pride in working at Castle Leslie Estate is high — 90% of employees say they’re proud to tell others where they work. In hospitality, where team morale often sets the tone for customer experience, that kind of sentiment can make a real difference.
Beyond internal metrics, the guest experience improved as well. Reviews praising a “genuine welcome” rose by 7%, and the estate’s responsiveness to overall guest needs increased by 6%. With headcount growing from 200 to 260, Castle Leslie Estate has managed to scale both its team and its standards. Today, 70% of employees have been with the company for at least a year, and 55% have two years or more of service — clear signs of a Great workplace where people genuinely want to stay.
Recognition and Looking Ahead
In 2023, Castle Leslie Estate's hard work paid off, with the organisation officially named as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland by Great Place to Work for the first time. On top of this, the estate has also been recognised as a Best Workplace in Hospitality and a Best Workplace for Health & Wellbeing, true markers they have made a commitment to their people. For CEO Brian Baldwin, these recognitions are the result of a deliberate focus on culture:
"Our success comes directly from our team. Putting our team members first is at the heart of our mission, purpose, and goals. More importantly, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, celebrated for their uniqueness, and empowered to give their best."
With a foundation of trust, celebration, and development in place, Castle Leslie Estate is more than a workplace - it’s a community where people are proud to grow together. Their journey proves that when you invest in your people, everything else follows.
About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. We help organisations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees. We recognise Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies and the Best Workplaces™ in more than 60 countries.
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