Companies that are dedicated to celebrating associates from different backgrounds are recognizing the payoff in creating a workplace where staff can thrive.

Hotels within Remington Hospitality's portfolio have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, as the third-party management company works to build out its company-wide calendar of events each year.

Johnny Morales, senior vice president of human resources at Remington, said in an email interview that the celebrations singled out four regions: Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

"Each week our human resources leaders/general managers celebrated a specific region and hosted a special luncheon showcasing cuisine, beverages, music and activities unique to that region," he said. "These weekly luncheons are kicked off with an internal, two-minute video highlighting an associate from a country in that region."

Morales said his team was careful to incorporate associates into the campaign.

"We selected associates who were born and raised in each region, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and Peru," he said. "Associates answered a series of questions that dug deep into their heritage and were encouraged to share a special saying from their country that could be translated into English to help others understand and appreciate their culture. We were astounded by their excitement to participate. You could feel how proud our associates were to share their experiences growing up in their country."

Staff brought in photos, memorabilia, instruments and other items that helped them share experiences, family traditions, what makes their country special and its influence on the U.S.

Other activities included Folkloric dance performances, Mexican bingo, Salsa dance classes, on-site food trucks and movies nights.

"Over the past several weeks, we have noticed that the vast majority of our associates are enjoying learning more about each Latin American country through our regional fact sheets that highlight [Latin American] countries," he said. "The response has been overwhelming. Our regional fact sheets dig deep into each country's origins from conception to current-day nuances and our associates are eager to learn more about what makes each country unique and its impact on American society today. We even received requests to translate our fact sheets into Spanish to help our associates learn more and share them with their friends and families."

Remington also made it a priority to engage guests. Each participating hotel was encouraged to set up display tables nears entryways with information regional fact sheets, festive decorations, signage, large maps showcasing Latin America and special food and beverage menus highlighting the region of the week.

Below, meet some of Remington's associates being celebrated.

Where were you born?: "I was born in Lima, Peru. I moved to the United States in 2003. I have lived in Jacksonville, Florida, for most of my time here."

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?: "Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with colleagues makes me extremely happy because everyone is celebrating my ethnicity."

Can you share some interesting facts about Peru?: "We are very passionate people. We love to gather and bring everyone together, no matter the situation. Even when our soccer team is losing, we are happy to be together."

How about some traditions or celebrations that you enjoy and have been incorporated on property for both staff and guests?: "While we haven't incorporated Peruvian celebration in particular, we have had other Hispanic celebrations [such as] Cinco de Mayo and it makes me excited for what else is to come."

Why do you feel it’s important that your workplace celebrates cultures? Do you feel it helps build camaraderie?: "It's a recognition of the Latin people and our culture. It shows the appreciation the company has for us, and I feel that when someone recognizes where I am from, or where another Hispanic person is from, we are able to build relationships just by talking about our cultures."

Where were you born?: "I was born in Gaquas, Puerto Rico."

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?: "It's all about understanding other cultures. I treat everyone like I would want to be treated and always try to be hospitable — my house is your house."

Have any of your traditions been incorporated on property?: "Because we work hard, our celebration is about unity and spending time with our work family."

What is your favorite native dish?: "Our roasted pork, rice and bacalaitos are some of my favorite traditional foods from Puerto Rico. If you visited a Boricua house — Boricua is a colloquial term for a native of Puerto Rico or a person of Puerto Rican descent — this is what they will serve you."

Are there any special native sayings that you share with your team members?: "Ay Dios Mio!"

Where were you born?: "I am from Esteli, Nicaragua."

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?: "It is very important because it reminds me of who I am — my culture, local music and our food."

What are some traditions or celebrations that you enjoy from your home country?: "In my country, what I enjoy most is the food and diversity of the different plates we serve."

Why do you feel it's important that your workplace celebrates cultures?: "It's important because it makes those who come from different cultures feel welcomed. It also helps us build a bond and join together to become one team."

Are there any special native sayings that you share with your team members? : "Entonces chavala que hay de nuevo? which means, What's up, girls or boys? What's new?"

Tell us a bit about yourself: "I am Griselle Najera, a Mexican immigrant, who arrived in the United States in 2002 from San Luis Potosi. I came with a lot of excitement and with the goal of helping my family."

How are you spreading your culture with your team members at work?: "I have shared my love for my culture with team members by sharing our traditional dishes and introducing them to Mariachi music."

What are your favorite traditions and meals?: "We are accustomed to celebrating happy moments by eating our favorite dishes, playing music and dancing. [An example is] enchiladas potosinas, which are served with beef, guacamole and refried beans."

What are you most proud of about your culture? : "I am most proud of our traditions as well as our people who are so nice and hardworking. In San Luis, the people and their hard work are known for their rebozo de seda, which is a sophisticated and elegant handmade garment used in cultural and social events that make a great impact."

What are some native sayings you share with your coworkers?: "Si se puede!, meaning Yes you can!"

Read more news at Hotel News Now.