How Teeling Whiskey Distillery built a proactive people development plan
From reactive operations to strategic talent planning, Teeling Whiskey Distillery used Employer Excellence and Skillnet supports to strengthen its people strategy.
Overview
Teeling Whiskey Distillery is Dublin's first new operational distillery in more than 125 years. Since opening in 2015, it has welcomed over 500,000 visitors and earned more than 35 international awards.
As the business grew to a team of around 50 employees, it recognised the need for a more structured approach to people development. Through Fáilte Ireland's Employer Excellence programme, and the Skillnet Ireland Strategic Talent Development Programme, Teeling developed a clear talent strategy, strengthened leadership capability and improved employee engagement and business performance.
The challenge
The visitor experience team had grown from a small founding group to approximately 50 people. The team was agile and capable, but it operated reactively strategic goals and future plans had not been formally documented or communicated.
We did the same thing we always did and got by, very reactive, as opposed to thinking strategically.
Lisa Jameson, Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Without a clear plan, Lisa identified three risks: reduced staff motivation from unclear career pathways, stalled growth as the business risked plateauing, and missed opportunities to expand the visitor experience.
From reactive to strategic
Through the Strategic Talent Development Programme, Teeling moved from reactive workforce planning to a more structured approach to people development. Working with her mentor, Lisa and the management team identified strategic priorities and developed a clear talent strategy.
My mentor allowed me to be very honest, in a safe space. I became braver, not afraid to shake things up a little.
Lisa Jameson, Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Within months, the results were measurable:
- Employee engagement: Great Place to Work score increased from 66 to 72 year-on-year, attributed to improvements in culture and communication.
- Role clarity: 14 rewritten job descriptions set out clearer responsibilities, supporting improved talent recruitment.
- Internal mobility: Two internal promotions and one move into another tourism role. This lifted morale and reduced recruitment costs.
- Commercial performance: Average visitor spend increased by approximately 5% despite a slight softening in visitor numbers.
What other businesses can learn
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day running of a busy tourism business. But making time to plan ahead can make a real difference. Teeling's experience shows the value of having a clear plan for your people, involving your managers in shaping that plan helps everyone understand the goals, identify the skills you'll need and create opportunities for employees to grow.
See the strategy behind the results
Download the full case study to explore the programme in more detail, including the approach taken, key learnings and the results achieved.
About the business
Located in Dublin's Liberties, Teeling Whiskey Distillery combines a working distillery with a visitor experience that attracts guests from around the world.
- Applicant type: Visitor attraction
- Support received: Employer Excellence programme and Skillnet Ireland Strategic Talent Development Programme (STDP)
- Delivery window: 12 weeks (STDP), ongoing (Employer Excellence programme)
Through Fáilte Ireland's Employer Excellence programme, Teeling Whiskey Distillery became eligible for the Strategic Talent Development Programme, a leadership and workforce planning programme accredited by TU Dublin at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Ready to develop your team’s talent?
Fáilte Ireland's Employer Excellence programme can help you build a workplace that attracts, retains and develops great people. Businesses on the programme may be eligible for the Skillnet Ireland Strategic Talent Development Programme.