Diversity and inclusion are important, but some companies simply talk the talk without walking the walk. Even if such forward-thinking policies can lead to increased financial success, productivity, and innovation, it’s still taking some U.S. companies literal generations to overcome an obvious societal bias towards hiring a certain kind of person – a bias that persists. But not at these 8 progressive Hospitality companies, which have strong D&I policies and initiatives that are integral to their mission.
Hospitality
Location: Rockville, MD
Choice Hotels is a major hotel franchisors with 6,243 hotels open and 482 hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development, representing 499,253 rooms open and 38,969 rooms under construction in 49 states, the District of Columbia and over 35 countries and territories outside the United States.
On Diversity & Inclusion: “Choice values a diverse workforce and therefore is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all associates and all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other factor protected by applicable law.”
“Fun, creative, innovative, driving for results, generally nice/interesting people who I spend time without outside of work as well.”
Choice Hotels employees rated their overall culture an A-.
Choice Hotels is hiring! Find your next role here.
Hospitality|Marketplace
Location: San Francisco, CA
Airbnb is a community marketplace for people to list, discover and book unique spaces around the world through mobile phones or the internet. Airbnb connects travelers seeking authentic experiences with hosts offering unique, inspiring spaces around the world.
On Diversity & Inclusion: “Belonging is at our core. There’s no belonging without diversity and inclusion. To create a world where people can Belong Anywhere we must take real steps to build a workplace where everyone feels welcome and all voices are heard.”
AirBNB is hiring! Find your next role here.
Hospitality
Location: Bethesda, MD
Marriot International opened its first hotel in 1957 and operates franchises worldwide. The company employs nearly 200,000 people worldwide. The company was founded by J. Willard and Alice Marriott in 1927 by opening a root beer stand in Washington D.C.
On Diversity & Inclusion: “Since 1927, Marriott has valued diversity and inclusion. With our foundation built upon the wellbeing and happiness of our associates, embracing differences is critical to our success as the largest hospitality company with an ever growing global portfolio. Diversity and inclusion is fundamental to our core values and strategic business goals. Taking care of people and putting their wellbeing above all else is in our Company’s DNA and our most precious cultural inheritance. Marriott has identified three pillars of associate wellbeing: We all need to feel good about ourselves, the workplace, and about our company’s role in society. This the foundation of our TakeCare Movement which will continue to drive our commitment to always put people first and ensure our cultural legacy is kept vibrant for generations to come.”
Marriott is hiring! Find your next role here.
Hospitality|Consumer Services
Location: San Francisco, CA
Kimpton was established in 1981, and is the largest independent boutique hotel and restaurant business in the US. It manages 62 hotels (11.3k rooms) across 28 cities in the US in attractive urban and resort locations such as Boston, Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C
On Diversity & Inclusion: “At Kimpton, we believe one of our greatest strengths is our diverse workplace. Each Kimpton employee is valued and celebrated for their unique perspectives, their contributions and their talents; it doesn’t matter your gender, your race or sexual orientation. What matters is that you’re true to you. Since our founding in San Francisco over three decades ago, in 1981, we’ve embraced the LGBTQ community and have made a commitment to helping affect positive change by partnering with organizations that can make a difference.”
Kimpton Hotels is hiring! Find your next role here.
Hospitality|Consumer Services
Location: Chicago, IL
Hyatt is a global hospitality company with widely recognized, industry leading brands and a tradition of innovation. Its stated mission is to provide authentic hospitality by making a difference in the lives of the people it touches every day. The company focuses on this mission in pursuit of its goal of becoming the most preferred brand in each segment that it serves for its associates, guests, and owners.
On Diversity & Inclusion: “Our purpose is to care for people so they can be their best, and that includes taking actions to create an inclusive environment for our colleagues around the world,” said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s chief executive officer. “We’ve laid a strong foundation—from an active network of employee-led diversity business resource groups to our focus on diverse leadership development—and our work is ongoing. Supporting these important initiatives reinforces my personal commitment to embedding inclusion and diversity into all areas of our business.”
“We have employees from all over the world and everyone has an open mind. I have yet to meet anyone remotely racist or with anger management issues.”
Hyatt employees rated their overall culture an A+.
Hyatt is hiring! Find your next role here.
Hospitality
Location: Parsippany, NJ
Wyndham Worldwide provides a wide range of hospitality products and services through its global portfolio of world-renowned brands. The company is made up of three hospitality business units: Wyndham Hotel Group, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, and Wyndham Destination Network.
On Diversity & Inclusion: “At Wyndham Destinations, we proudly embrace a culture of inclusion and diversity. We support associates of all backgrounds and offer a variety of programs, including: leadership training, mentoring opportunities, and educational support. We believe that diversity enriches our organization as a global hospitality provider.”
Wyndham is hiring! Find your next role here.
Hospitality
Location: Mclean, VA
Hilton Worldwide is a global hospitality company that operates a network of luxury and full-service hotels and resorts, extended-stay suites, and focused-service hotels. The company owns over 4,400 hotels, resorts, and timeshare properties comprising more than 730,000 rooms in 97 countries and territories.
On Diversity & Inclusion: “Diversity is at the core of our Vision, Mission, and Values. We are committed to an inclusive workforce that fully represents many different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints. Our global brands provide meeting places for people from all walks of life to connect, creating a welcoming environment for all.”
Hilton is hiring! Find your next role here.
Restaurants|Hospitality
Location: Calabasas, CA
With more than 250 menu items and more than 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts, there is truly “Something for everyone” at The Cheesecake Factory.
On Diversity & Inclusion: “We are committed to celebrating the diversity of our staff members and respecting each staff member as we work together to achieve excellence in our business. For more than 10 years, we have supported the Women’s Foodservice Forum, which provides a platform for our female leaders to focus on their professional development. We continue to increase the percentage of women and minorities hired into management and promoted into senior positions.”
The Cheesecake Factory is hiring! Find your next role here.