Workplace Diversity
At Accor North America, our mission is to create a culture of inclusion and respect. We want to provide all employees an opportunity for personal and professional growth and success in an environment that’s creative, innovative, challenging, and supportive. By embracing and leveraging the unique talents of our people, we will maximize productivity and overall organizational effectiveness.
Annual Women’s Leadership Summit
In honor of Women’s History Month, Accor North America hosts a Women’s Leadership Summit each year. The conference provides attendees with professional skills development, career guidance, networking opportunities and motivation, while addressing the unique perspectives of working women. The Women’s Leadership Summit is a favorite among many employees and has featured distinguished guest speakers from Texas Woman’s University, industry leaders from Southwest Airlines and Mary Kay, as well as Cary Broussard, author of From Cinderella to CEO.
Diversity Councils Help Execute Diversity Strategy
Our Diversity initiatives are built on a solid foundation influenced by the dedication and effort of many colleagues throughout the organization. Across the U.S. and Canada, we have active and engaged Diversity Councils for each line of business that are supported by the Office of Diversity and led by senior management. Through educational activities and philanthropic and cultural programs, these diversity committees work to advance the company’s efforts to create a more welcoming environment. Team members identify opportunities for improvement, provide feedback to leaders, participate in diversity training, support volunteer and community activities, and serve as liaisons within diverse communities.
Motel 6 and Studio 6 Diversity Council
The Motel 6/Studio 6 Diversity Council has pioneered a cost-effective way to introduce Diversity and Inclusion to line-level staff in Accor’s economy lodging division. The team created an easy-to-use “Diversity Toolkit for Managers”. The Toolkit helps general managers share the company’s commitment to Diversity to hourly employees. The kit explains the business case for Diversity, provides various exercises and activities for employees to make embracing Diversity part of our entire organizational culture.
Reservations Center Diversity Council
Leading the way in our disability inclusion efforts is our reservations call center. The Diversity Council organizes employee events that allow our disabled workforce to discuss their work experiences, challenges and successes. Employee educational sessions are held on a variety of topics such as disability inclusion, and help employees have better knowledge and understanding of diverse communities.
Our Reservations Center also partners with organizations such as Goodwill, Center of Vocational Alternatives, Columbus Speech and Hearing Center and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired in order to help support the employment of disabled individuals.
Sofitel and Novotel Diversity Council
The Diversity Council for our Business and Leisure brands focus on supporting the local community and the diversity of our hotel teams. A variety of employee educational sessions are held throughout the year to celebrate Diversity and each Sofitel hotel features a Diversity Corner bulletin board to showcase our international workforce. The success of the Diversity Council is evident in the tremendous commitment of the hotel staff to various social and charitable causes. The hotels are involved with many community organizations, such as March of Dimes, AIDS Walk, Holocaust Memorial and Operation Back Pack.