MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilton yesterday announced that it has achieved its Operation: Opportunity target of hiring 30,000 veterans, military spouses and caregivers over the past six years across hotels, corporate offices and work-from-home positions in the United States. To celebrate the milestone and honor National Veterans and Military Families Month, Hilton has pledged to build on its reputation as a military-friendly company and expand its commitment to hire 25,000 additional veterans, military spouses and caregivers by 2025. Additionally, it will provide enhanced training and development opportunities, and comprehensive benefits truly tailored for the veteran community. Hilton's hiring commitment remains the largest in the hospitality industry, and one of the largest in the U.S. private sector.
“Throughout our first century of hospitality, we have been proud to support our Hilton Team Members and their families who are part of the military community – including welcoming 30,000 veterans, spouses and caregivers over the last six years alone,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton. “These Team Members have had a huge impact in our business, and we’re thrilled to grow our commitment to this community with our new hiring goal.”
The expanded Operation Opportunity initiative provides holistic support to U.S. veterans and their families including:
- Employment Readiness: Supporting veterans and spouses with re-training opportunities, virtual and physical career fairs as well as virtual sessions for resume and interview tips.
- Corporate Responsibility: Committing to community service projects and in-kind donations for organizations such as Team Rubicon, USO, Hidden Heroes, and Warrior Canine Connection.
- Perks and Benefits: Enhancing military leave benefits and strengthening military discounts and promotions for military guests and Team Members. Hilton recently announced an enhancement to its hotel Long Tenure Travel Program, allowing Team Members to use their U.S. military active service to gain credit towards lifelong access to discounted hotel rates.
- Military Friendly Culture: Providing resources to help transition service members, facilitating events, sponsorships and networking for military Team Members, increasing the number of veteran-owned business suppliers, and providing online community forums and an internal transfer system for military spouses.
Additionally, Hilton will continue existing programs and partnerships designed to support the military community such as the donation of Hilton Honors Points for veterans to redeem for free hotel stays while traveling for job interviews, training or certifications, whether with Hilton or in any industry. To date, Hilton has donated nearly 525,000,000 Points to more than 5,300 veterans, allowing for more than 5,200 stays at Hilton properties.
“Our message to veterans and their families is simple: we value the leadership, integrity and teamwork and other meaningful skills you bring to the hospitality industry,” said Matt Schuyler, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hilton. “We will do everything we can to create a smooth transition to the civilian workforce, and support the growth and development of our veteran, spouse and caregiver Team Members so they can build meaningful careers here at Hilton.”
“I love working for a company that shares many of the same values of myself and my fellow military spouses and veterans - purpose before self, community and sustainable giving. I can really feel at home at Hilton,” said Kathleen Hankard, Development Coach for the Hilton Customer Care and Reservations Team and military spouse.
To position military hires for success, Hilton offers additional extensive resources and support programs including reserve pay benefits, a flexible work environment, tailored development resources, internship programs, on-the-job training, a dedicated Military Team Member Resource group and special recognitions for veterans and military spouses.
Veterans, spouses and caregivers interested in joining the #1 Best Company to Work For in the U.S. can visit jobs.hilton.com/military.
For more information or to schedule an interview with a Hilton veteran or military spouse contact Alison Menon +571 286 6268.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 17 world-class brands comprising nearly 6,000 properties with more than 954,000 rooms, in 117 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company, Hilton earned a spot on the 2019 World’s Best Workplaces list, and has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its 100-year history. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, nearly 99 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy, plus enjoy instant benefits, including digital check-in with room selection, Digital Key, and Connected Room. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
