Hilton announced it will hire an additional 20,000 veterans, spouses, dependents and caregivers by 2020. The company achieved 10,000 military hires in the United States since 2013, exceeding its initial goal two years ahead of schedule. Hilton’s commitment is said to be the largest in the hospitality industry.
“Military veterans and their families have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we are strongly committed to ensuring they have great jobs when they return home from service,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton. “We’ve always felt strongly about this issue since our founder Conrad Hilton himself was a military veteran, and we are very proud of our veteran team members.”
The expanded hiring commitment is part of Hilton’s Operation: Opportunity program, which provides wide-ranging support to U.S. veterans and their families. The program offers flexible work opportunities and continuity of employment during long deployments and after location moves. Hilton partnered with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to connect military caregivers with Hilton Reservations & Customer Care jobs that enable remote working. Hilton has hired more than 1,000 military spouses and dependents.
To position new hires for success, Hilton has developed extensive resources and support programs for veterans, including reserve pay benefits, tailored development resources, internship programs, on-the-job training, a dedicated Veteran Team Member Resource Group and special recognitions for veterans.
In addition to hiring veterans and their families, Hilton also donates Hilton Honors Points for veterans to redeem for free hotel stays while seeking jobs, trainings or certifications with Hilton or other industries.
