Hilton announced a new commitment to hire 20,000 veterans and military family members and caregivers by 2020, including spouses, dependents, and caregivers. The move builds on the first phase of Hilton’s “Operation: Opportunity” program through which the company committed to hiring 10,000 veterans, spouses, and dependents – a goal that Hilton reached in November 2016. Hilton’s new combined commitment of 30,000 hires is now the largest in the hospitality industry.
Hilton’s program supports military families by offering flexible work opportunities, remote positions, and continuity of employment during long deployments and after location moves. Military spouses and dependents have made up roughly 10 percent of Hilton’s military hires.
Returning military personnel have developed skills that are highly transferable and valued in the hospitality industry, such as communication, the ability to work under pressure, self-confidence, cultural and generational awareness, team leadership, decision-making, and problem solving.
In addition to providing work opportunities, Hilton donates Hilton Honors Points that veterans can redeem for free hotel stays while seeking jobs, trainings, or certifications within the company or in any other industry. To date, nearly 1.2 million points have been donated to more than 1,100 veterans, totaling 1,700 free stays at Hilton properties.
