A global target of an equal 50% spread of males and females in front-line hotel and executive roles has been set by Accor as a new initiative with its international diversity and mentoring network RIISE, which works to combat stereotypes, sexism and sexual harassment.
Out of 300,000 employees worldwide, the hotel giant has set a goal of at least 35% female General Managers in hotels around the world by the end of next year, with a longer-term target of 50%, all with equal remuneration. Currently, the French organisation has a female GM contingent of 29%, along with 42% Department Heads.
In the Asia Pacific region, Accor currently operates its 1,150 hotels with a 25% female leadership ratio – a rate which has climbed 4% in the last year. Australia has been identified as one country, in addition to France, Spain and Brazil, where Accor aims to have equal pay in place by the end of 2020 with a view to expand the policy across the entire organisation.
Accor Asia Pacific Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Christine Rumble, said society needed to recognise the benefits when women are offered the same opportunities as men.
“While we can commit to equality and parity as an organisation, sometimes change is slower than we would like due to cultural norms in some countries where women still face greater challenges.”
Accor is the only hospitality group invited by the United Nations to become one of the founding members of the UN’s HeForShe movement.