CSR and Sustainability

🏡 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Procure Impact reached a milestone with $7.4 million pledged by 23 hospitality companies for 100,000 hours of paid employment to support vulnerable and marginalized workers. Procure Impact oversees 100+ U.S. suppliers, one example being Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates in Fairfax, Virginia, which employs 30 disabled individuals and services 90 hotels. Participating hospitality companies manage 1,800+ hotels nationwide. The Dignity of Work Pledge aligns with AHLA's Responsible Stay initiative for sustainability and social impact, aiming to create 1 million hours of work by 2030.

🏦 Jason Himber, CEO of MINA Group, shared on Oct. 21, 2024, the company's shift in strategy to focus on strengthening their foundation for long-term success, rather than continuing rapid expansion. This approach involved emphasizing process, systems, and discipline while balancing creativity and innovation. The pandemic highlighted the need for structural adjustments and adaptation to workforce changes. Himber highlighted the importance of trust-building, allowing room for employee mistakes, and encouraging staff to be their authentic selves at work.

📢 Davidson Hospitality Group announced a partnership with AHED to promote hospitality diversity, offering internships, scholarships, career fairs, and manager-in-training programs, especially for underrepresented students. Crystal Beasley, Davidson’s Chief Administrative Officer, joined the AHED Board. Their collaboration aims to provide equal opportunities and a diverse workforce. A celebratory Fall Networking Reception is scheduled for November 15, 2024, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity.

💸 In Bellevue, Washington, Staypineapple announced a partnership with Procure Impact to support communities and improve hospitality through intentional sourcing. Procure Impact offers thousands of U.S.-made products, employing vulnerable groups such as refugees, veterans, and individuals facing work barriers. The collaboration aligns with the Dignity of Work Pledge by AHLA and Procure Impact, aiming to create 100,000 hours of paid employment. Staypineapple features products from businesses like Dog Tag Bakery and Women’s Bean Project, empowering veterans and women facing unemployment.

🙂 Hyatt, in partnership with Mind Share Partners, is enhancing workplace mental health culture, focusing on understanding, support, and a mentally healthy environment. During the week of October 7, Hyatt offers virtual sessions with Mind Share on mental health practices. Hyatt provides Headspace subscriptions since 2019, MasterClass content, meditations, and the Hyatt Well-Check tool. World Mental Health Day activities include complimentary meditation classes, Headspace and Peloton integrations, and over 600 FIND experiences for wellbeing journeys.

👨 Charlie MacGregor, founder of The Social Hub, volunteered at a refugee camp, affecting his business leadership and social responsibility approach. On Oct. 10, 2024, he detailed creating a pop-up camp, adopting a community-led strategy, stepping off the "CEO pedestal" for better decisions, and the value of being a good neighbor. Key insights include the impact of hands-on social engagement and the significance of communal involvement in initiatives (02:39 - 05:40).

📷 In the UK, 3 in 5 individuals suffer from anxiety, over half of employees face depression symptoms, and many keep it a secret. World Mental Health Day is on October 10th. PhotoGuard highlights photography's benefits for mental health, mentioning mindfulness and confidence boosting. Simon Bennett, photoGuard's Managing Director, underscores photography as a therapeutic tool for improving well-being.

🏨 Sealy Posturepedic® is America's #1 mattress brand, favored by both hoteliers and 90% of sleepers for its comfort, durability, and adaptability. The brand caters to various hospitality sectors, offering cost-efficient solutions for budget accommodations, advanced support technologies for four-star hotels, and premium mattresses with orthopedic designs and Chill™ technology for five-star resorts. Sealy has achieved zero landfill waste in U.S. facilities and aims to be carbon neutral by 2040, appealing to eco-conscious travelers.