Dive Brief:
- In a recent report, “Finding a voice: Empowering women in hospitality,” JLL reviewed the top 10 hotel companies in Europe (by number of rooms) and found an underrepresentation of women in leadership positions.
- On average, JLL found that the male-to-female split was 70/30. Three companies had a slightly higher representation of women at 40%, while two had less than 20% representation.
- Limited representation of women in senior positions can create a lack of role models and mentors, the report states, making it challenging for women to see what their future career prospects could look like. To combat this, many hotel brands like Radisson, Hilton and Wyndham have developed initiatives to provide training programs, mentoring and opportunities for women to grow and advance in their careers.
Dive Insight:
JLL’s report explores the importance of empowering women in hospitality, the challenges they face, and strategies for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. The company cited in-house research as well as external sources.
Citing Castell Project’s sixth annual “Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership” report, JLL noted that of those holding chief-level positions at hotel companies, one in four are women. The split at the director level is approximately 50-50, the disparity within the organizational hierarchy becomes more acute from the director level upward. JLL’s in-house research reinforced these findings.
The Castell Project also highlighted that women held just one quarter of all podium spots during 2022 at hotel investment conferences and almost 40% of prime speaking spots on the main stage, up from just 22% the prior year.
The report also noted that the International Finance Corporation found that investors are now focused on women in leadership and board positions when considering ESG investments. The IFC stated that it has seen an almost 40% increase in investors who will only fund companies that have at least half of women or minority representation at the board level.
Looking ahead, JLL cited some existing strategies and initiatives within the industry from brands like Radisson, Hilton and Wyndham that are aimed at advancing and empowering women. For example, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Women Own the Room program offers comprehensive financial solutions, personalized operations guidance and support, and an inclusive community for networking and education.
And as part of its Journey to Tomorrow initiative, IHG Hotels & Resorts has committed to achieve gender balance in corporate and hotel leadership teams by 2030.
