Accor sets its employees on the path to sustainable transformation

INTERNAL SUSTAINABLE AND SOCIAL INITIATIVES
SIGNALING A NEW GROUP-WIDE DYNAMIC
 

As leader in the field of positive hospitality and a long-term advocate of sustainable
development, Accor places Corporate Social Responsibility at the heart of its overall
strategy. As such, the Group commits to utilizing employee’s talents and capabilities to
realize a contributive approach toward promoting sustainable and socially conscious
initiatives.
Sustainable development as a shared goal
To successfully complete this transformation, Accor is pursuing a set of clearly defined
non-financial goals with this area of performance being recognized as a key strategic
priority. A main example of this is the Group’s introduction of an ambitious training
program designed to increase employee awareness into sustainable development
challenges, and supported by the close linking of bonuses for top management to
sustainable development performances. The launch of School For Change has provided
Group employees with access to a content platform and a training path focused on the
fundamentals of climate change. This aims to improve individuals’ understanding of the
causes of climate change and its impact on biodiversity and communities, with this
facilitating the sharing of solutions to create positive change at every level. The course,
which lasts for more than three hours, forms part of the annual targets and bonuses of
all headquarter employees, 90% of which will have completed this training by the end
of 2022.
Group employees have shown great unity in expressing a desire to take action and have
come together in support of a shared goal. This is supported by the creation of SEED,
(Saving the Environment Every Day), a specific environment focused group open to all
employees. SEED is intended to bring together talents from all backgrounds in the Group
to share their best practices, stay informed, and motivate and inspire each other to take
practical action in both their work and daily lives.Brune Poirson, Chief Sustainability Officer Accor said “Our Group intends to place
environmental protection at the heart of its business model. To ensure this
transformation is successful, Accor is launching an extensive and groundbreaking
training program focused on environmental challenges and aimed at all employees
worldwide. This science-based training will enable every employee to gain a sound
scientific knowledge base regarding what needs to be done to protect the environment.
We are proud to launch this essential step in our transformation towards more
sustainable hospitality”.
Ethical initiatives supporting employee wellbeing
To tackle current social and environmental challenges, Accor also encourages the use of
greener modes of transport, for example with MOOV, which makes company bikes
available to staff based at its headquarters. Under the sustainable transport scheme,
employees can choose a traditional, folding or electric bike from 300+ models, and have
most of the monthly leasing, insurance and maintenance costs co-financed by Accor. In
partnership with Zenride, this acclaimed and award-winning initiative is beneficial to the
health of both employees and the planet: 30 minutes daily cycling keeps the body active
and saves the equivalent of 1.9kg CO 2 when compared with driving*.
Mindful of the wellbeing of its employees, Accor also gives them greater flexibility and
autonomy by offering all employees the option to work remotely, irrespective of their
status (with the exception of senior executives), contract or responsibilities, for a
maximum of 12 remote working days per month. With 72% of employees saying they
are less tired when working remotely (saving the time normally spent on transport or in
commuter traffic)**, the Group is opting for a more convenient way of working, in line
with its employees’ preferences. Since 2019, Accor has launched WOJO co-working
spaces within Group hotels around the world, to promote remote working for its guests,
partners and employees.
Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer Accor said “The wellbeing of our
Heartists® is our priority and we want to give them the best possible experience. That
is why we offer ever more sustainable alternatives adapting to current trends, Accor’s
overall vision, and what our employees want. This initiative is just another example of
Accor’s commitment to its employees and to the Group’s human, social and
environmental values”.