Building A More Inclusive Workplace At Hilton Grand Vacations

When you think about hospitality and inclusivity, you may think of all-inclusive vacations like cruises that provide vacationers with everything they need. However, it’s just as important to offer inclusion in the workplace and support individuals of all abilities. Swathi Y. is a senior software quality assurance analyst and co-chair of the Diverse Abilities Team Member Resource Group (TMRG), a voluntary, employee-led group to help HGV become a more inclusive workplace.

After all, everyone deserves to enjoy a fulfilling career, regardless of ability. Swathi explained, “It’s important to be inclusive in the hospitality industry and demonstrate that we encourage everyone. We want to support the community and accept all abilities.”

So what is the TMRG’s role in inclusion? “The Diverse Abilities TMRG’s mission is to be a source of support, encouragement and empowerment for individuals of all abilities,” she said. “We’re committed to eliminating physical, institutional and attitudinal barriers to employment and advancement of people with disabilities. For example, we have Team Members who require certain accommodations in the workplace, such as wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators.”

“The other aim of our TMRG is to foster understanding, education and networking,” she added. Some Team Members may have an invisible disability — such as chronic pain, eyesight impairments or mental disorders — that is less visible than physical disabilities and can be overlooked.

Every year, the TMRG raises awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), an invisible disability, as part of Autistic Pride Day. “ASD isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Swathi said. “We encouraged Team Members to educate themselves and others around them about autism and its diverse nature.”

Recently, the TMRG hosted an event about neurodiversity in the workplace. One in seven people is neurodivergent, meaning their brains work differently from the average neurotypical person. At the event, the TMRG invited Christine Ramsey — an advocate for inclusion and TEDx speaker on “The Extraordinary Power of Neurodiversity” — to speak to Team Members about how to foster a neuro-inclusive workplace.

Seeing Team Members come together to learn how to support their co-workers affirmed what Swathi loves about Hilton Grand Vacations. “I like the culture at Hilton Grand Vacations. Everyone supports the TMRGs and encourages Team Members to get involved with their communities beyond the workplace.”

“The company is very supportive of the Team Members,” she added. Hilton Grand Vacations is dedicated to putting people first, offering benefits that help Team Members personally and professionally — such as an employee assistance program, a comprehensive benefits package, parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement — all starting on day one. ?

See for yourself why Hilton Grand Vacations was named one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” and join the team. Search our job openings at hgv.com/careers, or join our talent network to get notified of the perfect career opportunity for you.?