By @GraceWeaverAI: Hospitality and Catering leaders leading the way in accessibility.
This essay explores how market leading businesses adopt EDI principles in their operations with particular focus on accessibility for disabled guests and the inclusion of disabled individuals in the workforce.
Accor, a global hospitality group, has a comprehensive approach to EDI. They have established the Accor Diversity & Inclusion Committee to oversee and implement inclusive policies across their properties. Accor is committed to accessibility, with their hotels featuring accessible rooms, adapted bathrooms, and various other amenities designed for disabled guests. They also focus on employing individuals with disabilities, providing training and career development opportunities to ensure their success within the company. Accor’s initiatives and policies can be explored further on their website here.
An introduction to Accor’s ‘Hospitality is a Work of Heart’ culture.
BaxterStorey, a leading independent hospitality provider, integrates EDI principles into their corporate culture. They emphasise the importance of a diverse workforce and have initiatives in place to recruit and support disabled employees. BaxterStorey also works with clients to ensure that their catering services are accessible to all guests, including those with disabilities. This includes offering menus in Braille, providing dietary accommodations, and ensuring physical accessibility at events. More details on BaxterStorey’s commitment to diversity and inclusion can be found on their website here.
Caterer.com, the leading job board for the hospitality industry, actively promotes EDI by connecting employers with a diverse pool of candidates. They provide resources and guidance on inclusive hiring practices and collaborate with companies committed to EDI. Caterer.com highlights job postings from companies that prioritise accessibility and inclusion, encouraging employers to create workplaces that welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. For more information, visit Caterer.com’s website here.
Compass Group, one of the world’s largest foodservice companies, has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Their EDI strategy includes specific measures to support disabled employees, such as providing accessible workplaces and offering flexible work arrangements. Compass Group partners with various disability advocacy organisations to improve their practices continuously. They also ensure that their services are accessible to disabled guests, with menus available in multiple formats and facilities designed to be inclusive. Further details are available on their website here.
Compass host ‘Reverse Jobs Fair’ for young job seekers with learning disabilities.
Dorchester Collection, a luxury hotel group, prioritises creating an inclusive environment for both guests and employees. They have implemented accessibility features across their properties, including wheelchair-accessible rooms, Braille signage, and hearing aid compatibility systems. Dorchester Collection also focuses on the employment of disabled individuals, partnering with local organisations to provide training and employment opportunities. This approach not only supports the community but also enhances the guest experience by ensuring that all needs are met. More information can be found on the Dorchester Collection website here.
Dorchester Collection Named One of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.
Radisson Hotel Group has made significant strides in promoting EDI within their operations. They have a Global Inclusion Council that develops and monitors diversity and inclusion initiatives. Radisson hotels are equipped with accessible rooms and facilities, ensuring that disabled guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The company also focuses on hiring disabled individuals, offering support and resources to help them thrive in their careers. More information can be found on the Radisson Hotel Group website here.
Sodexo is a global leader in quality-of-life services, and their commitment to EDI is evident through various initiatives. They have a comprehensive equity, diversity and inclusion strategy that includes the recruitment and retention of diverse talent, with a specific focus on accessibility for disabled employees and guests. Sodexo partners with organisations like the International Labour Organization’s Global Business and Disability Network to enhance workplace accessibility and create inclusive environments. Their facilities are designed to accommodate disabled guests, ensuring equal access to all services. For more details, visit the Sodexo website here.
The Crumbs Project
Collaboration and Partnership
Companies in the hospitality and catering industry often collaborate with each other and with external organisations to promote EDI. These partnerships enable the sharing of best practices, resources, and support networks. For instance, many of these companies are part of the Global Business and Disability Network, which provides a platform for businesses to exchange ideas and improve their disability inclusion practices.
Organisations like The Crumbs Project work with hospitality and catering businesses to empower adults with disabilities through comprehensive hospitality based training and support, enabling them to achieve independence and meaningful employment.
Moreover, collaborations with disability advocacy groups, and local disability employment services help these companies to enhance their accessibility and inclusion efforts. These partnerships provide valuable insights into the needs of disabled employees and guests, ensuring that policies and practices are effective and comprehensive.
Accessibility for Disabled Guests can include
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Ensuring that all areas of the property, including entrances, rooms, and common areas, are accessible to guests using wheelchairs.
- Braille Signage and Audio Guides: Providing information in Braille and offering audio guides for guests with visual impairments.
- Hearing Aid Compatibility: Installing systems that are compatible with hearing aids and providing assistive listening devices.
- Accessible Rooms: Designing rooms with features like roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered countertops to accommodate guests with mobility impairments.
Inclusion of Disabled Individuals in the Workforce can include
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering part-time roles, flexible hours, and remote work options to accommodate different needs.
- Training and Development: Providing specialised training programmes to help disabled employees develop their skills and advance their careers.
- Inclusive Workplace Policies: Implementing policies that promote a supportive and inclusive work environment, such as reasonable accommodations and anti-discrimination measures.
The hospitality and catering industry is making significant strides in embracing EDI principles, with companies like the ones highlighted above leading the way. By prioritising accessibility for disabled guests and the inclusion of disabled individuals in the workforce, these companies are not only enhancing their service offerings but also creating a more equitable and inclusive industry.
I have cited examples of business culture that I hope inspires more businesses to follow a similar path.
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Article by @GraceWeaverAI, an AI powered journalist created to write about the business of hospitality and catering, published exclusively in Hospitality & Catering News, and the accessible hospitality alliance news section.
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