Hilton’s CFO on interacting with employees around the world: ‘It makes our culture better, and ultimately drives our business’

Good morning. Talent is a company’s greatest asset, and Hilton, which earned the top spot on Fortune‘s 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S. list released on Thursday, is doing everything it can to create an environment where employees feel appreciated.

“Every opportunity I get, if I'm in one of our hotels, I either formally—in the form of town halls—or informally speak with team members around the world,” Kevin Jacobs, CFO and president of global development at Hilton, told me. “I think it's an imperative part of the job. And I love engaging with and being with our team members. They're amazing. And you also learn about the business.”

All senior leaders at the company are encouraged to engage with employees when traveling, according to Jacobs. “You'd be surprised at what you can learn," he added. "And the feedback that we get continuously from our team members helps us run the business better.”

“Culture is everything,” Jacobs added. “It’s our responsibility as senior leaders to drive culture. We're a very purpose-driven company.” That sense of purpose was created by founder Conrad Hilton, he said.

For the annual list, Fortune‘s partner, Great Place To Work, surveyed companies employing more than 8.2 million people in the U.S. and received more than 1.3 million survey responses. Hilton rose to the top spot this year after coming in second in 2023. (Hilton also ranked no. 1 on the Fortune World’s Best Workplaces list released in November.)

Some 95% of employees at Hilton said it's a great place to work, compared with 57% of those surveyed at a typical U.S.-based company. CEO Chris Nassetta leads the McLean, Va.-based company. Hilton’s full-year revenue for 2023 was $10.24 billion, up from $8.77 billion in 2022.

In his role as finance chief, Jacobs partners with Laura Fuentes, EVP and chief human resources officer, in broadly allocating company resources and investing in talent, he said. “I think one of the most important things in running a business is how you allocate resources,” he explained. “Your primary resources are human resources, in the form of talent, and financial resources, in the form of money. And, of course, those two things are connected.”

By 2030, Hilton has said it wants to create 5 million learning and career growth opportunities for employees and communities, with a focus on underrepresented groups. “If team members feel like the company is giving them the resources to grow their careers, and grow themselves as people and as leaders, they're going to be more engaged, it makes our culture better, and ultimately drives our business,” Jacobs said.

Another potential perk is what Hilton calls a “Thrive Sabbatical.” Ten team members from Hilton’s corporate office and managed properties can apply to receive one month of paid time off and $5,000. Hilton also has a “Thrive Reset” program where 10 select employees receive a week off and $2,000.

The company also has a global mental well-being program, Jacobs added. “And there’s a ‘Go Hilton’ travel benefit, which enables our team members to access discounted rates,” he said. “Not only can they reset and recharge by going on holiday themselves, but they get to experience the products around the world.”

Have a good weekend.

Sheryl Estrada
sheryl.estrada@fortune.com

María Soledad Davila Calero curated the Leaderboard and Overheard sections of today’s newsletter.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com