HILTON REWARDS 10 employees a year from around the world for their efforts with a $10,000 (£6,200) bonus, plaque and lapel pin celebrating their success. Recent winner Steven Gerrie, a health club manager at the Hilton Aberdeen, who beat almost 1,000 other nominees, was recognised for his “dedication, enthusiasm and diligence” as well as his charity fundraising. Gerrie and his colleagues are proud to work for the hotel group (a 73% positive score). Last year proved particularly memorable because of the London Olympic Games, when Hilton Hotels UK welcomed guests from all over the globe. Many of the hotels got into the spirit by holding Olympic-themed events, including a sports day at the company's offices in Watford. Teams are fun to work with (76%) and managers motivate staff to give their best (63%). Bosses also ensure people have the resources they need (72%). Hilton has more than 100 hotels across Britain and, with another 19 due to open in the next few years, staff feel their job is secure (71%, a result bettered by just 10 other Best Big Companies). A young workforce —38% are 25 or under and the average age is 29 — benefits from training opportunities available through the Hilton Worldwide University. Its five colleges have more than 2,500 courses delivered in a variety of ways, including e-learning, and employees say their job is good for their growth (73%) and the training in their role is a benefit to them personally (66%). On average, team members say they work 25 hours a week, while managers do 40 and senior bosses 39. Food and beverage assistants work 39 hours a week and are paid £13,000 on average and 47% of employees receive £7,500 or less, although about 40% of workers are part-time. Staff do not feel under so much pressure they can't concentrate (67%) and believe work deadlines are realistic (61%). Hotel gyms and spas are open to employees and they can get personal training and nutritional advice. A total of 2,500 staff — a fifth of Hilton's UK workforce — undertook charity activities in work time in the last year. Employees from the European headquarters in Watford renovated a children's centre and residential home for people with learning disabilities, while in Birmingham they spruced up the Walkers Heath Park. Hilton encourages charitable activities (75%), say staff.
