Ace Hotels - Victor Simmons

Summary 

In this episode, Tia Graham interviews Victor Simmons, Vice President of HR and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Ace Hotels. They discuss how to create a positive work environment and attract great talent. Victor emphasizes the importance of being a servant leader, building relationships, and providing solutions as an HR professional. He also highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and programming to ensure that employees feel seen and valued. Additionally, they explore strategies for attracting great talent, including having an inviting career site, expanding recruitment funnels, and involving a panel in the hiring process. Victor also stresses the significance of HR professionals having a seat at the decision-making table to advocate for employees and align business goals with people practices.

Key takeaways 

• Creating a positive work environment starts with senior leadership being servant leaders who prioritize the well-being and success of their team members.

• Transparency and authenticity are crucial in fostering a positive work environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

• In hybrid and virtual work environments, it is even more important for leaders to be proactive in checking in with employees and addressing their needs and concerns since face-to-face interaction is limited.

• To attract great talent, companies should ensure their career sites are inviting and informative, explore a variety of recruitment funnels, and engage with schools and community-based organizations.

• HR professionals should focus on being solution providers rather than compliance enforcers, building relationships with senior leaders, and providing guidance and accountability for managers.

• HR professionals should strive to have a seat at the decision-making table to advocate for employees and align people practices with business goals.

• Employee engagement surveys, open communication channels, and regular check-ins can help HR professionals gather feedback, address concerns, and ensure a positive work environment.

• The cost of turnover can be significant, making it essential for companies to track and address employee retention issues proactively.

Notable quotes 

 • “It starts at the top. It starts with senior leadership. And for me, it’s all about being a servant… our team members are the closest to the guest. They’re the ones that get things done. And they are our most prized possession.” - Victor Simmons

• “You have to be able to build relationships. But you cannot be going out every night or going out all the time with one particular executive committee. You have to look like you are the impartial person here, because that is your role.” - Victor Simmons

• “HR should be at the table when it comes to making decisions that impact our people. We need to be there to provide guidance and ensure fairness and accountability.” - Victor Simmons