TO ETHER
OPENING DOORS
HIGHGATE HOSPITALITY 2024
AT HIGHGATE, WE HAVE ALWAYS PUT PEOPLE FIRST. WE'VE BUILT A CULTURE WHERE EVERY ASSOCIATE IS ACCEPTED, VALUED, AND ENCOURAGED TO THRIVE. THIS SAME SPIRIT THRIVES IN OUR 500+ HOTELS GLOBALLY—AFTER ALL, WELCOMING OTHERS IS AT THE HEART OF HOSPITALITY.
We've been recognized as a Best Place to Work by The Dallas Morning News
We have been recognized as an employer who cultivates an outstanding culture in the eyes of those who know us best – you, our associates. From nearly 7000 deserving companies nominated and 127,000 employees surveyed and ranked by Dallas Morning News outside survey company, Highgate was recognized in the Top 50 midsize companies as Best Place to Work.
Our team members form the foundation of our success - Highgate is dedicated to individual development and team excellence as a world-class hospitality management company.
INCLUSION AT HIGHGATE:
OUR VISION FOR LEADERSHIP
Highgate's Inclusion Council, co-chaired by Principal/CEO Arash Azarbarzin and Chief People Officer Geri Williams-Fitts, launched "Opening Doors Together" in 2024 to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture for all 20K+ employees.
At Highgate, we believe that true success is built on a foundation of inclusivity and belonging. Through our 'Opening Doors Together' initiative, we are committed to creating a culture where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Together, we are not just opening doors—we are breaking down barriers and building a stronger, more united future for all.
~Arash Azarbarzin, Principal/CEO
2024 PRIORITIES HAVE FOCUSED ON THREE KEY AREAS
Ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for every associate.
Attracting and retaining top talent.
Building a sustainable DE&I program for the future.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024
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Employee Engagement & Training: Over 5,000+ associates have completed Unconscious Bias training, with a remarkable 99% completion rate for those with access to our online learning platform.
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Reduced Turnover Rates: Highgate's global turnover rate is 60%, significantly lower than the hospitality industry average of 88%. Corporate voluntary turnover is at a low 9%. This demonstrates that we are creating an environment where associates feel valued, supported, and engaged.
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Retention: Highgate has maintained a leading industry position within a rolling four years, culminating with 69.2% retention in 2024.
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Mentorship Platform: With 109 mentors and mentees participating, Highgate's inaugural mentoring program is already making an impact. Participants have completed 300 tasks together, and conducted over 170 meetings to create meaningful connections, and foster personal and professional development.
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DE&I Ratings: We're proud to have received our highest DE&I rating on Glass Door of 3.9 and look forward to seeing it continuously rise.
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Philanthropic Efforts: Highgate Charitable Foundation has raised $12M+ along with the Highgate Relief Fund distributing funds to 720K+ people to date.
IN ADDITION TO THESE MILESTONES,
our High Impact Groups focus on Health & Wellness, Race and Ethnicity, Cultural Awareness, and Gender/Multi-Generational Diversity. Each High Impact Group (HIG) has made significant progress.
RACIAL & ETHNIC DIVERSITY
HIGH IMPACT GROUP
Support the inclusion of associates from all racial identities and ethnic groups, providing equal opportunities for advancement and a sense of belonging for all.
This initiative includes in-person and virtual discussions with Highgate associates who shared experiences in various DE&I situations and topics.
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"Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable," This panel discussion featured Kendall Williams, Co-chair of the Racial and Ethnic Diversity High Impact Group, supported by Principal/CEO, Arash Azarbarzin and Chief People Officer, Geri Williams-Fitts. More than 200+ associates participated in-person and virtually. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for learning, dialogue, and growth as we work together to build a more diverse and inclusive community within our organization.
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"Together We Dine" event brought people from diverse backgrounds together within Highgate for meaningful, non-confrontational discussions about race relations, facilitated by Project Unity. Bringing our colleagues together to discuss important topics in person or virtually over a meal is always an enlightening experience.
MULTI-GENDER/MULTI-GENERATIONAL
HIGH IMPACT GROUP
This initiative reflects our values and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace for all generations and informs Highgate’s gender-inclusivity policies for all associates.
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Steps taken in 2024,
included ensuring all associates are aware of the resources and support available during their maternity journey, and leading the charge to renovate lactation rooms to better support our associates.
CULTURAL
COMPETENCY
HIGH IMPACT GROUP
Cultivating cultural awareness strengthens our global cross-cultural skills, practices and values, to connect people from all backgrounds across the organization.
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Setting the stage for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together, celebrate their differences, and foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, the Cultural Competency High Impact Group staged a lively event featuring music, food & beverage, experiences and activities from different cultural backgrounds. Plans continue to build on these cultural initiatives.
ASSOCIATE WELLNESS High Impact Group
Empowering Associates with health education and lifestyle skills that allow everyone to achieve their best possible health, while positively affecting workplace morale, individual job satisfaction, performance and productivity.
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The Wellness High Impact Group has launched wellness initiatives, promoting heart health tips through our benefits provider Blue Cross Blue Shield to promote employee well-being, increased awareness, participation, and engagement in Highgate's wellness benefit programs.
MEET OUR HIGH IMPACT GROUP LEADERS
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Wei Huang
Co-Chair
Gender & Generational Pathways
Victoria Garcia
Co-Chair
Cultural Connections
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Marianne Balfe
Co-Chair
People First Wellness
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Adreena Martin
Co-Chair
Racial and Ethnic Unity
Abdul Rahman
Co-Chair
Gender & Generational Pathways
Diana Mills
Co-Chair
Cultural Connections
Dina Winder
Co-Chair
People First Wellness
Kendall Williams
Co-Chair
Racial and Ethnic Unity
Ever considered joining a High Impact Group at Highgate?
By completing this application to volunteer and participate in a High Impact Group you will help further the company’s diversity & inclusion vision and provide input and resources based on your own experiences.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025
Together, we’re making Highgate stronger and more inclusive, every day.
As we step into 2025, our commitment to Putting People First remains unwavering. We will continue striving to make Highgate a vibrant and inclusive environment where every associate feels recognized, heard, and valued. Our journey continues, and together, we are shaping a future where everyone belongs. Every day, we’re strengthening Highgate and fostering a more inclusive culture, with People First at the heart of everything we do.
Arash & Geri