Accor has once again been named a 5-Star Employer of Choice (500+ employees) by HRD Australia and New Zealand in 2026 – marking the fourth consecutive year the hospitality leader has earned the accolade.
The recognition is awarded following a comprehensive two-part assessment process, which includes a detailed organisational submission outlining workplace practices, benefits and people initiatives, followed by an anonymous employee survey. Team members rate their experience across key areas including benefits, compensation, workplace culture, development opportunities and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Those that achieve an average employee satisfaction rating of 75% or higher are named 5-Star Employers of Choice.
Adrian Williams, Accor’s Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, said: “Four years in a row is an outstanding achievement and a true reflection of our people-first culture. At Accor, we are building more than careers – we are creating opportunities for people to grow, belong, and thrive in an industry that is dynamic, diverse and full of possibility. Hospitality is one of the most exciting sectors to be part of, offering real connection, global mobility and continuous learning. We are proud to continue investing in our teams, ensuring they feel supported, valued and empowered to shape their own career journeys. Our Heartists are the heart of everything we do, and this recognition belongs to them.”
The recognition reflects Accor’s purpose statement – Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care – brought to life through its Heartist* culture, which continues to set the benchmark for employee engagement in the region and attract individuals driven by purpose and connection in hospitality.
Learning and development remain central to the Group’s people and culture strategy, with team members supported through immersive brand experiences, on-the-job learning, peer collaboration and structured development via The Academy. This continuous learning environment enables employees to grow their skills and build long-term careers within the business.
Accor continues to strengthen its industry-leading talent programs across the Pacific, including its ‘Work Your Way’ initiative, which provides enhanced flexibility and greater choice in how team members design their work-life balance.
Progressive policies such as paid parental leave, a positive care statement, and expanded social impact and environmental programs empower team members to contribute meaningfully to their communities and causes they care about.
Accor’s Indigenous Careers Program has now supported more than 2,500 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander team members into employment since its inception in 2015. The program continues to evolve through leadership pathways, scholarships and development opportunities, including the progression of Indigenous team members into senior leadership and General Manager roles.
The Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship, launched in 2024, continues to open doors for young Indigenous talent entering the industry, while in New Zealand the Tangata Whenua Program is helping strengthen career pathways for Māori in hospitality.
With more than 420 hotels, resorts and extended stay properties and a team of over 21,000 Heartists across the Pacific, Accor remains focused on building a workplace culture defined by inclusion, opportunity and long-term career growth.
