A new research analysis from Hilton finds that human-centered factors are often cited as the strongest drivers of satisfaction at work and calls for two-way mentorship.
By Gillian Manning
Teams thrive when learning flows in every direction, a new report from Hilton finds. The connection that mentorship creates was consistently cited by survey respondents as a major driver of productivity, satisfaction, and company loyalty amongst employees.
The report, “The Hospitality Mindset: A New Blueprint for Culture and Performance for Any Industry”, reviews research from Ipsos and Morning Consult among U.S. workers, along with insights from leaders at Hilton’s top-performing hotels.
It concludes that most workers (74%) find mentorship opportunities important and 77% say those opportunities impact their happiness at work. Seventy-five percent of workers also report that they’re more likely to stay with an organization where leaders focus on developing them as individuals.
“The most effective workplaces are shifting away from top-down development models and toward a mutual mentorship mindset where everyone teaches, everyone learns, and everyone grows,” Hilton’s report says. “Modern teams perform best when learning is shared, not hierarchical.”
The report also found:
- 92% of employees say having a good relationship with their manager is critical to their happiness;
- burnout and weak managers are the top two barriers to worker performance (41% and 33%, respectively); and
- 87% say on-the-job training—particularly regarding AI use—is critical to their overall happiness at work.
“As work becomes more digital and AI reshapes the workplace, people still want the same fundamental things: connection, trust and a sense that they matter,” says Laura Fuentes, chief human resources officer at Hilton, and head of Hilton Supply Management. “The companies that create that kind of culture will be the ones that attract talent, retain teams, and outperform over time.”
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