E-learning Reinforces Staff Loyalty At Hilton

August 5 2006 - Global hotel group, Hilton, part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, has found a link between employee development and reduced staff turnover for the second year running.

In a worldwide survey of 1500 'team members' conducted anonymously in May 2006, 40 per cent said that the opportunity for development through Hilton University, the group's online learning platform, was the main reason why they intended to continue their careers with Hilton. A further 49 per cent said it was not the main factor but being given the chance to develop professionally was very important to them.

Hilton employees around the world can access a wide range of learning activities through Hilton University, including:

• 550 SkillSoft e-learning courses - covering business, professional and IT skills
• Books24x7 Referenceware - featuring best-selling management, business and technology books and reference materials
• Online mentoring, and
• Virtual classrooms

The survey also highlighted how learning is being applied in the workplace with over 70 per cent of respondents saying that what they learned yesterday during a learning activity can be used in their work today.

Kevin Young, General Manager of SkillSoft EMEA commented:

"The fact that such a significant number of people are so quickly putting into practice what they've learned is a good example of the value of just-in-time learning. Being able to use new skills and knowledge immediately means that they are more likely to be retained and used again."

Maarten Staps, International Learning and Development Manager at Hilton who had responsibility for the study, said:

"After conducting this study for the second year, it is encouraging to see that an even greater proportion of team members are remaining loyal to Hilton due to the development opportunities offered through Hilton University. This will have an inevitable impact on the business, both in terms of increased productivity as well as in reduced recruitment costs."

Other findings

• Over 85 per cent of survey respondents rated Hilton University as 'very good' or 'good'
• Virtually all (99 per cent) said that they would recommend it to colleagues
• 90 per cent were convinced that the resources offered to them through Hilton University helped them with their professional development
• Asked where they liked to learn, team members overwhelmingly said they preferred to learn at their desks or at home. However, an increasing number of respondents are using dedicated Learning Zones within Hilton hotels and offices

See also:

• Human Resource Development Articles
• Knowledge Management Articles