Body, Mind, and Spirit: Hilton’s Comprehensive, Data-Driven Approach to Workforce Mental Health and Well-Being for All
In May 2025, Business Roundtable, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the SHRM Foundation and Stand Together released the first in a series of case studies detailing how large U.S. employers are addressing employee mental health and well-being.
The case study series is a part of the Roundtable’s Mental Health Initiative, a CEO-led effort to promote and support employee mental health. This series is also part of Stand Together’s broader effort to highlight innovative employer practices that build cultures of mental health and well-being — creating environments where people are empowered to reach their potential, contribute meaningfully and find fulfilling work.
The first case study in the series focuses on Hilton’s comprehensive data-driven approach to workforce mental health.
The case study outlines three strategies that underpin Hilton’s mental health efforts, including:
- Taking a comprehensive approach to focus on “whole human” well-being, not just mental health.
- Leading with data and following with results.
- Supporting workers in their moments of need.
The case study includes examples of each of strategy in practice, including through the company’s “Thrive at Hilton” program focused on multiple dimensions of well-being. The case study details how the program provides resources around each area, how data is driving new solutions and how the company is meeting workers’ needs.
Hilton’s approach to supporting mental health at work offers important insights for other employers, including:
- Design programs that address mental health and well-being more comprehensively, and ensure your programs work for all.
- Look beyond “traditional” mental health benefits to address overlooked areas of well-being.
- Use data to build stronger business cases for mental health investments.
- Assess mental health programs routinely to keep them effective and relevant.
- Utilize various data sources to assess programs and hold vendors and partners accountable.
- Provide frequent opportunities for workers to learn about available resources.
- Curate a mix of resources for varying availabilities, capacities and comfort levels.
“CEOs understand that promoting mental health is one of the most important ways to invest in their employees’ well-being and foster a healthy and productive workforce. Through benefits, programs and other initiatives, companies are developing innovative approaches to provide mental health support to workers. We welcome the opportunity to partner with SHRM and Stand Together to spotlight these efforts, which could serve as a roadmap for other employers.”
Joshua Bolten
CEO, Business Roundtable
“Hilton’s innovative approach to well-being is a testament to what organizations can achieve when they truly listen to and invest in their people. By focusing on the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — and using data to guide and measure their efforts, Hilton has set a new standard for creating workplaces where employees feel valued and supported. At the SHRM Foundation, we are proud to highlight Hilton’s leadership and encourage other organizations to follow their lead in building healthier, more inclusive workplaces.”
Wendi Safstrom
President, SHRM Foundation
“Stand Together is proud to partner with SHRM, the SHRM Foundation and Business Roundtable to produce impactful case studies highlighting innovative employers redefining the approach to mental health in the workplace. The work of these companies demonstrates that fostering an environment that empowers employees to focus on their mental health and well-being will result in tangible business value by enhancing engagement, performance and long-term success. That is a win-win for workers and businesses alike.”
Ryan Stowers
Senior Vice President, Stand Together
“At its core, Hilton is a business of people serving people, and we know that caring for our team members’ mental health is essential to creating an award-winning workplace where people can truly thrive. When we take care of our team members, they are empowered to take care of our guests — that’s the secret to great hospitality and a driving force behind our business.”
Laura Fuentes
Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of Supply Management, Hilton