What makes a workplace truly great? It could be the people you work alongside, the freedom to bring your ideas to the table, or simply feeling that you belong from the moment you walk through the door.

For Accor’s Heartists, the name the global hospitality group gives to its employees, those qualities are at the heart of the workplace experience. The Group has been certified as a Great Place To Work in Singapore, recognising its people-powered culture and its commitment to creating an environment where employees can thrive.

The certification, awarded by Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture and employee experience, is based on an anonymous survey of Heartists across Accor’s corporate office and hotels in Singapore.

The results offer a glimpse into how employees experience the organisation. In 2026, 84 percent of Heartists said Accor is a great place to work, while 91 percent said they felt welcome when they joined the Group, an indication of a culture that places belonging and connection at the forefront from day one.

At the centre of Accor’s approach to its people is the Heartist ethos, which encourages continuous learning and growth, an empowering mindset, diversity and meaningful community impact. It is also reflected in Accor’s employee promise, Hospitality is a Work of Heart, a philosophy that goes beyond simply delivering good service. It speaks to the pride and purpose that come from a profession built around heartfelt care, meaningful connections and authentic experiences.

For a hospitality group, that sense of care begins well before a guest arrives. It starts with the people creating those experiences every day. Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia, commented: “Great workplaces are not built by policies or perks alone; they are built by people, by how we show up for one another every day, create space for different perspectives and ideas, and inspire each other to be at our best. This recognition reflects the culture we have built together, shaped by openness, shared purpose and a passion for hospitality. As Accor continues to grow across the region, attracting, developing and retaining great talent is fundamental to our success. A strong people culture is a competitive advantage, enabling us to build talented teams, deliver exceptional guest experiences and bring our growth ambitions to life. We are proud to be recognised as a Great Place To Work in the workplace we are building together.”

The idea of a fulfilling career is increasingly about more than a job title or a pay cheque. It is about having room to learn, opportunities to grow and the confidence to contribute in ways that feel meaningful.

Accor’s people and culture strategy aims to create that environment by giving Heartists the autonomy to make decisions, encouraging creativity and celebrating different perspectives. The emphasis is on empowering individuals to bring their best selves to work — while giving them the support and opportunities to build careers for the long term.

Shelley Perkins, Senior Vice President, People & Culture, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, added: “Our Purpose at Accor is to pioneer the art of hospitality, connecting cultures with heartfelt care, and that begins with how we care for our own people. This certification, awarded entirely on the basis of what our Heartists shared, is the most authentic recognition we could receive. It reflects a culture built on openness and belonging, and it inspires us to keep raising the bar for every person who walks through our doors, as a guest, and as a Heartist. We are so proud of the team.”

Ultimately, the guest experience and the employee experience are closely connected. When people feel trusted, supported and empowered, they are better placed to create memorable experiences for others. For Accor, being recognised as a Great Place To Work is therefore more than a workplace accolade. It reflects an ongoing effort to create a culture where people can stay, thrive and grow, while playing their part in shaping the future of hospitality.

And perhaps that is the most meaningful measure of a great workplace: not simply how it looks from the outside, but how it feels to the people who are part of it every day.