People (Social)
Our work contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
OUR PEOPLE FOCUS AREAS
Four Seasons is committed to advancing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging worldwide.
Our goal is to share our commitment to DIB in locally relevant ways through empathy, listening and understanding.
In addition to providing high-quality employment opportunities, Four Seasons offers a combination of learning opportunities, structured apprenticeship programs and leadership development initiatives to ensure Four Seasons is the best place to work and grow. These offerings are tailored to the diverse locations where we operate. These efforts support financial stability for individuals and economic development for communities. They also help to ensure that talented young people have ways to access opportunities in travel, tourism and hospitality.
We are committed to responsible workplace practices at every hotel, resort, residence and office we operate, and across our supply chain. Respecting and protecting human rights – and actively avoiding potential complicity in human rights abuses – is fundamental to our approach. We condemn all forms of forced, bonded or compulsory labour, child exploitation and sexual exploitation. More information on our approach can be found in our latest Modern Slavery Statement.
We encourage our teams to support their communities in locally-relevant ways. To continue building our record of creating positive impact around the world in the most effective ways possible, today we are focused on establishing consistent processes and guidelines for our teams, providing them with support as they contribute to meaningful local charities and not-for-profits, in alignment with our core values.
These contributions relate to the long-standing philanthropic focus of Four Seasons in advancing cancer research and supporting those in need.
Community Engagement
Wherever we operate, we seek to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with the people and communities around us – supporting local suppliers, engaging local talent, making the most of local knowledge and expertise, and creating plenty of opportunities for people nearby to participate in our activities for good.
Supporting Cancer Research
Cancer research is a philanthropic focus for Four Seasons Founder and Chairman Isadore Sharp and his wife Rosalie, who lost their son Christopher to cancer in 1978. Today, Four Seasons continues to honour Christopher Sharp’s legacy by supporting cancer research around the world, particularly through our company’s commitment to the Terry Fox Foundation.
After being diagnosed with cancer at age 18, Terry Fox inspired Canadians with his 1980 Marathon of Hope. Isadore Sharp personally pledged to Terry’s cause and wrote to 999 other Canadian executives urging them to support cancer research. The first Terry Fox Run in 1981 was organized by Mr. Sharp and Four Seasons, and today there are thousands of annual Terry Fox Runs around the world, all volunteer-led and organized.
Since 1980, over USD 666 million (CAD 900 million) has been raised for cancer research in Terry’s name, and in 2023, Four Seasons Corporate and team members around the world contributed over USD 1.3 million in donations for cancer research and support.
Disaster Response
Four Seasons operates in diverse landscapes and climates around the world. When people and communities connected to Four Seasons experience local disasters, we’re committed to drawing on the strength of our regional and global networks to support them through the immediate crisis – and as they work together to recover.
The Four Seasons Golden Rule Relief Fund provides direct and immediate financial support to team members affected by disasters. We designed the fund to enable us to quickly deploy resources when disasters arise, and to ensure that those who want to provide financial support, including team members and guests, have a trusted and effective way to support Four Seasons employees in need.
FOUR SEASONS FOR GOOD IN ACTION
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel AthensEMBRACING INCLUSION IN GREECE
In 2023, the team at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens completed 30 events and initiatives, involving more than 300 participants. Key focus areas include allyship and supporting and welcoming people of all abilities. The property supports neurodiverse employees through the Employment Inclusion Program, in partnership with Nevronas, an NGO that works alongside people with disabilities to emphasize their skills, protect their rights and promote their full participation in society and the economy. In addition to working to be a fair and inclusive employer, the Hotel seeks to promote learning and understanding through a structured educational path that aims to introduce leaders to DIB fundamentals, the concept of unconscious bias, and local and global approaches to DIB.
Four Seasons Hotel MumbaiYOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA
Since 2012, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has been proudly supporting on-the-job training to tackle youth unemployment in India, contributing as a host property for the Youth Employability Program of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. Operated in several countries, this program creates opportunities for young people – especially those from underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds – to start their careers by taking their first steps in the hospitality industry. Sixty-three young people have completed the program at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, with nearly two-thirds (62%) of graduates ultimately securing employment at this property or elsewhere in the hotel industry following their placement.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden TrianglePROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS
In Chiang Rai, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is working with The Freedom Story to help empower young people at risk of human trafficking by connecting them with opportunities and education that can help keep them safe. In addition to educating families about this danger, one effective tool for prevention is to ensure that young people in the region have access to real opportunities to improve their circumstances. In June 2023, the team at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle welcomed 23 young women and girls to the property, where they were greeted with the same quality of welcome and genuine heart as any VIP guest. The visit included a longtail boat ride along the Ruak River, a meeting with the local elephants, a generous meal and career discussions with team members about career opportunities in hospitality.
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala LumpurRUNNING FOR CANCER RESEARCH IN MALAYSIA
On May 7, 2023, 700 participants took to the streets of Malaysia’s bustling capital, joining in the first-ever Terry Fox Run organized by the team at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. A total of 80 hotel team members joined 620 other community participants in the morning fun run to raise funds for Cancer Research Malaysia. In addition to registration fees and T-shirt sales, sponsorships helped to drive the fundraising total to MYR 45,000 (about USD 10,000). Every October, the team also organizes an annual event in support of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association of Malaysia, where a portion of sales for specific items during the month is donated to the charity dedicated to providing support for breast cancer patients and survivors.
Four Seasons Hotel SydneyFOOD AND CARE FOR NEIGHBOURS
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney provides daily food donations to Will2Live. This local NGO travels the streets of Australia’s largest city, offering nourishment and support to people in need. In 2023, the Four Seasons team provided more than 1,200 kg of food to support the organization’s mission, including dozens of roasted Christmas hams for a festive meal at the end of the year. The partnership between Four Seasons and Will2Live extends far beyond food donations, reflecting a profound commitment to the community. Every quarter, over a dozen team members come together to volunteer, preparing and serving meals at a central kitchen. Each event provides nourishment and a sense of belonging to approximately 300 individuals, fostering a strong sense of community.
Learn MoreOur Commitment
At Four Seasons, we’ve always been guided by the Golden Rule – to treat others how we want to be treated. Showing our planet and the communities around us the same level of love and kindness is part of this commitment.
Learn MorePLANET (ENVIRONMENT)
As stewards of the ecosystems in which we operate, Four Seasons recognizes our critical role in preserving the planet for future generations.
Learn MoreGOVERNANCE
Our ESG programs are underpinned by a robust governance structure designed to ensure our program’s integration and alignment with the overall corporate strategy and operational needs.
Learn MoreReports and downloads
We aim to provide transparent and credible communications of our ESG efforts, and we release an annual report to share a detailed look at our progress. Download the latest report to learn more.