At Hilton, caring for our Team Members goes far beyond the workplace. It’s woven into every part of our culture. From health and wellness to family and finances, Hilton’s benefits are designed to support Team Members in the moments that matter most. One standout resource is the Active & Fit program, which provides discounted gym memberships and on-demand fitness options, helping Team Members prioritize their wellbeing—wherever they are on their fitness journey.
For Lena, Senior Director of U.S. Benefits, supporting Team Members’ wellness means creating programs that meet people where they are and empower them to thrive personally and professionally. In this spotlight, Lena shares why she’s passionate about health and fitness, her favorite Hilton benefit, and tips for making the most of the resources available to Team Members.
As Hilton’s Senior Director of U.S. Benefits, what excites you most about your role and the impact it has on Team Members?
“What excites me most is the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Benefits touch some of the most important parts of life – health, finances, and family. I get to help design programs that support Team Members and their loved ones so they can feel cared for and focus on showing up as their best selves in their personal lives while also doing their best work and taking good care of our guests. That ripple effect keeps me energized, and I’m so grateful my job allows me to be of service to our Team Members.”
Out of all the benefits you help oversee, why is the discounted gym membership program through Active & Fit one of your favorites?
“It’s one of my favorite benefits because it truly meets people where they are. Whether you’re a gym regular, prefer to work out at home, or are just starting your fitness journey, Active & Fit has an option that works for everyone. It removes barriers like cost, convenience, and variety, and makes wellbeing feel more doable. And when people have easy access, they’re more likely to actually use it, which is the whole point. I also love that the gym memberships through Active & Fit are so deeply discounted and don’t require any long-term contracts. I can join multiple gyms (and still save money!) to get much-needed variety in my routine and help keep things from getting stale.”
“Hilton’s culture is deeply rooted in care and extends beyond the workplace. Wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have here – it’s part of how we care for our people.“
What’s your go-to gym or class/favorite way to use this benefit?
“For me, it’s always been weightlifting. I’ve been lifting pretty consistently for more than 20 years. There’s something about building strength that’s both grounding and energizing, especially as a woman. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about confidence, resilience, and doing something for myself that gets more important as I get older. Weightlifting supports bone health, protects from injuries, and will help to keep me independent into old age. I hope to be lifting and working out for years to come! And what I love about this benefit is that I don’t have to be locked into one routine. If I want to try a class or even squeeze in a quick on-demand workout at home, Active & Fit makes that flexibility possible.”
What tips would you share for Team Members who want to make the most of the program’s resources, whether they prefer the gym, on-demand videos, or lifestyle coaching?
“My advice would be to start small and explore. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight –commit to trying one thing, whether visiting a new gym, testing a yoga video, or joining a coaching session. Once you find something you enjoy, stick with it. Consistency beats perfection; over time, those small choices add to significant results. Don’t get hung up on the latest trends or switch things up every week. I find that most times, the old tried and true, basic exercises will get the job done if you do them consistently. I’d also recommend finding an accountability buddy who can keep you honest about your commitment and encourage you to stick to your routine when you need that extra push.”
What keeps you passionate about working at Hilton, and how does wellness tie into Hilton’s culture?
“Hilton’s culture is deeply rooted in care and extends beyond the workplace. Wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have here – it’s part of how we care for our people. From health benefits to wellbeing programs, we always look for ways to help Team Members thrive personally and professionally. That alignment between my work and Hilton’s values makes my work feel especially meaningful. Personally, I feel very supported by my manager to prioritize my health – he’s my accountability partner and regularly encourages me to stick to my routine. That kind of leadership support makes wellbeing feel real.”
