The inside opinion from people and ethics director Lynn Cunningham

Hotel_Chocolat_sign.jpg

What is the Hotel Chocolat work ethos?
“Our values are originality, authenticity and ethics.”

What makes the ideal Hotel Chocolat employee?

“Passion for chocolate, ethics, curiosity and the desire to learn and take responsibility. Above all, a love of fine chocolate runs through our veins.”

What sets apart working at Hotel Chocolat from your competitors?

“That we really know our stuff. All of our people understand the work we are doing in farmer support and cocoa research in St Lucia.”

How do you strive to retain your staff?

“By recruiting people with the same passion and by encouraging ownership and responsibility.”

How do you ensure your employees have a good work/life balance?

“By not telling them what to do and by listening and taking care of individuals.”

Hotel Chocolat

Founded 1987

Based The UK head office is in Royston, Hertfordshire, the US head office is in Boston, Massachusetts, and a team is based on its cocoa estate at St Lucia in the Caribbean

Number of staff About 600

Number of stores 34, as well as concessions

Number of days’ leave 20 to 25 a year, but there is flexibility with international team members who often return home on extended leave during quieter summer months

Employee benefits Plenty of chocolate, great career development opportunities, and from next year, discounted holidays on its Caribbean cocoa estate