Beyond the Business: The Culture Makes Marriott Great

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Mar 05, 2015, 12:21 ET

BETHESDA, Md., March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For." Marriott maintains "All Star" status as one of only 11 companies on the list every year since it began in 1998. Ranking #53 on the list, this recognition supports the company's vision to be "the world's favorite travel company."

"Our business is welcoming a diverse spectrum of travelers from around the world," says David Rodriguez, Marriott's executive vice president and global chief human resources officer. "Since our founding, Marriott's true north has been to 'put people first.' Whether opening hotels in Miami Beach or emerging markets in Haiti and Rwanda, we value our passionate associates who deliver on our commitment to care for people and the communities where we live and work."

Marriott was started by a pioneering young couple in 1927 with a nine-seat root beer stand and a commitment to deliver good food and quality service. Today, it has more than 4,100 hotels around the world in 79 countries and territories. Innovation continues to fuel the company's growth through new hotel brands, an award-winning loyalty program, mobile-digital technology enhancements and a focus on the next generation traveler.

Marriott's commitment to uphold its core values – Putting People First, Pursuing Excellence, Embracing Change, Acting with Integrity and Serving Our World resonates with its associates. Thirty percent of new hires are referred by existing associates, and more than 10 percent of U.S. associates at managed properties have more than 20 years of service with the company. Marriott maintains a multigenerational workforce. To engage the best and brightest talent, the company opened a new state-of-the-art lobby at its global headquarters to encourage collaboration and innovation.

Fostering that kind of workplace isn't entirely altruistic; in Marriott's case it's essential to the business's success. "Think about the advantage of a place where talent wants to stay 25 years," says Rodriguez. Bill Marriott says a happy workforce is a cost-saving strategy: "Your turnover's lower," he says. "You don't have as many people you have to train every year, break in every year, you don't have as many mistakes. A seasoned workforce does a better job—and they cost you less money."

Marriott offers one of the largest and most engaging careers sites, which includes the ability to search and apply for new career opportunities on a mobile device; a convenience that only five percent of FORTUNE companies offer candidates. Job seekers can experience the company's award-winning culture by connecting through Marriott Jobs and Careers Facebook, Heart of the House. To join the conversation use hashtag #100BestCos, or follow @MarriottIntl, @MarriottCareers, or @MarriottPOV on Twitter.

Marriott is featured in the FORTUNE "100 Best Companies to Work For" issue.

Methodology
Fortune partners annually with Great Place to Work® to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America to identify the 100 Best Companies to Work For ®. Two-thirds of a company's survey score is based on the results of the Trust Index © Employee Survey, which is sent to a random sample of employees from each company. This survey asks questions related to employees' attitudes about management's credibility, overall job satisfaction, and camaraderie. The other third is based on responses to the Culture Audit ©, which includes detailed questionnaires about pay and benefit programs and a series of open-ended questions about hiring practices, methods of internal communication, training, recognition programs and diversity efforts.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading global lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,100 properties in 79 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Marriott is consistently recognized as a great place to work by several prominent publications, including Working Mother, DiversityInc and LATINA Style magazines, and for our social responsibility and sustainability successes by global organizations such as Ethisphere Institute, FTSE4Good and Climate Counts. For a list of other awards and recognition, visit http://news.marriott.com/awards-and-recognition.html.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.