Marriott International Named to Washington Business Journal's Healthiest Employers 2014 List

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced today that it has been named to the list of "2014 Healthiest Employers" by the Washington Business Journal. The announcement came just days after Marriott's TakeCare 5K Run/1K Walk held annually at its headquarters. The event drew more than 500 Marriott associates from the Washington, D.C. area, including CEO Arne Sorenson, making it the company's largest race to date. 

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Marriott International launched the TakeCare Wellbeing program in 2010 to expand upon its core value of taking care of associates and building a sustainable culture of health and wellness. The company's goal is to improve associate health, productivity and engagement by providing the tools and resources for associates to live healthy lives.

"This is an exciting time for the TakeCare Wellbeing program as more of our associates are making health a priority than ever before," said Jill Berger, vice president of health and welfare at Marriott International. "Additionally, hotels that actively participate in the program experience medical claims cost savings, a decrease in workers' compensation claims, and overall higher associate engagement."  

From worksite wellness challenges and monthly webinars, to free health coaches, assessments, maternity support and a smoking cessation program, TakeCare Wellbeing is helping its associates both improve and maintain their health. Furthermore, the company is piloting a new certification program to recognize its hotels that are going above and beyond to create a healthy work environment for associates.

A key to the TakeCare program's success is its Wellness Champion network. Mackenzie McGowan is a senior sales manager for Marriott in Irvine, Calif., and was recently named "Wellness Champion of the Quarter."

"We implemented a fitness program for more than 100 associates and the results have been fantastic," said McGowan. "Our team feels healthier and happier. Not to mention, we are all enjoying our new exercise zone equipped with a mini trampoline, yoga mats, a ping pong table and exercise balls. Being healthy at work is not only easier now, it's also more fun."

Learn more about Washington Business Journal's Healthiest Employers 2014 here.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,000 properties and 690,000 rooms in 78 countries and territories.  Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $13 billion in fiscal year 2013. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics.  The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 45 million members.  For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.