Putting People First Elevates Marriott as a Best Workplace for Diversity & Inclusion

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Dec 06, 2016, 11:33 ET

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 30 years ago, Marriott International established one of the first corporate diversity and inclusion programs. Today, the company is one of the most diverse in the U.S. with 64 percent of its associates representing minority groups. Opportunities are abundant with more than half of its managers starting their Marriott careers as front-line associates.

Today, Marriott was recognized by Great Place to Work^®and Fortune as one of the 50 Best Workplaces for Diversity, 10 Best Workplaces for Latinos and 10 Best Workplaces for African Americans.

These lists are based on surveys of employees at Great Place to Work-Certified companies and their assessments of the opportunities for advancement and professional development, fairness of promotions, access to senior leadership, feeling of honest connections with colleagues, and how comfortable they feel being themselves at work.

"At Marriott, we want everyone to feel that they belong—that they are family; it's the true heart of an inclusive work environment," said David Rodriguez, executive vice president and global chief human resources officer. "Our concept of diversity and inclusion promotes a sense of unity, with each of us having the power to be the best at our jobs and to make a positive difference for one another. This recognition from Great Place to Work and Fortune, which considers feedback from our associates, affirms that we are on the right path."

People-first best-practice policies and programs at Marriott that contribute to the company's inclusive workplace include:

TakeCare Movement focusing on wellbeing and happiness
Emerging Leader Program for front-line and mid-level managers
Talent Network Teams addressing associate-recommended business challenges with innovative solutions
Diversity & Inclusion Councils promoting diverse perspectives on the business and workplace
Paid parental leave, financial assistance for adoption, infertility coverage and progressive healthcare benefits
Workplace and scheduling flexibility options

Our culture resonates strongly with associates across the company. Dexter Daniel, senior event services supervisor said, "As a company, we are truly blessed to have great visionary leadership who genuinely care about associates and our valued guests. Our diversity and inclusion core values truly unite us as "Family" around the world in service to one another for a greater quality of life!"

Other recognition this year included LATINA Style Company of the Year. DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Diversity and Black Enterprise 50 Best Companies for Diversity. The company also scored 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index and has placed on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For^® list each year since its inception in 1998. Similar recognition has been received in countries across the globe.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is the world's largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with nearly 6,000 properties in 120 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts. The company's 30 leading brands include: Bulgari®, The Ritz-Carlton® and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Delta Hotels by MarriottSM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio(tm), Design Hotels(tm), Gaylord Hotels®, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, Element®, Moxy® Hotels, and Protea Hotels by Marriott®. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com and @MarriottIntl.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.