Since its co-founding by J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott nearly 90 years ago, Marriott International has been a place where women hold influential leadership roles and are involved in strategic business decisions. And now, Great Place to Work and Fortune recognized the company as one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Women.
The list is based on surveys of women employees at Great Place to Work-Certified companies and their assessments of open communications with management, opportunities for career development and support for managing work and personal lives. Also taken into account is the representation of women in management and executive positions, as well as the workforce overall.
"We are proud of the contributions women have made to Marriott's success and this recognition from Great Place to Work and Fortune," said David Rodriguez, executive vice president and global chief human resources officer. "Our culture of Putting People First is the cornerstone of our women's advancement initiatives. It's at the core of everything we do, as we embrace what makes each associate unique and provide tremendous opportunity for career growth and personal fulfillment."
Marriott's Women's Leadership Development Initiative, formalized nearly two decades ago, has helped develop a strong pipeline of women leaders, provide opportunities for women to network and build mentoring relationships, and promote work-life effectiveness.
Today, women comprise 55 percent of Marriott's U.S. workforce and hold many of the most powerful jobs in the company including president and managing director–Europe, chief financial officer, global chief marketing and commercial officer, global chief communications and public affairs officer, and general manager at some of the company's largest hotels. Eight women lead businesses with annual revenues greater than $100 million, and 41 percent of the company's executive officers are women.
Of the 11 members of Marriott's global board of directors, four are women.
Best-practice policies and programs contributing to women's advancement include the Emerging Leader Program, Talent Network Teams, Diversity & Inclusion Councils, women's networking groups, paid maternity and parental leaves, adoption assistance, infertility coverage, new parent coaching, tuition reimbursement, and workplace and scheduling flexibility options.
Marriott was also recognized earlier this year by LATINA Style as Company of the Year and by NAFE as one of the Top 10 Companies for Female Executives. The company has been recognized as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For since the inception of the list in 1998, is on Diversity Inc's Top 10 Companies for Diversity list and has received similar recognition in other countries around the world.
