9.05.2000 ET

(CSRwire) Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) has, for the tenth time, been named one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers according to the October issue of Working Mother magazine. Marriott is the only hospitality company to be recognized by Working Mother. The publication spotlights outstanding workplaces for women and tracks family-friendly workplace trends.

Working Mother recognized Marriott’s flexibility pilot project at three Boston area hotels, which is designed to identify and focus on the diverse needs of the company’s associates. The publication also cited Marriott’s programs for women’s advancement that are creating career development paths for female associates and executives.

Working Mother selected 2000's "100 Best Companies" based on five criteria:
child care, leave for new parents, flexible work arrangements, work/life benefits such as elder care and adoption assistance, and opportunities for women. Editors looked at a range of supportive company offerings, including health insurance premiums, availability of time off to care for sick kids, mentoring programs and extras such as on-site gyms and other conveniences.

“Marriott is proud to be recognized by Working Mother magazine," said Donna Klein, vice president, diversity and workplace effectiveness. "Our initiatives address critical issues faced not only by working mothers, but by all of our associates.”

Marriott's Work-Life initiatives began in 1990 to help Marriott associates pursue careers while balancing the demands of their personal lives. The department's programs include
financial support through a family care spending account, child care discounts, education and training for associates, onsite child development centers, referral services for child, elder and family care issues, and assistance for the company's low-income associates.

One of Marriott's most innovative work-life programs is the Marriott Associate Resource Line, which provides confidential counseling through a one-stop resource that can address a wide range of personal issues. The nationwide toll-free Associate Resource Line, staffed by social workers, is available in more than 150 languages to all Marriott associates.

Marriott International, a leading worldwide hospitality company, has a workforce that incorporates more than 20 distinctive cultures. One of the first companies to make work-family conflicts a mainstream issue, Marriott pioneered the development of programs specifically designed for its lower income associates, along with providing traditional family-friendly programs, such as financial support through family care spending accounts and flexible work time polices.

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