Fortune Magazine recently released its annual list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. The list is in its 19th year and recognizes companies that have exceptional workplace cultures. There are five lodging companies on the list: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (No. 20 and now owned by IHG); Hyatt Hotels (No. 47); Hilton Worldwide (No. 56); Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (No. 70); and Marriott International (No. 83). Google (Alphabet) is the No. 1 company on the list. How does Fortune determine what companies will make its annual list? Each year Fortune partners with Great Place to Work to conduct an extensive employee survey. 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.
The Culture Audit includes detailed questions 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. At the Fortune site, one can sort the 100 Best Companies by % Women, % Minorities, # New Graduates Hired, and # Job Openings. I ran a sort on % Women and, of the five lodging companies, Marriott ranked the highest with 54 percent women, followed by Hilton with 52 percent, Hyatt with 50 percent, Kimpton with 46 percent, and Four Seasons with 46 percent. By percentage minorities, Hilton ranks highest among lodging companies with 67 percent, followed by Four Seasons with 65 percent, Hyatt with 63 percent, and Kimpton with 57 percent. Marriott’s percentage is not listed. Interestingly, lodging companies hold three of the top five spots on the list for minority representation. To access the 100 Best Companies to Work For list, click here.
