NEW YORK—Carlson and Marriott International have been named to Working Mother’s second annual list of Best Companies for Hourly Workers. The only initiative of its kind, Best Companies for Hourly Workers celebrates businesses working steadfastly to provide family-friendly benefits that promote health and wellness, education, flexibility and work-life balance.
“For the second year, Working Mother’s Best Companies for Hourly Workers honors corporations that develop talent and support a historically marginalized portion of the U.S. workforce,” said Carol Evans, president, Working Mother Media. “Promoting employees from hourly workers to management to executive is a hallmark of these winning companies. In an era of economic stress and budget cuts, these companies are proactively working to ensure the future productivity of U.S. businesses and to bolster the economy as a whole.”
Carlson offers competitive benefits based upon working 20 to 30 hours per week and places a strong focus on flexibility, where many other companies require as much as 35 to 40 hours per week. Paid time off and leaves, along with tuition reimbursement and training programs are also an advantage for hourly workers at the company.
Family-Oriented Culture
“Carlson offers our hourly colleagues flexibility because it is the right thing to do,” said Elizabeth Bastoni, executive vice president, human resources, Carlson. “Carlson’s culture is very family-oriented and work-life balance is a priority.”
“Our associates are not just important to our business,” said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO. “They are the heart of the Marriott culture. It is their talent, experience and dedication to service that make it possible for us to serve millions of customers. It is their warmth, caring and sense of family and community that brings so many customers back to stay with us again and again.”
Marriott strives to provide all associates with a great workplace and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Benefits that help support this goal include language skills training, financial support, job training, and tuition reimbursement. A year ago, Marriott introduced its TakeCare health and wellness program, designed to provide easy and fun new ways to learn about health, as well as tips to help associates and their families choose health every day. In addition to this new program, Marriott offers special benefits that support hourly associates, including a free 24/7/365 consultation hotline, free preventive care, lower-cost drugs for chronic conditions, “know your numbers” program, and health fairs.
This year’s winners will be detailed in the May 2011 issue of Working Mother, online at www.workingmother.com/bestcompanies, and on iPad (search: working mother).
Methodology
The 2011 Working Mother Best Companies for Hourly Workers application was created in partnership with Corporate Voices for Working Families, a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit membership organization. It includes some 450 questions on workforce, company culture, benefits, training, development and advancement programs, flexibility policies, paid time off and more. It surveys the availability and usage of programs, as well as the accountability of managers who oversee them. All applicants receive feedback showing how they compare to other applicants, however, the names of applicants not making the list are kept confidential.
