For the 13th year, Marriott International, Inc. has been named by Working Mother magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers." Working Mother magazine spotlights outstanding workplaces for women and tracks family-friendly workplace trends.

Working Mother selects the "100 Best Companies" based on five criteria: availability of childcare, leave for new parents, flexible work arrangements, work-life benefits, and opportunities for women. Editors also consider a range of additional company benefits, including flexible scheduling, mentoring programs and other benefits, such as on-site fitness facilities.

Its always important to attract and retain the best talent to maintain our competitive edge in the hospitality industry. We are very pleased to be recognized again by Working Mother magazine for Marriotts initiatives to provide opportunities for working mothers," said Donna Klein, vice president of diversity and workplace effectiveness for Marriott International.

Marriott's work-life initiatives were introduced in 1990 to help Marriott associates pursue careers while maintaining their family lives. Marriott was one of the first companies to assist employees with work-family challenges. The company has programs specifically designed for its range of associates, along with traditional family-friendly programs, including financial support through family care spending accounts and flexible work time policies.

One of Marriott's most innovative work-life programs is the Marriott Associate Resource Line, which provides confidential advice and referral through a one-stop resource that can address a wide range of personal issues. The nationwide toll-free Associate Resource Line, staffed by professional social workers, supports more than 100 languages and is available to all Marriott associates.

Additional programs include childcare discounts; education and training; an on-site child development center at headquarters; and referral services for child, elder and family care issues.

The company has been widely recognized by industry leaders and consistently appears on listings of outstanding places to work, including Fortunes 100 Best Companies to Work For," Latina Styles 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work For in the U.S.," and Washingtonians Great Places to Work." Marriott was also ranked number one in the lodging industry by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and received the Catalyst Award for advancing womens leadership.