“Grow, Stretch, Succeed,” a three-day program held at the San Diego Marriott Marquis in June 2011, showed Marriott International associates how to dress for success, save for retirement, manage stress and more.

Finding ways to help hourly workers advance is essential to this hospitality services company, where 87% of the workforce is nonexempt. Semiannual job reviews are informed by the company’s new Hourly Performance Process, an online feedback system through which management can assess and guide employee career progress. Many associates cross-train in areas outside their usual job functions, which maximizes their employability and allows them to earn more income.

Chairman and CEO: Arne Sorenson

Executive VP, Global HR: David Rodriguez

Work hours required for family health insurance: 30

Formal advancement program offered for hourly employees? Yes

% of hourly employees promoted to manager positions: 2%

Job-skills training offered for hourly employees? Yes

Managers rewarded for helping hourly employees advance? Yes

Lactation program offered for nursing mother employees? Yes

Paid time off offered to employees? Yes

Employee mothers with one year of service offered extra time off (beyond the 12 weeks required by FMLA) following childbirth? No