Marriott International Secures Top 10 Spot in Fortune's Best Workplaces List for 2026
Marriott International Inc. has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering a people-first culture by securing the prestigious title of the 7th Best Workplace in the United States, as recognized in the 2026 Fortune and Great Place To Work® 100 Best Workplaces list. This honor reflects nearly a century of the company's dedication to its associates and is indicative of its ongoing efforts to create a supportive and fulfilling work environment.
1. A Legacy of Excellence
Since the inception of the Fortune 100 Best Workplaces list nearly three decades ago, Marriott has consistently earned its place among the top employers, underscoring its relentless pursuit of excellence in workplace culture. This recognition comes on the heels of Marriott’s global acknowledgment as a best-in-class employer in over a dozen countries and being ranked among the top five World's Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work® and Fortune.
Voices of Associates Matter
Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, expressed his gratitude towards the associates: “This recognition is meaningful because it reflects associates' voices and experiences and affirms our people-first culture.” Capuano emphasized the company's core values, which are deeply rooted in trust, opportunity, and respect. He acknowledged that the collaborative efforts of associates worldwide contribute significantly to making Marriott a great place to work.
2. The Be™ Initiative: A Focus on Associate Development
In 2023, Marriott introduced its people brand, Be™, designed around three fundamental pillars: Begin, Belong, and Become. Each pillar encapsulates Marriott's commitment to nurturing talent and providing ample opportunities for career advancement.
Begin: Paving Pathways for New Careers
Marriott has a strong legacy of developing career pathways for its associates. The company was a pioneer in launching a digital learning platform, which provides foundational learning programs, coaching, and skill-building resources for associates embarking on their career journeys.
Belong: Fostering Wellbeing and Inclusion
Marriott has also been at the forefront of promoting wellbeing among its workforce. The company introduced a global wellbeing program over a decade ago, focusing on the physical, mental, and financial health of its associates. With initiatives such as the year-round mental health and financial education resources and the network of more than 13,000 TakeCare Champions, Marriott integrates wellbeing into the daily experience of its associates. Furthermore, competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and the Explore by Marriott Bonvoy™ travel discount program exemplify Marriott's commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.
Become: Empowering Professional Growth
Marriott prioritizes the development and progression of its associates through continuous feedback, coaching, and clear career expectations. Programs like Elevate prepare frontline associates for management positions, enhancing their confidence and capability. Notably, participants in the Elevate program enjoy a 25% higher retention rate and are 5.5 times more likely to be promoted compared to their peers.
Ty Breland, Chief Human Resources Officer & EVP, Global Operations Services, remarked, "At Marriott, people don't come for a job, they come for a career." Breland emphasized the company's role in creating an environment where associates can thrive and build meaningful careers.
3. Trust as a Cornerstone of Success
The 100 Best Companies to Work For list is a testament to organizations that cultivate high-trust workplace environments, as measured by Great Place to Work's proprietary Trust Index™ Survey. According to Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, trust is a leading indicator of business performance. "When employees trust their leaders, they are more willing to give extra effort, embrace innovation, and deliver a better experience to customers."
With nearly 800,000 associates globally, Marriott remains committed to creating opportunities, nurturing a culture of belonging, and helping individuals build successful careers.
For those interested in exploring the career opportunities at Marriott, more information can be found on their careers page.
4. Conclusion
Marriott International's recognition as a top workplace in the U.S. is reflective of its enduring commitment to its associates and the implementation of innovative programs aimed at employee development and wellbeing. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the hospitality industry, its focus on a people-first culture remains a cornerstone of its identity.