Marriott International: Certificate of Merit

The seven-member panel of judges rated Marriott International's application almost as impressive as the winner, AT&T. Marriott faces quite a challenge, with more than 700 properties and 107,132 employees working in shifts around the clock, around the world. One of Marriott's key objectives is to "create a culture of safety" within the organization and to "leverage technological innovation in both prevention and claims management."

Marriott's record is impressive: Over five years, the frequency of claims has dropped 15 percent and the cost of claims has also declined 15 percent.

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Marriott has been especially innovative with its return-to-work program. In the past, Marriott found it difficult to create transition work options for long-term disability. Today, however, working with a vendor, the company has created longer-term transition work options at nonprofit organizations like Goodwill and the Red Cross.

Marriott not only pays the temporary workers' compensation rate, but also the nonprofits pay rate, giving employees a financial incentive to participate in the program. The program was initially a pilot, but it met with so much success that Marriott rolled the option out nationwide. Marriott's average loss rate now is 20 percent below industry benchmarks.

November 1, 2007

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