With 10,000 employees across the country and a commitment to providing meaningful, differentiating support, Marriott Hotels of Canada Ltd. is focused on offering options that align with workers’ different life stages and financial priorities.

This focus led to the introduction of a student debt repayment program, which aims to support early career talent, meet employees where they are in their financial journeys and reduce stress, says Lauren Massie, the organization’s pension and benefits manager.

“It came about because we recognize that student debt is a significant reality for many Canadians entering the workforce, with graduates often carrying substantial student debt and it can take several years to pay that off.

Read: Employers using debt repayment benefits to retain employees, alleviate financial stress

“By helping [employees] pay down their student debt more quickly, we’re supporting them with their overall health, their financial health and helping them focus on building their career and thriving in their roles,” she adds.

Through the program, which is specifically designed for students and recent graduates, employees who aren’t covered by a collective bargaining agreement can contribute up to six per cent of their annual earnings, with the employer providing a matching contribution up to five per cent. It........

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