It started when Marriott launched its new employee orientation program. Instead of the one
hour, here’s-your-benefits speech, new employees go through an intensive ninety-day orientation. In
begins with new employees attending an initial eight-hour session. During this session, new employees
are overloaded with information about what quality service means. Employees are trained in how to
please customers, and what role they play in making the hotel a success. And yes, they still get their
benefits information, it just doesn’t dominate orientation. And that speech is a bit easier to swallow,
especially considering the extravagant lunch that is served as a welcome-aboard gesture.