Carlson Is One Of The 'Best Adoption Friendly' Workplaces In America, According To Dave Thomas Foundation

Minneapolis – The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption today named Carlson as one of the "Best Adoption-Friendly" companies in America. In addition, the company ranked first in the hotel and travel industry category for the third consecutive year.

The recognition is based on adoption benefits, including financial assistance and paid leave, which companies offer their employees. Carlson provides up to $5,000 and six-weeks-paid leave per adoption to adoption parents.

In addition to receiving a number one ranking in the hotel and travel industry, Carlson ranked number 82nd in the foundation’s overall Top 100 list.

“Carlson’s adoption assistance benefit is part of our comprehensive benefits program that helps our employees balance their work and family lives,” said Susan MacHolda, senior director, corporate human resources, Carlson. “Our adoption package includes financial aid, along with an employee assistance program that helps employees locate adoption resources, counseling services and support groups.”

Sara Lissick, senior director of finance for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, North America, has adopted two children during her time at Carlson. She said the company’s benefits helped make the adoption process “a wonderful experience.”

“The benefits were important to me as they conveyed that Carlson was supportive of our adoption efforts,” Lissick said. “The adoption reimbursement I received from Carlson defrayed a portion of the expenses we incurred, and the paid time off was invaluable as it allowed me the time to bond with the baby, in Colombia, and then at home after the adoption was finalized,” she said.

Carlson has been on Working Mother magazine’s list of the Best 100 Companies for Working Mothers six times. In addition to adoption assistance, Carlson’s benefits and programs include onsite childcare, flexible work arrangements, mental health assistance and webinars on a variety of topics, including financial planning.

The Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America list was compiled with data collected from 753 U.S. companies. This year more than 90 organizations established or enhanced adoption benefits, according to the foundation.

To see the entire list, visit .

Carlson is a global hotel, marketing, restaurant and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Carlson brands and services include: Regent Hotels & Resorts®, Radisson Hotels & Resorts®, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, Park Inn® hotels, Carlson Marketing, T.G.I. Friday’s® and Pick Up Stix® restaurants, and Carlson Wagonlit Travel®.

About 160,000 people in more than 150 countries are employed by Carlson brands and services. .

Sam Macalus
Director, Public Relations, Carlson Hotels
763.212.2477
Radisson Hotel Group