Name: Meredith O. and Marieke K.
Position: Executive Assistant and Human Resources Director
Hotel: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
A career in hospitality often starts with something simple: a genuine love for caring for others. But our TakeCare Champions take that instinct and commitment one step further.
TakeCare is Marriott’s global wellbeing program, designed to support associates across physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. It’s about creating a workplace where people feel supported as whole humans, not just employees.
To see what that looks like in action, we’re traveling to Amsterdam to meet Meredith, an Executive Assistant, and Marieke, HR Director at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. As TakeCare Champions, they have made bringing joy, care, and wellbeing to fellow associates, and to the community where they live and work, a central part of what they do every day.
Read on to learn what inspired them to become TakeCare Champions, how they bring wellbeing to life at their hotel, and the heartwarming impact of their mission in action.
Why did you become a TakeCare Champion?
Meredith: I am a TakeCare Champion because caring for others is part of who I am. As a mom, I love supporting people and helping them find balance, joy, and wellbeing.
Marieke: I am a TakeCare Champion because supporting associate wellbeing is at the heart of why I chose a career in HR.
What does a typical day for a TakeCare Champion look like?
Meredith: It is about being present and bringing our wellbeing culture to life in a natural, approachable way. We talk about our TakeCare activities in everyday conversations, share what is coming up, and encourage people to join when something feels right for them.
Throughout the day, we check in with all teams, listen to what they enjoy, and look for ideas that match their energy and needs. What we love most is seeing how engagement continues to grow! Even on days without events, the excitement around TakeCare remains.
Where do you find inspiration to keep doing this work?
Meredith: I am inspired by teamwork, creating moments, and bringing colleagues together. As a Champion, I bring warm, positive energy to help associates feel encouraged and supported every day.
Marieke: Throughout my journey across different companies and industries, I’ve seen many approaches to wellbeing, but the TakeCare program truly stands apart. Its holistic, people-first focus is not only meaningful, it’s energizing. Being part of a program that empowers associates to thrive both personally and professionally, inspires me every day.
What’s a TakeCare initiative you participated in that you’re most proud of?
Meredith: My proudest TakeCare initiative was our Giving Closet. Colleagues donated clothing, refreshed wardrobes affordably, or took items for free when needed, without pressure or judgment. The funds we raised supported the nonprofit War Child, and remaining pieces went to Habitat for Humanity’s shop.
Marieke: In 2023, we introduced an on‑site budget coach who meets individually with associates for guidance on subsidies, taxes, mortgages, savings, or debt. The initiative goes beyond advice; the coach actively supports financial wellbeing. Since launch, we’ve seen reduced financial stress. Helping associates gain confidence, clarity, and peace of mind truly reflects the core spirit and purpose of TakeCare.
Do you remember a small wellness action that made a big difference?
Our monthly TakeCare challenges! These simple activities give us a needed break from routine and bring associates together in a fun and uplifting way. Whether we are carving pumpkins, decorating cakes, or taking part in another themed challenge, the atmosphere instantly shifts. People smile more, connect more, and step away from work for a moment to enjoy something light and creative.
What are some ways in which you bring the wellbeing pillars to everyday life?
Marieke: We are proud to work at a TakeCare certified hotel where wellness is supported through activities like padel tournaments, charity runs, and daily movement encouraged by gym access, ClassPass discounts, and a culture of biking to work.
Mental wellness is nurtured through our relaxing area where associates can pause and reset, along with Calming Creations, a creative painting session that helps unwind and clear the mind. We also organize team activities that offer a break from routine.
Financial wellbeing is strengthened through access to the budget coach we mentioned and discount partnerships that help associates save on everyday needs. Together, these efforts create a workplace where people feel supported, energized, and able to show up as their best selves.
→ Marriott Is Hiring! Find What You’re Looking For in a Career
