Tuesday, September 24, 2002

A story released today by Business Wire reports that despite a business culture troubled by economic downturn, smart companies are carrying on their efforts to compete for the talent of the nation's 26 million working mothers.

Working Mother magazine announced today the release of the 17th annual list of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers," Working Mother laid out three basic trends among applicants: no rollback of work/life benefits during the recent recession, a post-9/11 increased emphasis on flexible scheduling, and augmented use of family leave by employees.

Carol Evans, CEO of Working Mother Media, adds that "post-September 11, work/life initiatives have taken on even greater significance, with programs from employee assistance to telecommuting. Employees want to have flexibility to deal with family needs on a day-to-day basis, as well as in an emergency. Companies are winning the loyalty of employees who get the work done, wherever and whenever they do their jobs."

In compiling the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" list, the editors focused on how well companies provide their employees with particular benefits like flexible schedules and leave for new parents. Programs for women's advancement also assumed greater importance this year.

Working Mother gives special kudos to the ten companies that rank the highest (listed alphabetically):

Abbott Laboratories, IL

American Express, NY

Bank of America, NC

Booz Allen Hamilton, VA

Bristol-Myers Squibb, NY

Colgate-Palmolive, NY

Computer Associates, NY

Fannie Mae, DC

General Mills, MN

IBM, NY