Booz Allen Ranked in "Top 10" for Working Mothers Nationwide - 2003

McLean, VA, September 23, 2003 — For five years running, Booz Allen Hamilton has been named to Working Mother magazine's list of "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" — the industry benchmark for family-friendly companies.

Also among the selectees for "Best of the Best," Booz Allen was named in the "Top 10" of the magazine's annual rankings for the second year in a row. Identifying the Top 10 as those companies that "raise the bar" on many of the family-friendly programs and policies that are important to working mothers, the magazine singled out Booz Allen for its strong commitment to flexible scheduling, high participation in women's advancement programs, and variety of child care options.

"As we know from the world of sports, five consecutive titles is a rare achievement," said Booz Allen Hamilton Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Shrader. "I'm very proud that Booz Allen has been named to Working Mother's 100 best list for the last five years, and that we've achieved 'MVP status' by placing in the "Top Ten" for the second consecutive year. It shows that we are not only consistent, but also that we are continuing to improve. Continuous improvement as the employer of choice in the consulting industry is our commitment to the people of Booz Allen. "

According to Working Mother Editor-in-Chief Jill Kirschenbaum, "Even these tough economic times haven't swayed the commitment of our forward-thinking '100 Best' companies." In fact, the magazine, which today released its 18th annual list of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers, finds that benefits have increased. "Companies want to cut employee stress to keep them healthy and happy," Kirschenbaum said.

Working Mother's ranking is a result of a rigorous selection process. Companies are required to supply extensive data on their family-friendly policies and practices. They must also present detailed statistical information on gender composition, compensation, employee retention, and promotion patterns at all levels of their organizations — from part-time and temporary staff through senior executive management.

Although the recognition is from Working Mother magazine, the majority of work-life balance programs are also beneficial to working fathers, women without children, and staff at large. Booz Allen's paid paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, tuition assistance, and diversity programs are just a few examples.

What this means, according to Working Mother Media CEO Carol Evans, is that "Workplace cultures at the best places to work have changed and now reflect the permanent presence of working mothers. And companies also are responding to pressure from both men and women in Generations X and Y, who demand a balanced life. Work/life benefits are here to stay."

At Booz Allen, vice president Natalie Givans, herself a working mother of a 3-year-old and teenage twins, is considered among the best examples of managing a successful career and family life. Givans will represent Booz Allen at the annual WorkLife Congress in New York September 29 to October 1, and accept the award on behalf of the firm.