Booz Allen Named a Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace

Companies recognized for offering adoption benefits to employees.

McLean, VA, May 1, 2007 — The global strategy and technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton today announced that it has been named one of the nation’s “Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplaces” by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

“Roughly 64% of Americans have had a personal experience with adoption,” explained Rita Soronen, executive director of the Foundation. “This comprehensive list recognizes employers who excel at supporting their employees who adopt by providing financial assistance and paid leave.”

Committed to supporting the work–life balance of its staff, Booz Allen eases the challenges of adoption with a generous reimbursement benefit. Parents receive $5,000 in financial assistance per child and they are eligible for two weeks of paid parental leave. Additionally, staff can find education materials on adoption, becoming a parent, children’s health, and stages of development through LifeWorks, a free resource and referral service.

According to Booz Allen Associate Natalie Jackson, providing adoption benefits is one of the firm’s family-friendly benefits: “It helps our staff defray some of the costs associated with adoption.” And a number of employees have taken advantage of the benefit since it was introduced at the end of 2004: Nineteen in 2005, seventeen in 2006, and four so far in 2007.

“Booz Allen’s commitment to its employees and their families is unmatched, especially with regard to the adoption benefits program.  Not only did we receive financial support, but we also took advantage of the family leave benefit which gave us quality time together when we brought our daughter home,” said Booz Allen Associate John Duffy.

“At times, the financial and emotional stress of adopting was overwhelming, but Booz Allen helped alleviate much of that burden.  Our daughter was born in Guatemala last year and came home just in time for Christmas,” he added.