MassMutual Named a 2009 Working Mother 100 Best Company

Company recognized for strong commitment to work-life programs and services.

(Springfield, MA) - Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today it has been named one of the 2009 Working Mother 100 Best Companies, a recognition of its commitment to provide programs and services to help ensure the retention and advancement of working mothers.

The Working Mother 100 Best Companies is a 24-year-old research initiative by Working Mother Media that has become one of the most important benchmarks for work-life practices in corporate America. Profiles of the 100 Best Companies are in the October issue of Working Mother magazine and will be available at www.workingmother.com.

“MassMutual is delighted to be chosen for this year’s Working Mother 100 Best Companies list, as it’s a true recognition of our efforts to retain and attract the most talented, diverse and experienced workforce in the industry,” said Debra A. Palermino, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, MassMutual. “Whether it’s providing health and wellness services, flexible work arrangements or on-site amenities, this honor is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to help our working mothers – and all of our employees – achieve a strong work-life balance. Particularly in this economy, we feel that it’s more crucial than ever to maintain our support for these valuable programs and services.”

Companies were selected for the 2009 Working Mother 100 Best Companies based on an extensive application with more than 500 questions on workforce, compensation, child care, flexibility programs, leave policies and more. It also surveys the usage, availability and tracking of programs, as well as the accountability of managers who oversee them. Seven areas were measured and scored: workforce profile, benefits, women’s issues and advancement, child care, flexible work, parental leave and company culture. For this year’s 100 Best, particular weight was given to benefits, flexibility and parental leave.

MassMutual provides a number of options to help employees achieve work-life balance, including flexible schedules, on-site and near-site childcare facilities, an on-site credit union, convenience store with a full-service pharmacy, dry cleaner, tailor, jewelry and shoe repair, a hair salon and a barber shop. MassMutual also has a strong commitment to employee health, offering wellness activity centers, an employee assistance program, and employee health service centers that offer on-site physical therapy.

In addition to the programs and services offered to employees, MassMutual has a number of other programs and initiatives in place to help foster the success of working mothers. In April 2009, the company launched the Women’s Leadership Initiative, which is designed to recruit, develop, retain and brand MassMutual as an employer of choice for female talent. This initiative provides women with opportunities for networking, development and community building, and also promotes gender awareness and education.

As a leading mutual life insurance company, MassMutual also has a strong commitment in helping women take positive steps toward making good decisions about their financial future. The company promotes financial fitness for women through its Pearls of Wisdom® financial education workshops and other educational resources specifically designed for women, and also works to help ensure the health and wellness of all women through sponsorship of a variety of research and educational events. This includes the “MassMutual Supports the Cause” campaign, which has driven nearly $400,000 in contributions for cancer organizations both nationally and locally through its agencies across the country.

According to Working Mother Media, MassMutual and the other winning companies on the list are leading the way in pioneering programs that support families, with 100 percent of the companies on the list offering flextime, on-site lactation areas and telecommuting; and 98 percent offering job-sharing and wellness programs. Financial programs – including tuition reimbursement, retirement planning and pre-tax flexible spending accounts for childcare – available to employees of the 100 Best are on the rise, a much needed boost for families in today’s economy.

“The Working Mother 100 Best Companies stand head and shoulders above the rest,” said Carol Evans, CEO, Working Mother Media. “For example, in the last year, we saw the number of companies nationwide offering flexible work arrangements diminish five percentage points, while the 100 Best Companies stayed steady at 100 percent. The 100 Best provide leadership where and when we need it most, furnishing a framework of support for working families during good times and bad.”