9.05.2000 ET

(CSRwire) Aetna Inc., a Fortune 50 global health and financial services company, has been recognized by Working Mother magazine in its annual survey of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers.” Aetna has been included on this list for 11 of the past 12 years.

“We are delighted that Aetna’s continuing commitment to working mothers has been recognized once again by Working Mother magazine,” said Elease Wright, senior vice president for Human Resources. “Aetna has been a leader in developing programs and implementing policies centered around family and work/life issues. These are issues that impact our 46,000 employees, and we are committed to addressing the needs of working women and their families.”

Working Mother selected 2000’s 100 Best Companies based on five criteria: child care, leave for new parents, flexible work arrangements, work/life benefits such as elder care and adoption assistance, and opportunities for women to advance. The survey also reviewed a range of supportive company offerings, including health and wealth benefits, availability of time off to care for sick children, mentoring programs and other convenience services. Aetna achieved its highest rating in the area of providing opportunities for women to advance. In 1999, women held 62 percent of management positions at Aetna.

During the past year, Aetna has been recognized in several publications for its commitment to employees. Most recently, the company was included in the September issue of Money magazine in its annual list of “America’s Best Company Benefits.”

A Fortune 50 company, Aetna provides over 45 million people worldwide with quality products, services and information. Aetna is the nation's leading health and related benefits company with 19.4 million health members, 14.6 million dental members, and 11.5 million group insurance members. Information about Aetna is available at www.aetna.com.