1.02.2001 ET

(CSRwire) American Express is included in the Jan. 8 issue of Fortune as a top employer in its annual survey of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” This is the second year in a row that American Express has earned a place on the Fortune list, ranking 77th overall this year.

Companies selected for this prestigious list undergo considerable scrutiny in a two-part survey. The first part includes an evaluation of company programs and benefits, which accounts for one-third of the overall score. The remaining two-thirds is based on a separate questionnaire of randomly selected employees who are asked to evaluate such topics as trust in management, pride in work and the company, and camaraderie.

According to Fortune, ninety percent of American Express employees who responded to the questionnaire provided favorable feedback on the company’s treatment of women and minorities in the workplace. The company’s commitment to diversity and the quarterly town hall meetings hosted by top leaders were key highlights. Employee networks also bring together many groups, including Asians, African Americans, and gays and lesbians.

“Our efforts to build a winning culture are part of an ongoing evolution,” said Ursula Fairbairn, executive vice president of Human Resources and Quality at American Express. “This recognition is a direct result of the dedication and teamwork of our employees’ efforts to make American Express a great place to work.”

With over 58,000 employees in the United States, American Express has major operations in Phoenix, AZ; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Greensboro, NC; New York, NY; Minnesota, MN and Salt Lake City, UT. The company has been recognized as a top corporate employer in other leading publications. They include: Fortune “50 Best Companies for MBAs,” Hispanic “Corporate 100,” LatinaStyle “50 Best Companies for Latinas,” Money “America's Best Company Benefits,” Working Mother “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” and Advocate “25 Best Companies to Work for Now.”

A complete report of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” can be found at www.fortune.com/bestcompanies.

American Express is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.