Programs we could only imagine a few years ago—16 months of maternity leave, free backup care, phase-back programs, $10,000 in adoption reimbursement—are now a reality at many of our Working Mother 100 Best Companies. In selecting this year's winners, we gave special weight to leave policies, because it's critical for a mother to be able to stay home as long as possible with her newborn without suffering professionally.

As you read about our winners' innovative work/life programs and enjoy the photographs they've shared, we know you'll agree that these family-friendly companies truly are employers of choice.

THE APPLICATION
The list of companies selected for the 2006 Working Mother 100 Best Companies was based on an extensive application completed by each company. The application includes detailed questions about the workforce, compensation, child-care and flexibility programs, leave policies and more. The application checks the usage, availability and tracking of programs, as well as the accountability of managers who oversee them. That means it's not enough to have a great program if no one is using it.

WHAT'S MEASURED
Seven areas are measured and scored: workforce profile, compensation, child care, flexibility, time off and leaves, family-friendly programs and company culture.

MAKING THE 100 BEST
After we finalize the list of 100 winners, our writers and editors report on each company, using the application, backup material sent in by the companies and interviews with company representatives. Fact-checkers then verify all the information in the profiles with the companies. The names of companies that apply but do not make the list are kept confidential. All companies, including those that don't make the 100 Best, receive feedback showing how they compared to other applicants.

THIS YEAR'S WINNERS
The company profiles, culled from the applications, reflect 2005 data. With the help of NetX Inc., an independent survey research firm based in Columbus, NJ, we validate the applications for completeness and then tabulate the scores. For this year's 100 Best, we gave particular weight to flex and time off.

The 2007 100 Best Companies will be announced September 25, 2007

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE YOUR COMPANY FOR NEXT YEAR


2002 100 BEST COMPANIES
2003 100 BEST COMPANIES
2004 100 BEST COMPANIES
2005 100 BEST COMPANIES