MetLife Named a 2005 Working Mother 100 Best Company for Seventh Consecutive Year; Annual Initiative Celebrates 20th Anniversary by Asking Tough Questions on Flexibility

"We salute MetLife for their efforts on behalf of working mothers,and for making the 100 Best for the seventh time," said Carol Evans,CEO of Working Mother Media. "It is my hope that other companiesaround the country learn from the best and experience first-hand thevalue of flexibility as a business imperative."

MetLife's work/life balance offerings stretch back three decadesto when the company pioneered a program offering flexible startingtimes. Today, MetLife's formalized flexible work arrangement programincludes compressed workweeks, part-time work, job-sharing, flextime,telecommuting and Teleflex. In addition to flexible work arrangements,MetLife also offers its employees a variety of family friendlybenefits, including elder-care, back-up child care and wellnessincentives, as well as professional advancement and networkingresources.

"It's an honor for us to, once again, be recognized by WorkingMother on their prominent list of the 100 Best," said Debra J.Capolarello, senior vice president and chief talent officer. "Not onlyis the population of employees at MetLife diverse, but so are theirpersonal and professional needs. It's because of this diversity thatwe have made concerted efforts over the past several years to expand,refine and improve upon the number and type of work/life benefits andprofessional development programs we offer. We know that ourassociates have many responsibilities - both in and outside of theoffice - and we want to do our best to help them succeed."

In surveying the companies that applied for this year's list,particular weight was given to questions in three areas: flexiblescheduling, the most critical benefit for working mothers; child-careoptions, because without them parents can't work; and time off for newparents, because it's critical for mothers to bond with their newbornswithout suffering professionally.

Founded in 1979, Working Mother magazine reaches nearly 3 millionreaders and is the only national magazine for career-committedmothers. Its 20-year signature initiative, the Working Mother 100 BestCompanies, is the most important benchmark for work/life practices incorporate America. The complete list of the Working Mother 100 BestCompanies can be found at www.workingmother.com.

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) is a leading provider of insurance andother financial services to millions of individual and institutionalcustomers throughout the United States. Through its subsidiaries andaffiliates, MetLife, Inc. offers life insurance, annuities, automobileand homeowner's insurance and retail banking services to individuals,as well as group insurance, reinsurance and retirement and savingsproducts and services to corporations and other institutions. Outsidethe U.S., the MetLife companies have direct insurance operations inAsia Pacific, Latin America and Europe. For more information, pleasevisit www.metlife.com.