For the seventh consecutive year, Verizon has been ranked by Working Mother as among the best companies for multicultural women. Verizon ranked in the top 10, and was recognized for a commitment to develop our unique skills and talents so we can drive innovation for our customers and communities.

"Verizon is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where we celebrate what is unique and common amongst employees so that each person is free to unleash their authentic perspectives," said Magda Yrizarry, Chief Talent and Diversity Officer for Verizon. "It is this diversity of people and ideas that helps drive relevant customer solutions, innovation and our success."

The magazine cited reasons such as:

• Diverse Workforce: Women make up more than 40% of Verizon's U.S. workforce and 29% of senior leadership. Multicultural women make up 18% of Verizon's U.S.-based workforce, and in 2010 constituted 21% of all new hires.
   
• Generous Training and Tuition Assistance: Last year Verizon invested nearly $300 million in training, instructor-led and self-paced online learning. 27,000 employees participated in the Tuition Assistance Program, which provides up to $8,000 a year in a job-related field.
   
• Support for Future Parents: Our “Future Moms Program” provides maternity counseling, health education and benefits management for expectant mothers. (Register for next week’s Healthy Pregnancy webinar.) For employees who choose to adopt, Verizon will reimburse them up to $10,000 for each adopted child for expenses such as legal fees and travel.
   
• Support for Veterans: Verizon pays the difference between an employee’s military pay and their Verizon pay for up to 3 years, with no interruption of health benefits for their dependents. In addition, we offer programs to assist employees with finding work at Verizon locations that are close to a spouse on active duty.
   
• Resources for a Healthy Lifestyle: Employees can use preventive and early detection services, including biometrics and mammography screenings – many of which are on-site and free to employees.
   
• Savings for our Future: Our savings plan (401k) allows employees to save for their future, and the company offers a generous match – up to 6 percent of an employee’s salary – as well as a year-end supplement to the savings plan based on the company’s performance.
   
• Resource Groups: Our 10 employee resource groups provide networking, development and volunteer opportunities in our communities, and build a stronger sense of community within Verizon. WAVE, the Women’s Association for Verizon Employees, has chapters around the world.
   
• A Focus on Safety: The "Be SAFE" safety initiative helps promote shared accountability for safety in the workplace and provides active reinforcement, feedback and coaching.
   
• 24x7 Employee Assistance: Our Employee Assistance Program connects employees with professional assistance, spanning child services, elder care services, adoption assistance, in-care social support and many other family services.

This honor is the latest in a long list of awards for Verizon’s commitment to employees. We have recently been ranked:

• For 12 straight years as a top 50 company for diversity (DiversityInc)
   
• As a military-friendly employer (G.I. Jobs)
   
• 9 times as a top U.S. company for Latinas (LatinaSTYLE)
   
• No. 1 in employee training, and among the best for 11 years (Training)
   
• Among the ‘Best for Vets’ (Military Times EDGE)
   
• A ‘best place for IT” for 9 years (ComputerWorld)
   
• 8 times as a top 50 company for executive women (National Association for Female Executives)
   
• Among the best corporate citizens for 4 years (CRO magazine)
   
• 6 times as a best company for working moms (Working Mother)
   
• A top 50 company for whom readers would want to work (Careers & the disABLED)