AstraZeneca Recognized as One of Working Mother's '100 Best Companies' for the Sixth Consec...( WILMINGTON Del. Sept. 25 /- Astra...),Health

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN), a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, has been named one of the "100 Best Companies" to work for by Working Mother magazine for the sixth consecutive year, an honor that recognizes the company's commitment to work-life balance, retention and advancement of working women.

AstraZeneca provides extensive benefits designed to keep its employees happy and healthy, and this year, the company received particular recognition from Working Mother for its flexible work arrangements and day care benefits. Employee network groups for parents and caregivers, telecommuting options, parental leaves and compressed workweeks are other programs that contribute to a supportive working culture for mothers at AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca's day care center, which offers full and part-time care for young children and infants and a summer day camp, before and after school and holiday care for school-age children, was highlighted along with the company's adoption benefits. The company subsidizes 90 percent of the cost for up to 10 days of back-up in-home or center-based childcare for well and sick children per year for all of its U.S. employees. The program is also available to employees who must take time off from work to care for their elderly parents.

"AstraZeneca's mission is focused on patient health, and that includes the health and well-being of our employees and a workplace environment that supports them both professionally and personally," said Tony Zook, President and CEO, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, U.S. "We understand working mothers, like many employees, have responsibilities that go far beyond the office walls, and we do our best to support their distinct needs."

Carol A. Richards, District Sales Manager for AstraZeneca, explained how a job sharing arrangement she requested while pregnant allowed her to work three days a week and maintain her managerial role. W
'/>"/>