Livonia, Mich. - Valassis, one of the nation's leading media and marketing services companies,announced today its inclusion on Working Mother magazine's esteemed list of the Best Companies for Hourly Workers. The only initiative of its kind, the second annual Best Companies for Hourly Workers list celebrates businesses working steadfastly to provide family-friendly benefits that promote health/wellness, education, flexibility and work-life balance.

Valassis employs approximately 3,000 hourly employees across the country, largely in its print and shared mail manufacturing locations, where many work compressed work weeks. A typical hourly associate schedule in these facilities is a three-day/four-day work week, offering opportunities for family time. Valassis also offers non-manufacturing hourly associates 2 1/2 hours of paid flexible time each week to use for their personal needs such as parent/teacher conferences or doctor appointments. The company provides a host of convenient services, a testament to its strong focus on a culture where work/life balance is encouraged. Among these amenities are onsite workout facilities and discounts, health fairs/flu shots, dry cleaning, postal services and discount tickets, to name a few.

"Valassis' proven commitment to instituting practices that meet the needs of its diverse workforce is what has earned them a spot on this year's Best Companies for Hourly Workers list," said Jennifer Owens, Director of the Working Mother Research Institute. "Working Mother proudly applauds their dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and respected."

"We strive to offer our employees a variety of benefits recognizing their needs outside of the workplace and the importance of family time as well as opportunities to contribute to the success of our company," said Todd Wiseley, Senior Vice President and General Counsel. "Our employees give us their best, and in turn, we want to do the same for them."

Nelly Rogers, Valassis Client Services Director in Houston, Texas, began her career with the company 18 years ago as an hourly employee. As a working mother with two young children at the time, Rogers credits the flexibility and support she has received with allowing her to simultaneously care for her family and grow her career.

"Early on, when I was an hourly worker, I was allowed to attend school conferences or other school events without feeling like my job was in jeopardy," said Rogers who moved into a leadership role in 2004. "Valassis has always made me feel like my family lifewas just as important as my work life. I have always felt the support of my leaders and now that I'm a leader, I can reciprocate the support that I have received throughout my career."

Nearly half the U.S. workforce --73 million Americans -- are hourly workers. Best Companies for Hourly Workers winners offer benefits such as comprehensive healthcare coverage, tuition reimbursement to workers pursuing degrees and paid job skills training during working hours. For example, Valassis offers a full slate of training through its Valassis Learning Center; an opportunity to serve on company-driven committees that lead its diversity and giving initiatives; huddles and rap sessions where feedback is encouraged; and regular meetings with leadership where information is readily shared.

The winners are detailed in Working Mother'sMay issue, at www.workingmother.com/bestcompanies, and on iPad (search: working mother). Corporate Voices for Working Families serves as knowledge partner for the Working Mother Best Companies for Hourly Workers initiative.

Earlier in the year, Valassis was recognized by the Arbor Consulting Group with its Award for Excellence recognizing the company's internal CelebrateUS campaign, which celebrates its culture and employees.