LIVONIA, Mich. -- Valassis, a leader in intelligent media delivery,announced today its inclusion on Working Mother magazine's esteemed list of the "Best Companies for Hourly Workers" for the third consecutive year. The award recognizes employers with the best policies and programs for promoting women and a dynamic work/life culture. Valassis is one of only 12 companies that made the list in 2013, and one of two companies based in Michigan, where Valassis is headquartered.

For 27 years, Working Mother has spotlighted best practices and honored companies that are dedicated to supporting their hourly workers. They score companies on policies and programs meant to help hourly workers succeed and advance, including health benefits, employee assistance programs, paid leave, training and flexibility.

At Valassis, numerous work schedules exist to meet business needs while also offering opportunities for family time, recognizing the importance of work/life balance. Valassis' culture also enables associates to take care of family needs such as school meetings, doctor's appointments and children's activities.

"Our associates give their all to our business and Valassis, in turn, strives to provide a great total rewards experience for them," said Leslie Lenser, Valassis Senior Vice President of Human Resources. "We also provide flexibility in the workplace whether is it through our expanded program with a focus on work from home or to accommodate special needs as they arise."

Jill Canada, an hourly Valassis associate in Deer Park, Texas, experienced firsthand the company's culture of flexibility when she learned in February 2012 that she was pregnant with twins. With the excitement came a bit of worry when she learned her high-risk pregnancy would require weekly doctor appointments until she delivered and that she would need to spend her last trimester on bed rest.

"Upon hearing my news, my supervisor congratulated me with smiles and hugs and simply told me not to worry," Canada said.  "I was told my position was secure no matter how many doctors' appointments I had or how much time I needed to take off.  Additionally, after returning from maternity leave, Canada modified her hours and works from home two days a week. "This has given me an extra hour each night with my babies, savings on gas, as well as all the added benefits working from home brings. I feel very blessed to work for a company with such integrity and heart for their associates. Valassis has become an extension of my family and for that I am grateful."

In 2012, Valassis expanded and formalized its workplace flexibility with a focus on meeting both business and individual needs.  The program includes part-time schedules, flexible hours, and work from home or job sharing, to name a few options. This move toward increased flexibility has come at a time when some companies have made news for tightening their work-from-home policies.

In addition to flexible schedules, Valassis also provides a host of convenient services with a 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.