The October issue of Working Mother contained the publication's 11th annual report listing the country's most advanced and innovative firms in helping employees balance work and family life. The report also reveals a sharp upswing in the use of flexible work schedules, recognition of child-care needs, and an increase in paid leave for new parents. Four of the big six accounting firms made this year's "Working Mother 100": Coopers and Lybrand L.L.P., Deloitte & Touche LLP, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, and Price Waterhouse, LLP. Plante & Moran LLP of Southfield, Michigan was included in the list as well.

Working Mother used five standards to determine "The 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers": pay, opportunities for women to advance, child-care support, flexibility, and family-friendly benefits.

Vice President Al Gore, who was the keynote speaker at the magazine's Working Mother 100 breakfast, said "for workplaces to remain productive, healthy, and profitable...they must help their employees meet their family obligations. In the new economy, allowing workers to integrate their family life into their workplace will be a key source of competitive advantage. The economic strength will depend on national family strength."