(Des Moines, IA) -- June 27, 2006 - For the fifth consecutive year, International Data Group´s Computerworld has selected The Principal Financial Group ® as one of the top workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals, this year ranking 29th. This distinction was revealed in the publication´s 13th annual "Best Places to Work in IT" survey, which was published in the June 19th issue and online at Computerworld.com.
"We are honored to be recognized again by Computerworld as an employer of choice for IT professionals," said Gary Scholten, senior vice president and chief information officer of the Principal Financial Group. "This tribute validates our continuing efforts to provide a supportive and stimulating environment where our world class IT professionals can leverage the latest innovations in information technology to deliver leading-edge solutions to our customers."
Since 1994, Computerworld´s annual "Best Places to Work in IT" feature has ranked the top 100 work environments for technology professionals, based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. In addition, this year Computerworld surveyed more than 27,000 IT workers at more than 400 companies for the list, and their responses factored heavily in determining the rankings.
Scholten noted that among the various factors that make The Principal such a great place to work in IT, three in particular stand out: business alignment, people development and work/life balance. "Our IT employees greatly value working closely with our businesses, which allows them to see the impact of their work on business results. They also appreciate the multiple opportunities they are given to develop their technical and business skills, whether through formal classroom training, mentorship programs or on-the-job learning," said Scholten. "In addition, they value the flexibility they are given to get their jobs done." He cited programs such as flexible work schedules, working caregiver leave, volunteer time off and the company´s wellness facilities as some of the many ways employees can achieve work/life balance.
"This year´s Best Places to Work rankings represent companies across the industry that recognize how a strong commitment to and investment in employees is synonymous with creating a great IT work environment," said Don Tennant, editor in chief of Computerworld. "Once again, we found that IT professionals are looking for rewarding and challenging projects, access to leading-edge technologies, career growth and development and a comfortable work/life balance. Our Best Places companies not only offer these benefits, but do so in a manner that goes well above industry norms."
About Computerworld
Computerworld, the "Voice of IT Management," is the most trusted source for the critical information needs of senior IT management. Computerworld´s integrated offerings form the U.S.-based hub of the world´s largest (58-edition) global IT media network through its weekly publication, Computerworld.com Web site, focused conference series and custom research. In the past five years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 print and online awards for editorial and design excellence, surpassing its direct competition by an order of magnitude. Recognition includes the 2004 Magazine of the Year Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors and a Jesse H. Neal Award for "Best News Coverage." In print since 1967, Computerworld is the source for information technology management, with a guaranteed rate base of 180,050, a total print audience of 1,138,000 (IntelliQuest CIMS 2004 Business Influencer Study) and an online audience of over 1.1 million unique monthly visitors (DoubleClick).
Computerworld is a business unit of International Data Group (IDG), the world´s leading technology media, research and events company. A privately held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers, including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites, with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide, including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo ®, Macworld Conference & Expo ®, DEMO ® and IDC Directions. IDC provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com.
About the Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group ´ (The Principal ®) [1] is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies and national network of financial professionals. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $205.3 billion in assets under management [2]and serves some 16.0 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.