MILWAUKEE, Aug 5, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) announced today that it has been named one of PINK magazine's 2008 "Top Companies for Women," and is the only employment services firm named to the list. PINK's exclusive annual ranking, issued for the second time this year, recognizes the prominent role of women at Manpower, particularly in top leadership roles.

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"These companies are true leaders in the advancement of women," says PINK's founding editor, Cynthia Good. "They all realize that moving women to the top goes beyond issues like maternity leave and flextime. It's also about giving women real authority to change the corporation and achieve their career dreams."

PINK solicited nominations from U.S.-based companies, including responses to nearly 100 questions and data points related to women's advancement, before narrowing the field to 13 winners. Among the criteria, the magazine evaluated:

-- Power -- the number of women in board seats and C-suites, and with P&L responsibility;

-- Pipeline -- leadership training, mentoring and coaching programs designed to retain and advance talented women; and

-- Pay -- evidence of pay equity, including the percentage of women in the top fifth of the organization's payroll.

"For six decades, Manpower has provided a platform for women to enter the workforce. The fact that many of our own leaders are women sets a pace and tone that energizes the organization," said Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres. "It is the diversity of thought and diversity of experience that these women bring as strong leaders. And I am proud that Manpower is being globally recognized for doing good while doing well -- it's one of the secrets to our success."

Celebrating 60 years in the changing world of work, Manpower has connected people to employment opportunities that they may not have otherwise had. It is the quality of talent the company has placed in jobs and the growing size of the female workforce that has evolved Manpower's local and global operations. Over the years, Manpower has made great strides in moving women from welfare into family-sustaining jobs and from clerical jobs to high-powered senior management roles. Today, as country managers, senior and executive vice presidents, and board directors, women lead the way in many of Manpower's most influential management roles. Women comprise 40 percent of the company's Executive Management Team and 43 percent of country managers worldwide are women. Within Manpower's operations in China, nearly 80 percent of all employees are women, including the managing director; and within U.S. operations, 70 percent of employees at the manager-level and above are women.

Two women in particularly notable leadership roles are Barbara Beck, Manpower Inc. President of EMEA and Francoise Gri, Manpower Inc. President of France. Together, they manage a remarkable 70 percent of Manpower's total operations worldwide, based on revenue. Beck was cited by PINK earlier this year as one of the "Top 15 Women in Business" for innovations that "turn ideas into earnings." Gri has been named to Fortune's "50 Most Powerful Women in Business -- International" list continuously from 2004 to 2007.

"Our company connects people around the world with meaningful employment, a mission that anyone would get behind; but what makes Manpower unique, is that women play a key role in leading the organization," said Beck. "PINK's recognition is a powerful symbol that honors the hardworking women who thrive and excel at Manpower, while showcasing the innovative culture the company has created to recruit and reward them."

The list of the Top Companies for Women will be featured in the magazine's September/October issue which hits newsstands on 26 August. The publication exclusively targets professional women who are redefining success in the 21st century. PINK has also established a partnership with Forbes.com to provide the leading business news site with weekly articles that help women achieve greater success professionally and personally.

About PINK

PINK magazine features a new generation of America's most influential women, redefining success in the 21st century. Published seven times in 2008, PINK offers editorial content from award-winning writers and columnists in the national magazine for professional women. Visit pinkmagazine.com for more information.

About Manpower Inc.

Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008, the $21 billion company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. Manpower's worldwide network of 4,500 offices in 80 countries and territories enables the company to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year, including small and medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the world's largest multinational corporations. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower Inc. is available at http://www.manpower.com.

SOURCE Manpower Inc.

http://www.manpower.com

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