Adecco Named One of AARP's Top 25 Employers for Workers Over 50; Award Demonstrates that Adecco Continues to Set the Example for the Staffing Industry.

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MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2003

Adecco (NYSE:ADO), the world's largest staffing and human resource services company, today announced that it has been named one of the 25 Best Employers for Workers over 50 by the AARP. Adecco is the only company in the staffing industry to be accorded this honor. This is the second year running that Adecco has been named to the list.

AARP created the "Best Employers for Workers over 50" award in 2001 to recognize organizations for best practices for 50+ workers and to highlight the positive impact these policies and practices have on employees and on U.S. business as a whole. In selecting the 2003 winners, AARP used the following criteria: recruiting practices (including former or retired employees), opportunities for training and career development, health benefits, pension plans and financial incentives, and alternative work arrangements.

AARP initiated its search for exemplary practices by inviting employers to describe their innovative policies that benefit workers 50 and over. A consulting firm, NFO WorldGroup of Atlanta, GA, examined the applications and performed the preliminary rating. A panel of five outside judges--including human resources professionals, academics, and experts on aging workforce issues--selected the finalists.

As more and more people work well into their 60s, 70s and even 80s, organizations that recruit and retain these employees today will be prepared when staffing needs increase and the available pool of younger workers decreases in the future. AARP President James Parkel noted the outstanding efforts of these employers to give seasoned employees greater flexibility, as well as training to upgrade their skills and add to the companies' bottom line. Parkel said, "This is a sure indicator of the growing importance of the older worker to the success of individual companies and, in fact, to the entire economy."

"We feel very privileged to have been recognized by AARP as one of the best companies for people over 50," said Julio Arrieta, CEO of Adecco USA. "Strong seasoned employees make essential contributions to any organization. We value our 50+ workers for the talent and perspective they bring to our company, and we recognize the importance of providing them with new opportunities. Adecco prides itself on creating a work environment that provides benefits, development, and training that meet the needs of employees of all ages."

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. It provides information and resources; engages in legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy; assists members in serving their communities; and offers a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for its members. These include AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, a monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, a quarterly newspaper in Spanish, NRTA Live and Learn, a quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and www.aarp.org. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

About Adecco

Adecco S.A. is a Forbes 500 company and the global leader in HR solutions. The Adecco Group network connects 650,000 associates with business clients each day through its network of 28,000 employees and 5,800 offices in 67 countries around the world. Registered in Switzerland, and managed by a multinational team with expertise in markets spanning the globe, the Adecco Group delivers an unparalleled range of flexible staffing and career resources to corporate clients and qualified associates.

The Adecco Group comprises four Divisions: Adecco Staffing, Ajilon Professional, LHH Career Services and jobpilot e-HR Services. In Adecco Staffing, the Adecco staffing network focuses on flexible staffing solutions for global industries in transition, including automotive, banking, electronics, logistics and telecommunications; Ajilon Professional offers an unrivaled range of specialized recruiting and consulting businesses; LHH Career Services encompasses our portfolio of outplacement and coaching; jobpilot e-HR focuses on online recruiting activities for the Adecco Group.

Adecco USA serves more than 70,000 clients a year through a nationwide network of almost 1,300 points of sales and service. With headquarters in Melville, NY, Adecco USA employs about 3,300 full-time employees and places more than 120,000 temporary associates each week. Adecco USA also provides a full spectrum of human resource solutions, including payroll management; HR information systems; training; administration of group insurance, retirement plans and other benefits; risk management; and more.

Adecco S.A. is registered in Switzerland and is listed on the Swiss Exchange (ADEN / trading on Virt-x: 1213860), NYSE (ADO), and Euronext Premier Marche (12819).

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