For 16th Consecutive Year Lincoln Ranks in 100 Best Companies For Working Mothers, Says Working Mother Magazine; Advancement for Women, Childcare and Flexible Schedules are Cited.

Business Editors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2002

Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC), the parent company of the Lincoln Financial Group of companies has been recognized by Working Mother Magazine as one of the nation's top companies for working mothers. Lincoln stands as one of only three companies to be consistently named to the prestigious "100 Best Companies For Working Mothers" list for 16 out of 17 years.

"We appreciate Working Mother's continued acknowledgement of our unwavering commitment to work-life issues," said Jon A. Boscia, chairman and chief executive officer of Lincoln Financial Group. "Women play a significant role at Lincoln, 25% of our Board consist of women, 34% of our officers are women and 43% of our middle managers are women," he added.

The Working Mother 100 Best recognizes the extraordinary commitment to quality of life issues being made by leading companies. This year the extensive application process for the "100 Best" focused on the availability and usage of initiatives in five categories: childcare, flexible scheduling, time off for new parents, corporate/family-friendly culture and advancement of women. This year, particular weight was given to advancement of women, flexible scheduling and time off for new parents; three critical needs for working mothers. A few key work-life initiatives that Lincoln was recognized for include:

Advancement of Women

Lincoln's commitment to the advancement of women is illustrated in its workforce. Women comprise 66% of LFG's overall workforce with 68% serving as first level managers, or supervisors. Lincoln has taken a proactive position regarding a recent external survey focused on why women executives derail. As a result of the survey, Lincoln developed a two-day program targeting high potential women to help them develop the senior level skills they will need to continue to progress in their careers, before they start to encounter difficulties.

Flexible Work Schedules

LFG encourages an open environment without stringent rules and regulations, and are always looking for opportunities to be more flexible from a personal standpoint. As evidence of this commitment, Lincoln offers many flexible alternatives to the standard work-week. Employees can work out these alternatives with their individual managers, thus insuring that both the employees' and business' needs are met. The flexible work schedules that Lincoln offers include: part-time employment, job-sharing, flexibility in work start and stop times, telecommuting/working from home and a compressed work- week.

Childcare Resources

Lincoln provides childcare referral services and business travel childcare reimbursement for its employees. Lincoln's sponsored childcare referral services provide information on both individual and childcare facilities that are in the employees' location, helping employees determine the best match for their needs. For Lincoln employees that travel and seek outside childcare, the company also provides a business travel childcare reimbursement.

A complete report of Working Mother's 2002 "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" can be found in the October issue of Working Mother, and at www.workingmother.com. CNBC will also feature a special on the "100 Best Companies" tonight at 8pm EST.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Group has consolidated assets of $95 billion and had annual consolidated revenues of $6.4 billion in 2001. Through its wealth accumulation and protection businesses, the company provides annuities, life insurance, 401(k) plans, 529 college savings plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, institutional investment and financial planning and advisory services.