Hughes Recognized as a "Triple Winner" by Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE)

GERMANTOWN, Md., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, has been honored by the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) as one of the Washington, D.C. area's best places to work. In addition, Hughes was one of 22 Mid-Atlantic regional businesses to have demonstrated their commitment to environmental sustainability, receiving the EcoLeadership Award. These awards will be presented to the 63 winning companies at the AWE Annual Awards Luncheon being held on June 13, 2011 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The Alliance has recognized the best places to work for the past twelve years, honoring businesses that promote professional fulfillment and personal wellness—at work, at home, and in the community, as well as their commitment to environmental sustainability.

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"Hughes is honored to be recognized again this year as one of the area's best places to work and to be one of only 15 companies to be given all three awards," said Pradman Kaul, chairman and CEO of Hughes. "Our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing a positive work environment with a range of wellness resources to ensure they achieve a healthy work-life balance."

Sandi Kerentoff, senior vice president of Administration and Human Resources at Hughes, said, "Hughes offers a variety of exercise programs and facilities, as well as numerous health and wellness programs. We believe employees who achieve a healthy work-life balance are more productive and creative employees. In addition, Hughes is dedicated to the protection of human health and stewardship of the 'green' environment."

This is the second year that AWE went beyond the local area into the Mid-Atlantic region to also honor businesses that have demonstrated their commitment to environmental sustainability. Of the 63 employers honored, 57 received the Workplace Excellence Award, 38 the Health & Wellness Trailblazer Award, and 22 received the EcoLeadership Award.

In order to be considered for the awards, applicants undergo a rigorous assessment process led by an independent review panel of professors, PhD professionals, and doctoral candidates in business, industrial and organizational psychology, and human resources.

Applicants were assessed in the following categories:

• Inclusive and flexible corporate culture and management practices;
• Family- and employee-friendly policies and programs;
• Strong health and wellness initiatives;
• Growth and learning opportunities; and
• Commitment to corporate, social, and civic responsibility.

The 63 winning companies represent more than one million employees from organizations of all sizes and in all sectors—private, public, and nonprofit.

About The Alliance for Workplace Excellence

The Alliance for Workplace Excellence provides a portfolio of services that allow employers to build excellent places to work.  It created the Workplace Excellence and Health & Wellness Trailblazer Awards to highlight businesses that promote professional fulfillment and personal wellness at work, at home, and in the community.  Launched in 2009, the EcoLeadership Award honors companies that recognize the importance of environmental sustainability.

The Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Montgomery County, Maryland, and Discovery Communications.  For more information, visit http://www.excellentworkplace.org.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the world's leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services, and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. HughesNet® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 2.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For more information, please visit www.hughes.com.

©2011 Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes and HughesNet are registered trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC