Mixing Work & Romance: Global Monster Poll Reveals Differences in Cultural Attitudes

MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2004-- Could the love of your life be in the next cubicle? A recent Monster Meter poll of more than 34,000 workers worldwide reveals that U.S. employees are less accepting of office romances than workers in other parts of the world. A mere 30 percent of Americans think employers should allow love in the workplace, compared to 65 percent of Europeans and 43 percent of Canadians. The Monster Meter, a product of Monster(R), the leading global online careers site and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), is an ongoing series of online polls that gauge users' opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace.

The American view of love between coworkers may surprise many Europeans. Offices in Spain and France are particularly amenable to employees dating - 76 percent and 67 percent of respondents, respectively, think companies should allow office romance. Those surveyed in the UK best represent the average European's view, with 64 percent accepting love in the workplace.

The Monster Meter asked, "Should office romance be allowed by employers?"

A total of 18,324 votes were cast in the United States(a):

• 35% said: "No, office romances always lead to problems."
• 33% said: "It depends on your position in the company."
• 26% said: "Of course, your personal life is totally separate from work."
• 6% said: "Yes, but your boss needs to know."

A total of 14,973 votes were cast in Europe(b):

• 52% said: "Of course, your personal life is totally separate from work."
• 21% said: "It depends on your position in the company."
• 14% said: "No, office romances always lead to problems."
• 13% said: "Yes, but your boss needs to know."

A total of 1,310 votes were cast in Canada(c):

• 36% said: "Of course, your personal life is totally separate from work."
• 30% said: "No, office romances always lead to problems."
• 27% said: "It depends on your position in the company."
• 7% said: "Yes, but your boss needs to know."

For more information on this Monster Meter, including specific country results within Europe, please contact Kevin Mullins at 978-461-8751 or kevin.mullins@monster.com.

(a) The results of the Monster Meter are based on 18,324 votes cast by Monster U.S. users from February 2nd to February 11th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. Users may review the results of this poll by going to http://forums.monster.com/poll.asp?pollid=6878.

(b) The results of the European Monster Meter are based on a 14,973 votes cast on Monster's sites across Europe from January 19th to February 2nd, 2004. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

(c) The results of the Canadian Monster Meter are based on 1,310 votes cast on Monster.ca from February 4th to February 11th, 2004 on the Monster.ca homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. Anyone interested in voting in Monster's current online poll may do so by logging onto Monster at www.monster.com.

About Monster

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Maynard, Mass., Monster is the leading global careers website, recording over 41.6 million visits during the month of December 2003, according to independent research conducted by I/PRO. Monster connects the most progressive companies with the most qualified career-minded individuals, offering innovative technology and superior services that give them more control over the recruiting process. The Monster global network consists of local content and language sites in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Singapore, Hong Kong, France, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Luxembourg, India, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, and Finland. Monster is the official online career management services sponsor of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. More information about Monster is available at http://www.monster.com/ or by calling 1-800-MONSTER.

About Monster Worldwide

Founded in 1967, Monster Worldwide, Inc. is the parent company of Monster(R), the leading global online careers property. The company also owns TMP Worldwide, the world's largest Yellow Pages advertising agency and one of the world's largest Recruitment Advertising agency networks. TMP Worldwide is also a provider of direct marketing services. Headquartered in New York with approximately 4,300 employees in 19 countries, Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST) is a member of the S&P 500 Index. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.

Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.

CONTACT: Monster
Kevin Mullins, 978-461-8751
kevin.mullins@monster.com
or
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Jackie Pigliucci, 617-520-7066
jpigliucci@webershandwick.com

SOURCE: Monster