Mayor Beth Krom (left) with Kristiina Hintgen and Lisa Johnston

Option One Mortgage Corporation, a national residential lender and subsidiary of H&R Block Inc., recently received the “Family Friendly Business Award” from the City of Irvine, which gives this recognition to companies that have integrated family-friendly policies and programs into their business operations. Option One’s corporate offices are located in Irvine and more than 1,500 associates work on the main campus or in the surrounding area.

“Your dedication to providing employee assistance and family-related opportunities as an integral part of your corporate philosophy is a commitment that we highly value here in the Irvine community,” said Mayor Beth Krom. “There’s no question that your efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of many.”

“To us, being family friendly is simply the right thing to do. We believe if our associates are happy and engaged, our customers will be happy and engaged, too.”

Option One won the Family Friendly Award in the large company category. Two other awards were given for medium and small companies, respectively. This is one of several awards the company has received for the quality of its workplace. Last year Option One was named one of seven best companies to work for by OC Metro magazine, which covers news and lifestyle in Orange County, Calif. In 2004, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce named Option One its 2003 Business of the Year.