List applauds employers who take steps to achieve work-life balance
Despite the tough economic climate, smart organizations are still working hard to compete for the talent of working mothers, according to the editors of Working Mother magazine.
The U.S.-based publication released its 17th annual list of the 100 best companies for working mothers, and found top companies haven’t rolled back work-life benefits during the recent recession, have increased emphasis on flexible scheduling and augmented family leave policies for employees.
“We’re also seeing more and more working dads demanding work-life benefits, which turns out to be good news for working moms,” said Jill Kirschenbaum, editor-in-chief. “The more it becomes the norm for both parents to stay involved with their kids, the less women’s family obligations will negatively affect their advancement or their paycheque.”
Carol Evans, CEO of Working Mother Media said work-life initiatives have taken on even more significance as EAP programs and telecommuting become more popular.
“Employees want to have flexibility to deal with family needs on a day-to-day basis, as well as in an emergency,” said Evans. “Companies are winning the loyalty of employees who get the work done, wherever and whenever they do their jobs.”
In compiling the list, the editors focused on how well companies provide employees with benefits like flexible schedules and leave for new parents. Here are the top 10 companies, in alphabetical order, with explanations as to why they made the list:
Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Laboratories’ impressive family-friendly programs make it a standout. Benefits include an expansive onsite child-care centre and a variety of flexible-scheduling options.
American Express
Amex is a staunch work-life provider that delivers on its promises with extensive backup child care, generous paid leave for new parents and options for flexible scheduling.
Bank of America
The banking giant provides numerous onsite child-care facilities, generous paternity, maternity and adoption leave and a commitment to mentoring women.
Booz Allen Hamilton
This professional services firm helps its hard-charging workforce through an innovative, widely-used flexible work arrangement.
Bristol-Myers Squibb
This pharmaceutical company makes serious investments in child-care facilities and helps employees design schedules that suit their work-life needs.
Colgate-Palmolive
This packaged-goods company heeds its employee surveys. This year that translated into expanded child-care programs and additional parental leave.
Computer Associations
Recognized for its extensive onsite child-care and diverse flex options, this technology firm makes sure its managers are well trained in work-life issues.
Fannie Mae
This mortgage lender is a standard-bearer for work-life programs, from comprehensive flexible scheduling to advancement opportunities for women.
General Mills
Recognizing its employees’ needs, the food manufacturer has been bolstering child care, formalizing flex options and improving career counseling for women.
IBM
A longtime work-life leader, IBM stands out in front when it comes to flexible scheduling, women’s advancement and child care for the Big Blue employees worldwide.
For more information, visit www.workingmother.com.
The U.S.-based publication released its 17th annual list of the 100 best companies for working mothers, and found top companies haven’t rolled back work-life benefits during the recent recession, have increased emphasis on flexible scheduling and augmented family leave policies for employees.
“We’re also seeing more and more working dads demanding work-life benefits, which turns out to be good news for working moms,” said Jill Kirschenbaum, editor-in-chief. “The more it becomes the norm for both parents to stay involved with their kids, the less women’s family obligations will negatively affect their advancement or their paycheque.”
Carol Evans, CEO of Working Mother Media said work-life initiatives have taken on even more significance as EAP programs and telecommuting become more popular.
“Employees want to have flexibility to deal with family needs on a day-to-day basis, as well as in an emergency,” said Evans. “Companies are winning the loyalty of employees who get the work done, wherever and whenever they do their jobs.”
In compiling the list, the editors focused on how well companies provide employees with benefits like flexible schedules and leave for new parents. Here are the top 10 companies, in alphabetical order, with explanations as to why they made the list:
Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Laboratories’ impressive family-friendly programs make it a standout. Benefits include an expansive onsite child-care centre and a variety of flexible-scheduling options.
American Express
Amex is a staunch work-life provider that delivers on its promises with extensive backup child care, generous paid leave for new parents and options for flexible scheduling.
Bank of America
The banking giant provides numerous onsite child-care facilities, generous paternity, maternity and adoption leave and a commitment to mentoring women.
Booz Allen Hamilton
This professional services firm helps its hard-charging workforce through an innovative, widely-used flexible work arrangement.
Bristol-Myers Squibb
This pharmaceutical company makes serious investments in child-care facilities and helps employees design schedules that suit their work-life needs.
Colgate-Palmolive
This packaged-goods company heeds its employee surveys. This year that translated into expanded child-care programs and additional parental leave.
Computer Associations
Recognized for its extensive onsite child-care and diverse flex options, this technology firm makes sure its managers are well trained in work-life issues.
Fannie Mae
This mortgage lender is a standard-bearer for work-life programs, from comprehensive flexible scheduling to advancement opportunities for women.
General Mills
Recognizing its employees’ needs, the food manufacturer has been bolstering child care, formalizing flex options and improving career counseling for women.
IBM
A longtime work-life leader, IBM stands out in front when it comes to flexible scheduling, women’s advancement and child care for the Big Blue employees worldwide.
For more information, visit www.workingmother.com.
