80% of American Express managers received training last year  on how to supervise employees with flexible work arrangements.

"Hub, club, home and roam‚" might sound like the chorus of a preschool song, but it's actually the motto of a formal flexibility initiative that's growing at this financial company. Known as Blue-Work, it supports employees in moving to the "office‚" that suits them best: a corporate building (hub), an occasional on-site workspace (club), a desk in their own house (home) or a laptop with Wi-Fi (roam). In 2009, at least 30% of female employees used some form of flexibility; to encourage wider use, the company introduced Flexibility Forums, in which leaders emphasize their commitment to flex and users share their experiences. Employees who want to reduce their hours temporarily may shift into a consulting role, with no loss of benefits or status. The company also offers 10% discounts at two major childcare chains and subsidizes backup care nationwide.

Chairman & CEO Kenneth Chenault

Executive VP, HR L. Kevin Cox

Women managers, senior managers and corporate execs 45%

Women among top earners 47%

Women on board of directors 17%

Women corporate executive hires in 2009 25%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year* 100%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year* 1%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement Not tracked  

Do formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance? Yes

*Percentages reflect number of women participants versus company’s total female workforce.