We’ve all worked for the monster boss. Now meet managers at Hall of Fame companies who went out of their way for employees—offering help that made the difference in a crisis. 

All working parents get thrown off their game now and then. A health crisis, a death or a birth can send even the sturdiest of employees into a tailspin. In such times of turmoil, work-life benefits aren’t just nice, they’re essential. Even more critical: a manager who isn’t afraid to put these benefits into play. We asked a group of our

Hall of Famers—companies that have landed a spot on the Working Mother 100 Best for 15 years or more—to tell us about managers who are truly committed to their employees. What did we get in return? Stories of gratitude from staffers who found unsung heroes in their bosses.

“I was taking classes at Marist College and working full-time last spring when I learned that I had brain cancer. I was stunned, so when the oncology team explained the impending surgery, all I could think was, But that’s the day I’m supposed to graduate. Back at the office, I was showered with concern and support. My boss, Stefanie Chiras, got me set up to work from home and visited me in the hospital.

I still needed to complete one more class after my diagnosis, but Stephanie was intent on seeing me graduate. When the college allowed me to take the class as a work-study option, she spent hours on all the paperwork. Thanks to her, I graduated on time.”

James Kyle, systems and tech development project engineer, 27-year employee