50% of all corporate executive hires at Booz Allen Hamilton last year were women.

Stress can be an issue in the management consulting industry, so this McLean, VA–based firm looks after its workers’ well-being with health fairs, counseling sessions, ergonomics workshops, weight-loss groups—even blood tests. But what really keeps consultants’ blood pressure steady is the firm’s official part-time schedule, which allows them to slash their hours by as much as 40% whenever they feel the need to. In a gas- and sanity-saving measure, many departments last year also urged staffers to work from home once a week; ultimately, 70% of employees spent time telecommuting, with support from online presentations on career success and networking in remote locations. Brown bag lunches led by senior leaders who have used flexible schedules show it’s possible to scale back and succeed.

Chairman & CEO: Ralph W. Shrader

VP, People Services: Betty Thompson

Women managers/execs: 31%

Women among top earners: 21%

Women on board of directors: 0% check

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 50%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 19%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 27%

Women promoted last year who used a formal flexible work arrangement: 6%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: Yes