In 2011, Booz Allen Hamilton rewarded 13,000+ employees who were nominated for their hard work and performance with more than $8 million in gifts, cash and trips—and gifted $2 million to those celebrating work milestones.

Investing in its employees brings dividends to this strategy and technology-consulting firm, which last year spent $16.5 million on tuition aid and certification prep, introduced 1,252 new live and online courses and offered training through 17 colleges and universities. Female senior associates and principals chosen for a special leadership development program may attend a special session on the need to master long-range career planning and demonstrate authority. Mentoring circles further provide senior associates with valuable insights from VPs, partners and principals; similar circles just debuted for diverse female leaders. Women were 40% of new partners in 2011.

Chairman & CEO Ralph W. Shrader

Senior VP & Chief Personnel Officer Betty Thompson

Women managers/execs 32%

Women hires in 2011 35%

Average weeks of fully paid maternity leave offered 8

Offers paid paternity leave? Yes

Offers paid adoption leave? Yes

Women in affinity groups in 2011 70%

Offers backup child care? Yes

Employees working flexibly 80%