Creating open office spaces, linking everyone in a giant communications network and allowing them to decide how they want to work are the key features of this information technology and services company’s Connected Workplace initiative, to which 75% of its workforce belongs. At present, nearly a quarter of employees work remotely, and most telecommute from home on occasion. To further support mobility, the company offers remote workers a $360 annual stipend to cover their Internet costs and gives them up to $750 to outfit their home offices. (In a sign of the times, it also offers a seminar called “Physical Fitness and Healthy Weight While Working From Home.”) In-house surveys reveal an uptick in morale since the initiative was launched, with 95% of employees saying their manager supports work life effectiveness, versus 43% in 2010.

Chairman & CEO Michael Dell

Senior VP, HR Steve Price

Women managers/execs 26%

Women hires in 2011 34%

Average weeks of fully paid maternity leave offered 5

Offers paid paternity leave? No

Offers paid adoption leave? No

Women in affinity groups in 2011 21%

Offers backup child care? Yes

Employees working flexibly 100%