Freddie Mac’s Sandwich Generation Network gives employees with child-care and elder-care responsibilities a place to discuss their challenges.

With 5,350 employees at 17 sites in seven states, this mortgage finance firm wisely focuses on benefits that can be customized. To subsidize their insurance premiums, all workers receive biweekly FlexDollars, which they can apply toward a top-tiermedical plan, vision care, dental or life insurance; if they prefer, they may use them to buy extra vacation days. Employees who seek flexibility can opt to job-share, telecommute or compress their weeks, and last year, more than 50% tried some type of alternative arrangement. Anyone with older relatives or kids from age 12 weeks to 12 years may access subsidized backup care. Women looking to boost their careers can apply for $5,250 in annual tuition aid or seek mentoring through seven employee networks. Sessions on "Life Clutter and What to Do About It‚" and "How Did I Get So Busy‚" make moms laugh and help them try to find balance.

CEO Ed Halderman

Executive VP, HR & Corporate Services Paul George

Women managers, senior managers and corporate execs 45%

Women among top earners 34%

Women on board of directors 27%

Women corporate executive hires in 2009 11%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year* 63%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year* 9%

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

Do formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance? No

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