Generating lively discussions about everything from kids’ weight issues to discipline and cell phone privacy, the Parenting Club at this food manufacturing company prepares members to handle any challenge. Alternative work arrangements encourage moms to apply what they’ve learned at home, as all employees can work off-site on occasion and at least half adjust their hours on a regular basis. Denise Silva, the company’s manager of flexibility and inclusion, promotes these options across all divisions and hosts an annual Flex Day during which employees can speak to colleagues with alternative schedules. To ensure that the process is equitable, workers submit flex requests online, and managers approve them based on the business case; if a request is denied, human resources will examine it again.

Chairman & CEO Ken Powell

Senior VP, Global HR Mike Davis

Women managers/execs 43%

Women hires in 2011 37%

Average weeks of fully paid maternity leave offered 2

Offers paid paternity leave? Yes

Offers paid adoption leave? Yes

Women in affinity groups in 2011 53%

Offers backup child care? Yes

Employees working flexibly 54%