18% of MasterCard Worldwide’s new moms phased back into their jobs last year.

Despite the challenges all women face during their first six months of motherhood, 95% of moms employed by this payments-solutions firm decide to return to work after their job-guaranteed leave ends—a testament to how supported they feel during the transition. New birthmoms receive six partially paid weeks off, while all who adopt receive one paid week. (As of last year, all primary caregivers now also receive two additional weeks of leave at full salary.) On average, most new moms take 14 to 17 weeks of paid and unpaid time, depending on their positions, and some opt to phase back into their jobs on a part-time schedule—last year 18% of new moms chose this option. If children get sick and need attention at home, parents can take up to five paid days off each year to care for them. An annual subsidy of up to $1,560 helps cover child-care costs.

President & CEO: Robert Selander

Chief HR Officer: Stephanie Voquer

Women managers/execs: 43%

Women among top earners: 36%

Women on board of directors: 8%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 25%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: n/a

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 33%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 10%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: No