100% of MetLife employees say that the firm’s backup care is among the best benefits it offers.

Flexible schedules are a solid investment for this financial services firm, which has used them to boost workforce productivity and slash business costs since the 1970s. This New York City–based company promoted flexibility last year by introducing online tests to help workers determine which alternative arrangement best suits their job, as well as training programs to show managers how to help employees succeed. Approximately 80% of employees are equipped to work remotely, and about half of them did so last year—with many working from home on Fridays. Moms flex their schedules to take kids to the doctor or pick them up after school, and job-sharing and compressed hours are also available. Child care is abundant, with discounted full-time slots at more than 1,000 centers, access to backup care through 300 centers and $15-per-day holiday care. Birthmoms may take eight fully paid weeks of leave, while adoptive parents receive two paid weeks.

Chairman, President & CEO: C. Robert Henrikson

Senior VP: Kathleen Henkel

Women managers/execs: 41%

Women among top earners: 32%

Women on board of directors: 23%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 100%

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

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 25%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 3%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: No