“Day of Caring” events allow Microsoft employees to take the day off, with pay, to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

Gliding to headquarters in a Wi-Fi-equipped bus, the employees of this technology giant sip coffee, catch up on the latest fiction or get a head start on the day’s work. With its fleet of 19 buses, this Redmond, WA–based company has been slashing stress and gas bills for nearly 9,000 workers around Puget Sound since last year. But that’s not the only perk that helps them relax: Health club memberships are free to staffers who live in the region, and there are $800 gym reimbursements for those assigned elsewhere. On-site medical screenings and mammograms as well as personalized health action plans keep employees and their spouses or domestic partners feeling fine. Plus, all workers are eligible for health insurance, 20% childcare discounts, at least four fully paid weeks of parental leave and up to $7,500 in annual tuition assistance—no matter how many hours they clock.

CEP: Steve Ballmer

Senior VP: Lisa Brummel

Women managers/execs: 21%

Women among top earners: 15%

Women on board of directors: 11%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 0%

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

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: n/a

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: n/a

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: Yes