Raising a big family needn’t be an obstacle to success at this financial services firm, which grants its employees 20 days of free backup care per dependent annually. In 2010, this offering made it possible for nearly 500 children to take advantage of their local day-care facilities, but if parents need to make more regular arrangements, or find help for kids with special needs, they can contact the firm’s resource and referral service, which will do the legwork for them. Moms may also request in-home elder-care visits from the firm’s provider, and they can stash up to $5,000 in pretax accounts yearly to pay for dependent care. During the summer, kids ages 6 through 12 can attend a two-week camp in New York City; at other sites, regional parenting networks provide ideas.

CEO, Credit Suisse Americas Antonio Quintella

Managing Director, Americas Head of HR Mindy Schwartz

Women managers/execs 18% 

Women among top earners 15% 

Women hires in 2010 29% 

Average weeks of fully paid maternity leave offered 12 

Allows new moms to “phase back” into work with reduced hours? Yes

Offers affinity group for new mothers? Yes

Offers backup childcare? Yes

Employees working flexibly Not tracked

More than 3,000 employees of Credit Suisse enjoy the programs on caring for children, parents and grandparents offered by its Family Network.

In 2009, this financial services firm piloted Maternity Coaching, a quarterly program that prepares women for maternity leave by establishing the steps they need to take to ensure a smooth departure and return. New dads and managers also attend sessions, which spreads acceptance of work-life balance. Whether they deliver or adopt a child, primary caregivers may take 20 weeks off; they are fully paid for 12 weeks and can opt to spend the last eight weeks phasing back to work. (Secondary caregivers get one paid week off.) Lactation rooms at every major office make it easier for women to continue breast feeding, and financial assistance of up to $5,000 per child helps cover expenses of parents who choose to adopt. After five years with the firm, employees are eligible for a sabbatical with three partially paid months off; until then, they may find that a great workout at the on-site fitness centers helps them relieve stress.

CEO Brady W. Dougan

Director & Americas Head of Diversity and Inclusion Todd Sears

Women managers, senior managers and corporate execs 23%  

Women among top earners 15%

Women on board of directors 7%

Women corporate executive hires in 2009 100%

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 Not tracked  

Do formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance? Yes

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