In a recent survey, 94% of Novo Nordisk employees said that they could take time off from work when they thought it was necessary.

Every mom wants her child to get a solid education, but many worry about the best way to save for tuition. By opening its "Saving and Paying for College" seminar to employees with kids of all ages, this health-care company seeks to allay their concerns. In a separate session, former admissions officers provide inside info on applying to schools. Families seeking specific guidance can schedule a conversation with a college coach or call the education hotline for help. Employees with kids ages 6 weeks to 8 years get 25% discounts at a child-care center near headquarters, and a resource and referral line can locate alternate arrangements. Parents can tap up to 80 hours of in-home or center-based backup care annually for use with dependents and ill family members; the service costs just $2 to $4 per hour. To make sure employees invest in their own futures, the company deposits the equivalent of 8% of their salaries into a 401(k) account for them annually, regardless of whether or not they add to it.

President Jerzy Gruhn

VP, HR Jeff Frazier

Women managers, senior managers and corporate execs 44%

Women among top earners 40%

Women on board of directors 0%

Women corporate executive hires in 2009 0%  

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year* 8%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year* 5%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement Not tracked  

Do formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance? No

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