Boston Consulting sets no limit to the number of job-guaranteed weeks of leave that new parents or adoptive parents can take. The length of leave is determined by an employee’s needs in discussion with their manager.

Paying attention to what women want pays off for this management consulting firm, which surveys female staffers three times a year on job satisfaction and work/ life balance. In 2008, 86% of female employees said they’d choose to work there again if given the chance, with many grateful for its strong support of telecommuting, part-time hours and job-guaranteed leaves of absence (typically lasting three to six months) that let them recharge their batteries or spend time with family. Every office boasts a women’s liaison who monitors their careers and ensures they receive appropriate mentoring and development opportunities. To minimize stress, the Boston-based firm flags those toiling an average of 55 hours per week over five weeks and works to reduce their assignments.

President & CEO: Hans-Paul Buerkner

Senior Partner & Managing Director: Michel Fredeau