Mothers rave about the casual atmosphere and personal freedom they experience working for this leading alcoholic beverage company, based in Norwalk, CT. At some point last year, 50% of its employees reduced their schedules, 60% used flextime, and 75% worked on assignments from home or other non–office locations. Stories abound about moms who are comfortable ducking out of meetings to visit workplace lactation rooms or have been encouraged to relocate closer to home after kids are born. “I went on maternity leave last May and was promoted while still out,” marvels senior brand manager Mela Prasens, a mother of two. “How many companies do that?” In fact, 75% of the female employees promoted last year used a flexible arrangement.

President & CEO: Ivan Menezes

Director, Rewards: Greg Funk

Women managers/execs: 37%

Women among top earners: 30%

Women on board of directors: 18%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 25%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 70%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 50%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 75%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: Yes