KPMG’s online parenting seminars include “Being an Involved Parent: How Much Is Too Much?” and “Autism Awareness.”

As the country tightened its belt last year, this professional services firm got creative. In March 2009, it piloted the KPMG Executive Leadership Institute for Women, featuring training sessions on topics such as "Gender and Leadership" and "Building Personal Resiliency." Its new sabbatical offering four to 12 weeks off at 20% pay attracted more than 900 employees. To save money, parents relied on child-care discounts at 1,100 U.S. centers and subsidized backup care that cost just $20 to $25 per day. After the birth or adoption of a child, employees may take 26 job guaranteed weeks off, with 12 weeks partially paid for moms and eight weeks fully paid for primary adoptive caregivers, who are eligible for a $5,000 adoption benefit. In an especially touching change, the firm gave up last year's holiday party to stitch teddy bears and wrap books for 21,000 children in need. The firm held online parenting seminars such as "Autism Awareness."

Chairman & CEO John Veihmeyer

Vice Chair, HR Bruce Pfau, PhD

Women managers, senior managers and corporate execs 38%

Women among top earners 35%

Women on board of directors 13%

Women corporate executive hires in 2009 5%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year* 45%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year* 1%

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.