100% of the employees at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics used flextime to add balance to their lives last year.

Investing in its people is a priority for this academic medical center, which last year spent $1.6 million on tuition to help employees pursue certifications and academic degrees. While members of the management team are eligible for a fully paid executive MBA or master's of science, with paid time off to attend classes, there are also development opportunities for high-achieving nurses at the center's Clinical Leadership Institute. A healthy workforce pays its own dividends, so the center grants health insurance to anyone who works at least 12 hours per week and recently extended coverage to employee kids as old as 27. New risk assessments have helped parents pinpoint their health issues and schedule consultations with nurses, dietitians and fitness coaches. To relax, mothers sign up for on-site exercise classes, visit gyms with corporate discounts and enjoy staff knitting groups and book clubs. Kickball games, family swim nights and employee picnics foster a sense of community.

President & CEO Donna Katen-Bahensky

SVP, HR Janice Bultema

Women managers, senior managers and corporate execs 69%

Women among top earners 76%

Women on board of directors 28%

Women corporate executive hires in 2009 50%

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

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year* Not tracked   

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement 100%

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

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