GROOMING LEADERS Consulting companies are notoriously demanding and often difficult places to work while raising a family. At McKinsey, a new Centered Leadership program helps female consultants develop a “holistic” approach to their careers by building professional and personal goals. Last year, 100% of the company’s female consultants participated in the program.

TAKE LEAVE There’s no reason for new parents to hurry back to the office: Birthmoms receive 14 paid weeks of maternity leave, adoptive parents get eight, and new dads get two. As of 2007, anyone dealing with “special births”— including multiples, preemies or babies with special needs—receives an extra four weeks off.

FLEX ABILITY Expectant and new moms can get support and coaching from the Mothers’ Network manager, a position created last year, and a phase-back program allows them to return to work on a reduced schedule.
Last year, 100% of consultants took advantage of formal and informal work options, including flextime, part-time and personal leave.

WHAT WORKS Staffers who quit or take leaves of absence can maintain ties to the company by working as “alumni consultants” on a short-term or part-time basis. Alumni consultants and firm staffers on leave can keep their skills up to date by attending professional training programs.

Women managers/execs 462
Women among top earners 22%
Women on board of directors N/A
Managing Director Ian Davis
Director, Global Diversity Barbara Stern