4 hours a week is how much time AstraZeneca’s IDEA initiative allows employees to test different jobs within the company.

Families are warmly welcomed at this tight-knit pharmaceutical firm, which has seven locations in five states. The sprawling ten acres on which its Rockland, DE, child-care center is located give toddlers, preschoolers and their older siblings room to roam, while summer vacation programs at the nearby Wilmington headquarters also help keep school-age kids entertained. Moms and dads at all sites can access full-time child-care discounts or request ten days of subsidized backup care; should friends or relatives babysit during overtime or work trips, the firm will compensate them, too. Working parents’ groups offer support, and busy moms find it easier than ever to pursue professional success, thanks to last year’s launch of a massive women’s network and constantly expanding peer-to-peer mentoring groups. Alternative work schedules can also help lessen stress: More than 60% of staffers telecommute or flex their work hours.

President, U.S. Business: Richard Fante

Senior Manager, Work/life: Andrea Moselle

Women managers/execs: 47%Women among top earners: 34%

Women on board of directors: 21%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 20%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 30%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 30%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 45%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: Yes