A “reflection room” at Chrysler’s headquarters gives employees a quiet respite for contemplation during the workday.

During a year of “challenge and change,” this Auburn Hills, MI, carmaker managed to beef up its work/life offerings to ensure that employees who needed help could still get it, despite being forced to reduce the size of its workforce in the wake of bankruptcy filings. In December, the company opened its first on-site medical center at headquarters, making it easier for overextended parents to obtain preventive care, fill prescriptions and continue necessary treatments. Confidential counseling on emotional, financial and parenting challenges was made available through its burgeoning employee assistance program, and salaried staffers were given $5,000 to help with dependent-care costs (child care, adoption aid, college tuition).

Chairman & CEO: Robert Nardelli

Director Talent Management, Global Diversity & Leadership Development: Lisa Wicker

Women managers/execs: 17%

Women among top earners: 14%

Women on board of directors: N/A

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 13%

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

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: N/A

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 2%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: No