Early morning group runs, tai chi and stress-buster classes at headquarters help New York Life Insurance employees let it all out.

The future looks bright for women at this New York City–based life insurance firm: They represented 35% of all managers and executives last year and also comprised nearly half of all succession planning participants. Aiding corporate employees in their quest for the top jobs is a one-on-one mentoring initiative, plus executive coaching that helps them create customized development plans. For female sales agents, the road to managing partner is shortened through courses on the fundamentals of management (like recruiting and leadership) from an in-house university. And let’s not forget flexibility: In 2008, 85% of the staff flexed their hours, and 16% worked off-site. At larger offices, employees have access to on-site backup child care, medical facilities and free fitness centers.

President & CEO: Ted Mathas

VP: Phyllis Tumminia

Women managers/execs: 35%

Women among top earners: 23%

Women on board of directors: 14%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 0%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 49%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 46%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: n/a Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: Yes