Sanofi-aventis employee families got their flu shots for free at a dedicated vaccine clinic the company held at headquarters last November.

This global pharmaceutical firm goes the extra mile for its employees’ children: Last year it strengthened its efforts to ensure its families never go without child care by expanding access to its subsidized in-home and center-based backup program. Sanofi-aventis also introduced discounts on full-time care at two national chains and provides free memberships to a babysitter-finding service. Mothers-to-be receive 18 job-guaranteed weeks off—with 12 fully paid—and can now take Fridays off for up to 12 weeks after they return. Adding insight is a new Mentoring Moms program that brings veterans together with first-timers for 20 months of counsel and support. Kids, meanwhile, can expand their horizons by participating in foreign-exchange programs with employee families abroad; they can also benefit from college coaching and scholarships.

U.S. President & CEO: Gregory Irace

VP, Benefits, Rewards & People Management: Liz Donnelly

Women managers/execs: 41%

Women among top earners: 33%

Women on board of directors: 0%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 0%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 4%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 10%

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

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: No