Management, 12th Edition

13

Human Resource Management

Wisdom Learning From Others

> GREAT EMPLOYERS RESPECT DIVERSITY AND VALUE PEOPLE

Working Mother magazine's annual listing of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” is a management benchmark—both for employers that want to be able to say that they are among the best and for potential employees who only want to work for the best. Employers like IBM, Johnson & Johnson, American Express, Marriott International, Merck, and Procter & Gamble are regulars on the list.

Top practices of the “100 Best Companies” include flextime, telecommuting, and maternity leave, compressed work weeks, and job-sharing opportunities. These firms are also strong on mentoring programs.

Companies on the Working Mother list stand out for providing employees with services that help working moms achieve work–life balance. Teddi Hernandez, an employee of Hallmark Cards, was able to adopt her five children by using the company's generous allowances for time off and adoption aid. When one child was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, the company allowed Teddi to reduce her work schedule 20 hours per week, enough to keep the company-sponsored family health insurance. Hernandez also attends Hallmark's support group for parents of children with autism.¹

Working Mother is a major supporter of mothers with careers. Self-described as helping women “integrate their professional lives, their ...