Working women have a lot on their plates. On top of the challenges presented in any workplace, many women also face the added strain of trying to balance their role as a mother with their place in the office. Combine this with the fact that women find it harder to earn the same salaries and promotions as men in many environments, and you have an extremely intimidating challenge.
Fortunately, many companies are actively working to ease the strain on women. These top employers have a large number of high-level women in the organization as well as outstanding work-life balance programs that make it easier for women to do it all.
H&M Group
Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia
An impressive 58 percent of H&M Group’s board is comprised of women, as well as 41 percent of its executive leadership. This paves the way for other female employees to climb the ladder more easily. Company benefits include paid parental leave, wellness days, and a generous vacation package. Employees even get paid birthdays off.
You don’t have to score a top position to enjoy some of the benefits of a job with H&M. Even their retail employees are treated well, which is notable in an industry known for its long hours and low wages. In 2015, H&M’s full-time retail workers earned an average of $12.03 an hour, compared to a median of $10.29 for the industry. With 4,500 company promotions in H&M’s US operations over five years, it’s clear that this is a smart pick for women who want to move up.
Gap Inc.
Within Gap Inc., 36 percent of the board and 57 percent of executive leadership are female, showing strong support for women in high positions. This is an outstanding company for work-life balance as well. Through Care.com, Gap Inc. helps employees get the child care they need. Paid time off is available for personal time, illness, and vacation.
You can build up a great work wardrobe for less with discounts to Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Outlet when you’re working for Gap Inc. The WageWorks commuter benefit program makes it easier and more affordable to get to work, while telemedicine discounts help you save on video visits with a doctor.
March of Dimes Foundation
Fifty-nine percent of corporate executive positions are held by women at March of Dimes, while 65 percent of jobs with profit-and-loss responsibilities go to female employees. President Jennifer Howse has held her position since 1990.
There are many distinctive perks that help women succeed in the company while raising a family. March of Dimes operates a Mothers at Work Program that provides prenatal kits, lactation services, and breast pumps. Expectant mothers receive immediate medical coverage on their first day of employment. A hundred percent of maternity and childbirth expenses are covered. Mothers get up to six months of leave for a birth, adoption, or the placement of a foster child, six weeks of which is paid.
Amway
Amway is a great choice for women who are looking for an employer with heavy emphasis on work-life balance. Employees here enjoy access to both personal and financial counseling services, so you can always get the help you need to reach your goals. Educational reimbursement programs make it easier to go back to school, while adoption assistance programs can help you build your family. These Amway benefits make it easier to pursue both personal and professional goals.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is a great company for women who want flexibility that will help them build families. The company offers an outstanding 17 weeks of paid maternity leave as well as up to 52 weeks of unpaid family care leave. Those who are adopting get up to eight weeks of paid leave. Flexible and remote working opportunities are common.
Women receive almost half of all promotions in the company, and 3/4 of these women used flexible schedules. On-site daycares and fitness centers further streamline family life for busy women so they can find that elusive balance between work and play.
If you’re looking for a new job that will offer support for all your goals, look to these top companies for women.
I am glad that more and more big companies are giving more positions to women. This should be done in more places.
That is nice to know. It also makes me feel more favorably toward the company. I think I am more likely to shop at these stores. I find it amazing that so many women are still lagging behind men in board positions. I hope to see it one day be more equal.