 A few weeks ago I discussed challenges for mothers in the laboratory. To help you overcome those challenges, this week I will list, in no particular order, some family-friendly and woman-friendly science, technology and health-related companies. These companies have one or more of the following: a high percentage of women employees, good paid maternity/paternity leave, on-site childcare and a proven commitment to a work-life balance for their employees.This list was compiled based on information provided by sources such as Working Mother, Fortune/CNN, Yahoo! hot jobs, Computerworld.com, The Wall Street Journal/CareerCast.com, and the companies' websites. This is far from a comprehensive or scientific list, so we suggest using these resources to do research in your area of interest.
Cisco Systems
Percentage of women: 26 (according to Fortune 2009)
Industry: Computer Science; Technology
Why they’re on our list: Cisco Systems has appeared many times on Fortune and Working Mother’s best places to work. Part of their appeal is their dedication to work/life balance. The campus offers employees an all-in-one facility that houses a full-time childcare facility, a gym and a walk-in doctor’s office. There is a flexible hours option. Eli Lily and Company
Percentage of women: 48 (according to Working Mother)
Industry: Pharmaceutical corporation
Why they’re on our list: Eli Lilly and Company allows for job sharing, telecommuting, flex-time and part-time for its employees. They also offer free gym membership, childcare, elder care and adoption services, a nursing mother’s room. Mothers get paid leave (one month prior to birth and 6 weeks after birth) and up to 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave, according to their benefits site. Microsoft
Percentage of women: 25 (according to Fortune 2009)
Industry: Computer Science; Technology
Why they’re on our list: Microsoft is on Working Mother’s 100 Best Places to work because they promote a culture of “wellness and balance.” Microsoft provides employees with flexible work hours, four weeks paid parental leave, back-up care, adoption fee assistance, on-site health screenings, health club membership or discounts, and autism therapy. Cornell University
Percentage of women: 51 (according to Working Mother)
Industry: Education
Why they’re on our list: Cornell has appeared four years in a row on Working Mother’s top 100 companies. Cornell offers up to 16 weeks partially paid parental leave if you’ve been employed there for 12 months. According to Working Mother, Cornell has an on-site child-care center serving “158 kids under age 5, and $5,000 in child-care subsidies is available to Cornell employee parents earning less than $150,000.” Cornell also offers part-time and flextime schedules. General Electric
Percentage of women: 31 (according to Working Mother)
Industry: Technology
Why they’re on our list: According to Working Mother, GE provides career counseling for its female employees. GE’s Women’s Network provides an opportunity for women to advance in their fields by helping them develop professional and leadership skills through workshops, networking opportunities, and mentoring. Genentech
Percentage of women: 51 (according to Fortune 2009)
Industry: Biotechnology
Why they’re on our list: Genentech offers employees job sharing, telecommuting, and a compressed work week. Genentech also offers onsite childcare, paid sabbaticals, mothering rooms for nursing mothers, and back-up child, adult and elder care services. Baptist Health South Florida
Percentage of women: 75 (according to Fortune 2009)
Industry: Healthcare
Why they’re on our list: Some 68 percent of managers and executives at Baptist Health South Florida are women. Working Mother lists them in their Hall of Fame and Top Companies listings. Accolades aside, this company also offers flextime, back-up care, onsite childcare, home-buying assistance, academic scholarships and paid parental assistance. Do you work for a great company for women in science, tech or engineering? Let us know in the comments section below.
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