Top 20 workplaces for parents
April 16, 2018 5:00 AM
Top 20 workplaces for parents
Creating a workplace that helps working parents — with benefits such as generous paid parental leave policies, flexible work schedules and fertility and adoption assistance —not only makes for happy employees, but makes for engaged employees as well.
According to Great Place to Work, nine in 10 parents who work in companies that emphasize parental benefits said they want to stay with their organizations for a long time.
Great Place to Work recently released its Best Workplaces for Parents list, based on survey responses from more than 440,000 employees in organizations across the United States. It also considers the range of benefits and programs companies offer to equally support working parents and employees without children.
Rankings are based on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index survey responses from 443,258 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. The surveys considered more than 50 factors that contribute to employees’ success, with a strong emphasis on the well-being of those raising children while working. Here are the top 20 employers on the list.
According to Great Place to Work, nine in 10 parents who work in companies that emphasize parental benefits said they want to stay with their organizations for a long time.
Great Place to Work recently released its Best Workplaces for Parents list, based on survey responses from more than 440,000 employees in organizations across the United States. It also considers the range of benefits and programs companies offer to equally support working parents and employees without children.
Rankings are based on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index survey responses from 443,258 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. The surveys considered more than 50 factors that contribute to employees’ success, with a strong emphasis on the well-being of those raising children while working. Here are the top 20 employers on the list.
20. Ernst & Young LLP
U.S. employees: 43,874
After one year of service, moms and dads at the professional services firm are eligible for 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave. More than 1,200 employees at EY take paid parental leave each year; half of those are men. EY recently rolled out a new benefit that enables all U.S. salaried employees to take up to 10 days of paid time off annually for personal and family care needs, such as attending to a sick child or an elderly dependent.
EY offers financial assistance of up to $25,000 per family for adoption and advanced reproductive technology procedures, including surrogacy and medically necessary egg and sperm freezing. Additionally, EY offers flexible work schedules that help working parents.
After one year of service, moms and dads at the professional services firm are eligible for 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave. More than 1,200 employees at EY take paid parental leave each year; half of those are men. EY recently rolled out a new benefit that enables all U.S. salaried employees to take up to 10 days of paid time off annually for personal and family care needs, such as attending to a sick child or an elderly dependent.
EY offers financial assistance of up to $25,000 per family for adoption and advanced reproductive technology procedures, including surrogacy and medically necessary egg and sperm freezing. Additionally, EY offers flexible work schedules that help working parents.
19. VMware
U.S. employees: 9,771
Both mothers and fathers at the cloud system provider receive up to 18 weeks of paid family leave at the birth or adoption of a child.
In addition, VMware also offers employees back-up care childcare and adult/eldercare services through a partnership with Bright Horizons. Employees have access to quality childcare centers and licensed in-home care providers to fall back on for such instances as when regular care arrangements break down or school is closed. Registration is free and employees pay only a small co-payment.
Both mothers and fathers at the cloud system provider receive up to 18 weeks of paid family leave at the birth or adoption of a child.
In addition, VMware also offers employees back-up care childcare and adult/eldercare services through a partnership with Bright Horizons. Employees have access to quality childcare centers and licensed in-home care providers to fall back on for such instances as when regular care arrangements break down or school is closed. Registration is free and employees pay only a small co-payment.
18. Genentech
U.S. employees: 15,064
For “birth” and “non-birth” parents, the biotech company this year increased paid time off from four and six weeks, respectively, to eight weeks for both. Additional enhancements provide additional flexibility to birth mothers, who can now choose to use their bonding leave on a continuous or intermittent basis. The company also provides on-site childcare centers, including summer camp and school's-out programs.
For “birth” and “non-birth” parents, the biotech company this year increased paid time off from four and six weeks, respectively, to eight weeks for both. Additional enhancements provide additional flexibility to birth mothers, who can now choose to use their bonding leave on a continuous or intermittent basis. The company also provides on-site childcare centers, including summer camp and school's-out programs.
17. PricewaterhouseCoopers
U.S. employees: 45,817
New parents have the option of choosing, within the first year from birth or adoption, between two different parental leave options: either a single six-consecutive-week block of paid time off or a total of three weeks of flexible paid time-off that can be used intermittently (e.g., in weeks or days).
The consulting firm also offers an additional two weeks to new parents with more than one new child, and/or an additional six weeks to staff who consider themselves to be the primary caregiver of a child newly placed for adoption or born via surrogate.
New parents have the option of choosing, within the first year from birth or adoption, between two different parental leave options: either a single six-consecutive-week block of paid time off or a total of three weeks of flexible paid time-off that can be used intermittently (e.g., in weeks or days).
The consulting firm also offers an additional two weeks to new parents with more than one new child, and/or an additional six weeks to staff who consider themselves to be the primary caregiver of a child newly placed for adoption or born via surrogate.
16. World Wide Technology
U.S. employees: 4,128
The tech firm offers up to 60 days of fully paid maternity leave on top of accrued vacation and personal time. Additionally, 10 days of paid time off are given for paternity leave and leave for adoptive parents.
The tech firm offers up to 60 days of fully paid maternity leave on top of accrued vacation and personal time. Additionally, 10 days of paid time off are given for paternity leave and leave for adoptive parents.
15. USAA
U.S. employees: 32,094
Mothers at the Texas-based financial services company are given 85 days of full paid leave in addition to other personal and vacation time. Fathers and parents who adopt are allotted 60 days of paid leave.
The company also provides on-site or near-site backup childcare centers, childcare reimbursement during business travel, lactation rooms and paid sick leave to care for a child or relative.
Mothers at the Texas-based financial services company are given 85 days of full paid leave in addition to other personal and vacation time. Fathers and parents who adopt are allotted 60 days of paid leave.
The company also provides on-site or near-site backup childcare centers, childcare reimbursement during business travel, lactation rooms and paid sick leave to care for a child or relative.
14. Adobe Systems
U.S. employees: 8,673
To help new parents adjust to life after the birth or placement of a child, and to support the bonding process, the information tech giant offers 16 weeks of paid time to care for the child during the workday — up from a previous two weeks. Parents who are not responsible for the child during the workday will receive up to four weeks of paid time — a two-week increase from previous policy. This benefit is available to moms and dads who have become parents through childbirth, surrogacy, adoption or foster care.
To help new parents adjust to life after the birth or placement of a child, and to support the bonding process, the information tech giant offers 16 weeks of paid time to care for the child during the workday — up from a previous two weeks. Parents who are not responsible for the child during the workday will receive up to four weeks of paid time — a two-week increase from previous policy. This benefit is available to moms and dads who have become parents through childbirth, surrogacy, adoption or foster care.
13. Hyatt Hotels
U.S. employees: 35,309
Hyatt employees are provided with a minimum of eight weeks of paid time off for a birth mother or other primary caregiver, or two weeks of paid time off (for a non-primary caregiver) to allow for family bonding time following the birth or adoption of a child.
Additionally, the hotel chain offers $5,000 to help cover legal fees and other costs associated with the adoption process.
Hyatt employees are provided with a minimum of eight weeks of paid time off for a birth mother or other primary caregiver, or two weeks of paid time off (for a non-primary caregiver) to allow for family bonding time following the birth or adoption of a child.
Additionally, the hotel chain offers $5,000 to help cover legal fees and other costs associated with the adoption process.
12. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
U.S. employees: 8,265
Kimpton offers up to six weeks of paid parental leave for mothers, fathers and partners. The leave is available for parents welcoming new children through adoption or live birth.
The company also offers back-up care for employees who have children.
Kimpton offers up to six weeks of paid parental leave for mothers, fathers and partners. The leave is available for parents welcoming new children through adoption or live birth.
The company also offers back-up care for employees who have children.
11. American Express
U.S. employees: 54,879
A newly enhanced parental leave policy provides 20 weeks of paid parental leave to moms and dads welcoming a child through birth, adoption or surrogacy, in addition to the six to eight weeks of fully paid leave available to mothers following childbirth. Employees also receive reimbursement up to $35,000 for adoption/surrogacy expenses, up to a maximum of two events per worker.
Another nod to working parents the financial institution provides is the working parent/caregiver of the year award. The annual peer-nominated recognition program honors men and women who manage this fit with particular flair. Winners receive special recognition and 10,000 Blue Awards points, redeemable for merchandise and gift cards.,
A newly enhanced parental leave policy provides 20 weeks of paid parental leave to moms and dads welcoming a child through birth, adoption or surrogacy, in addition to the six to eight weeks of fully paid leave available to mothers following childbirth. Employees also receive reimbursement up to $35,000 for adoption/surrogacy expenses, up to a maximum of two events per worker.
Another nod to working parents the financial institution provides is the working parent/caregiver of the year award. The annual peer-nominated recognition program honors men and women who manage this fit with particular flair. Winners receive special recognition and 10,000 Blue Awards points, redeemable for merchandise and gift cards.,
10. Wegmans Food Markets
U.S. employees: 47,084
The retailer says it’s a family company that wants employees to have “a healthy work/life balance so [they] can be [their] best.” It proves that with perks such as flexible working hours. Another big help for parents? The company covers 85% to 100% of the healthcare costs of its employees and their dependents.
The retailer says it’s a family company that wants employees to have “a healthy work/life balance so [they] can be [their] best.” It proves that with perks such as flexible working hours. Another big help for parents? The company covers 85% to 100% of the healthcare costs of its employees and their dependents.
9. Kimley-Horn
U.S. employees: 3,000
Parents who work at the professional services firm can benefit from flexible and condensed schedules: The standard schedule at Kimley-Horn is four full days and a half-day on Friday; flexible hours or even reduced schedules are available for those who need them.
Parents who work at the professional services firm can benefit from flexible and condensed schedules: The standard schedule at Kimley-Horn is four full days and a half-day on Friday; flexible hours or even reduced schedules are available for those who need them.
8. SAP America
U.S. employees: 18,379
SAP aims to create a healthy work-life balance for its employees — including parents — by allowing them to work non-traditional hours from remote locations. New moms also can have up to 14 weeks of leave; fathers up to seven weeks. Additional support includes cost defrayment assistance for adoption and fertility treatments.
SAP aims to create a healthy work-life balance for its employees — including parents — by allowing them to work non-traditional hours from remote locations. New moms also can have up to 14 weeks of leave; fathers up to seven weeks. Additional support includes cost defrayment assistance for adoption and fertility treatments.
7. Cooley
U.S. employees: 1,892
Cooley offers generous paid time off: 32 days for all employees. Additionally, the firm offers 80 days of fully-paid maternity leave and 35 days of fully-paid paternity leave. Adoptive parents can take 80 days of paid parental leave as well.
The professional services firm also teams with vendor Bright Horizons Family Solutions to offer the Back-up Care Advantage Program to assist employees in balancing “unexpected and competing demands of work and family.” Back-up care includes in-home and center care for both children and elderly parents.ular flair.
Cooley offers generous paid time off: 32 days for all employees. Additionally, the firm offers 80 days of fully-paid maternity leave and 35 days of fully-paid paternity leave. Adoptive parents can take 80 days of paid parental leave as well.
The professional services firm also teams with vendor Bright Horizons Family Solutions to offer the Back-up Care Advantage Program to assist employees in balancing “unexpected and competing demands of work and family.” Back-up care includes in-home and center care for both children and elderly parents.ular flair.
6. Edward Jones
U.S. employees: 42,950
The financial services and insurance firm offers 120 days of fully-paid maternity leave and adoptive leave and 14 days of fully-paid paternity leave. Employees can also take advantage of lactation rooms and adoption benefits up to $5,000.
The financial services and insurance firm offers 120 days of fully-paid maternity leave and adoptive leave and 14 days of fully-paid paternity leave. Employees can also take advantage of lactation rooms and adoption benefits up to $5,000.
5. Salesforce
U.S. employees: 17,417
The information technology firm boosted its parental leave policy this year; primary caregivers can now take 26 weeks of paid time off, and secondary caregivers can take 12 weeks of paid time off to bond with a new baby or adopted child, at 80% of on-target earnings — including base salary, commissions and bonus (up to a maximum of $5,000 per week). And, after taking parental leave, employees are eligible for a gradual return-to-work schedule (four days per week) for four weeks. Another bonus for new parents who work at Salesforce? A one-time $250 payment that parents taking a leave can use for take-out meals.
Salesforce also reimburses employees up to $10,000 per child for eligible expenses related to adoption and provides financial assistance for up to $10,000 per lifetime maximum to help with the expenses associated with using a surrogate to assist in carrying and giving birth to a child.
The information technology firm boosted its parental leave policy this year; primary caregivers can now take 26 weeks of paid time off, and secondary caregivers can take 12 weeks of paid time off to bond with a new baby or adopted child, at 80% of on-target earnings — including base salary, commissions and bonus (up to a maximum of $5,000 per week). And, after taking parental leave, employees are eligible for a gradual return-to-work schedule (four days per week) for four weeks. Another bonus for new parents who work at Salesforce? A one-time $250 payment that parents taking a leave can use for take-out meals.
Salesforce also reimburses employees up to $10,000 per child for eligible expenses related to adoption and provides financial assistance for up to $10,000 per lifetime maximum to help with the expenses associated with using a surrogate to assist in carrying and giving birth to a child.
4. Comcast
Employees worldwide: 159,000 (U.S. figure not available)
The media giant provides six weeks of paid parental leave, a variety of childcare programs, a maternity management program for expectant mothers, lactation rooms, flexible schedules and childcare reimbursement during business travel. Additionally, Comcast’s adoption assistance program offers financial support and other resources to employees who are adopting a child — including reimbursement of up to $10,000.
The media giant provides six weeks of paid parental leave, a variety of childcare programs, a maternity management program for expectant mothers, lactation rooms, flexible schedules and childcare reimbursement during business travel. Additionally, Comcast’s adoption assistance program offers financial support and other resources to employees who are adopting a child — including reimbursement of up to $10,000.
3. Deloitte
U.S. employees: 55,608
The professional services company offers eligible professionals up to 16 weeks of paid leave to support life events — from bonding with a new child to caring for a spouse/domestic partner, parent, child, or sibling with a serious health condition. The company’s parental leave policy covers both genders equally across a range of life events, reflecting the “evolving family dynamics and emerging flexibility needs in the caregiving space,” Deloitte says.
The professional services company offers eligible professionals up to 16 weeks of paid leave to support life events — from bonding with a new child to caring for a spouse/domestic partner, parent, child, or sibling with a serious health condition. The company’s parental leave policy covers both genders equally across a range of life events, reflecting the “evolving family dynamics and emerging flexibility needs in the caregiving space,” Deloitte says.
2. Ultimate Software
U.S. employees: 3,972
The information technology company pays 100% of medical, dental and vision premiums for all employees and their families (including same-sex married couples), with coverage for IVF treatments. Ultimate also provides 10 weeks of paid maternity and adoption leave, as well as four weeks of paid paternity leave; access to private, onsite “Mommy’s Rooms” for nursing women; unlimited paid time off throughout the year; and $300 annually (per child) to help cover costs of extracurricular activities.
The information technology company pays 100% of medical, dental and vision premiums for all employees and their families (including same-sex married couples), with coverage for IVF treatments. Ultimate also provides 10 weeks of paid maternity and adoption leave, as well as four weeks of paid paternity leave; access to private, onsite “Mommy’s Rooms” for nursing women; unlimited paid time off throughout the year; and $300 annually (per child) to help cover costs of extracurricular activities.
1. Workday
U.S. employees: 5,473
Unlimited time off for all employees, discounted backup childcare and 100 days of fully-paid maternity and paternity leave have helped Workday land the No. 1 spot on the Great Place to Work list. Workday also provides employees up to $5,000 in adoption benefits.
The company, a provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, says family events are frequent and important. It hosts multiple events throughout the year for spouses, significant others and children.
Unlimited time off for all employees, discounted backup childcare and 100 days of fully-paid maternity and paternity leave have helped Workday land the No. 1 spot on the Great Place to Work list. Workday also provides employees up to $5,000 in adoption benefits.
The company, a provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, says family events are frequent and important. It hosts multiple events throughout the year for spouses, significant others and children.
