Harvard University

"The benefits at Harvard are second to none! Some highlights: I was able to take a full six months of paid maternity for both my children; four weeks of vacation each year plus the week between Christmas and New Year's; all major holidays off; comprehensive medical, life, dental, disability insurance options; and reasonable working hours. Salary in my line of work (fundraising) is also very competitive for the area."

"appeared women in the specific office I worked with had flexibility - definitely good WLB. I worked there as a student, so very different context than for FT women. Compensation was low given my level of experience (standard, exploitative hourly rate for grad students). "

"Record everything you do...don't let them pidgeon hole you in one department. Find a really good mentor."

"Harvard offers great benefits and the university is (generally) supportive of a good work/life balance. I rarely work past 5pm. But so much of your daily experience depends on which school/unit/manager you work for. Some are more supportive of women than others."

"Harvard has a lot of policies and benefits that support women. "

"It can be a great place to work and the culture depends on your manager. I had a great one with clear expectations, I know others who didn’t have the best relationship with their managers."

"This is a pretty great place to work, with a very laidback work culture, lots of flexibility and great benefits, like PTO, the best health insurance ever, the winter break off, tuition assistance, 35 hour work week, etc. I would say the most negative thing is how entitled people start to get after working here (and that it's hard to transition to jobs in the real world)"

"Research associate status gives 12 weeks maternity leave at 100% full-pay."

"Look at the department and manager before accepting a position there. The pay isn't the greatest but the flexible hours and PTO days are really great!"

"As long as you don't make waves and accept that you will be asked to do more and be compensated less than men, it is fine. "

"Was in a union job - the work was boring, but benefits were very good. "

"Lots of women in the office and in leadership positions. Faculty still skews heavily male. "

"A very large organization - many different kinds of jobs and cultures, ymmv"

"There are great benefits and a reasonable work/life balance. Research the department prior to starting if possible."

"I worked in a small office of mostly women, so I'm not sure how helpful I can be in answering this question."

"Extremely female-friendly, a lot of women work here but there isn't any cattiness among colleagues. Good benefits, flex-time, people can work from home one day of the week. Colleagues, supervisors etc. don't make faces or comments if you have to leave early or come in late because of a doctor's appointment."

"I've worked at Harvard for 10 years. Though benefits (including maternity leave) are generous, and flexible work is well supported, leadership is largely male (despite the female president). I stay because the flexible work is super important to my family and personal life, but I haven't had a promotion or an expansion of my role in 7 years. That's the trade I am currently making."

"If you're ambitious, it is better to leave and then come back. It is difficult to get promoted, men and women alike, unless you just happen to be there at the right time and situation. For women who have children, it is much better, because there is a ton of flexibility. While HR doesn't do much for the employee, they also do not hurt the employee either; there are many reports of HR warning managers against saying anything about performance except offering how they can help."