Ambassadors: leading the way in Arkansas.

Many companies throughout Arkansas manage to stay as competitive in their work-life practices as larger international corporations. Three companies in Arkansas have such outstanding work-life practices that they've won the governor's award three times, giving them the distinction of becoming work-life ambassadors in Arkansas.

Baptist Health

Baptist Health continues to make strides that show how much the medical center cares about a balance between work and home.

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Through its five major medical centers, Baptist Health is one of the key health providers in the state. But the company has impacted more than just the health of the many Arkansans that it has helped throughout the years. It has also boosted the economies of its more than 7,000 employees. The medical center offers a preschool program with discounted fees for employees, health benefits at economical rates for all employees working above half-time, flexible scheduling options, free family counseling and personal time off with pay.

The center also shows that it cares about the health of its employees and their families. It gives free flu shots not only to employees, but also to their families. Its attendance policy takes into account both family and personal illness. It also offers insurance to dependents up to age 25, healthier menu options in Baptist Health cafeterias, free financial planning and retirement seminars at all of its hospitals, and an on-site fitness center and wellness program for employees.

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Allied Therapy and Consulting Services 

As a physical, occupational, speech and developmental therapy center for pediatric patients with disabilities, Allied Therapy and Consulting Services knows how to take care of families whether it's a client or an employee's family.

Allied Therapy allows its employees to set their own hours. Whether working 7 a.m.-4 p.m. or 9 a.m.-6 p.m., full-time employees develop a schedule that gives them room to juggle home and work. The employees can also work a three- or four-day week to give them an extra day or two at home. And employees can also sign nine- or 10-month contracts that give them the opportunity to be home during the summers or take off throughout the year.

Allied Therapy also cares for the health of its employees by letting them use its client therapy room for workouts. The company also pays 100 percent of employee health insurance, a distinction that few companies can claim, and it provides dental and vision insurance.

To cut down on stress, the company gives full-time employees 20-25 paid days off and seven paid vacation days every year as well as certificates for massages on supervisors' birthdays and restaurant certificates for other employees' birthdays.

Other benefits include a mother's day out program and free on-site childcare during the summer months. Allied Therapy also has a car maintenance program, where employees receive paid time off every three months to have routine car inspections done.

St. Joseph's Mercy Health System 

The newest addition to the ambassadors, St. Joseph's Mercy Health System in Hot Springs is another great example of how work-life policies can really boost morale. With almost 2,000 employees, the family-friendly atmosphere keeps employees happy throughout their careers.

Two impressive features at the hospital are its tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs. If an employee wants to continue his or her education, St. Joseph will cover the cost of tuition. Returning to school is no problem with the flexible schedule options that St. Joseph also offers. Additionally, the hospital has a scholarship program available for dependents of employees. Awarding several $1,000 to $1,500 scholarships a year shows employees and their families that St. Joseph's believes in the next generations' potential.

St. Joseph's also believes in employees showing each other that they care. Employees can donate paid time-off-hours to others who are in need, whether it's for a family illness, injury or other catastrophic events. The policy helps create a family-like atmosphere among employees.

The hospital cares about the health of their employees, as well as what happens to them when they retire. A discounted membership is available for all employees to several fitness clubs in Hot Springs. And when employees decide to retire, they'll find that St. Joseph's has matched a percentage of the employees' contributions to their retirement funds.

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Arkansas at its best

Along with the three impressive work-life ambassadors, many companies are exceeding expectations when it comes to meeting their employees' needs. Whether it's as simple as throwing a party on a Friday afternoon or as complex as having a variety of schedules for employees, Arkansas companies are managing to create work environments that are mutually beneficial to employees, their families and their business.