Even in a down economy, many employers recognize the need to provide benefits that help employees maintain their work-life balance, including flexible schedules, on-site daycare and more.

Carolina Parent, working with UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, has released its 13th annual list of the top 50 family friendly companies in North Carolina.

"These companies understand the importance of treating employees with dignity and respect," said Carolina Parent publisher Brenda Larson. "They recognize that if you take care of employees, they will take care of your business."

Many companies use such lists as competitive tools when they're recruiting new employees. That's especially true for tough-to-fill positions in technology and elsewhere.

If finding an employer who understands the need to balance work and family life is important to you, then check out the list of the state's Family-Friendly 50. The list is compiled annually by Carolina Parent magazine.

The magazine's staff works with the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC-Chapel Hill which takes the nominations and supporting data to compile the annual list.

You can see the entire list here.

Flex time, back up child care, elder care resources, job sharing, mentoring. Who says workplace perks have disappeared in the recession? Carolina Parent's annual list of the top family friendly companies in North Carolina shows that some workplace benefits are here to stay.

The list released this morning has some familiar names. American Express, the Lyerly Agency, Replacements Ltd. and Rex Healthcare have all made the list for 12 years.

Liz Sprague Holt, publisher of Carolina Parent magazine for 12 years, announced plans today to retire on Sept. 1.

Holt plans to pursue her dream of teaching yoga to seniors, cancer survivors and patients undergoing treatment. She also dabbles in documentary filmmaking and will manage a modern dance company.

"After 18 years I am entering a period of personal growth in a different direction," she said.

Holt, 54, joined the Durham-based magazine in 1992 and became general manager in 1995 when it was still owned by The News & Observer. Mark Ethridge named her publisher when he bought the magazine in 1998.

Ethridge has started a search for her replacement. Charlotte-based Carolina Parenting also publishes Charlotte Parent and Piedmont Parent in the Triad.