Duke Energy Corporation

A source at Duke’s Charlotte headquarters says many employees have more than 25 years of experience within the industry, and that Duke has managed to keep the feeling of “a family company.”  For instance, “management has been supportive of my pursuit of developmental opportunities outside of my direct line of responsibilities … upper management puts in a lot of ‘face time’ with employees and makes [itself] available upon request.”  This account is contradicted by an insider from Belmont, N.C., who says that “Duke Energy is not as family-oriented as [it] claims.”  However, even this person admits that the company’s flexible hours policy “is a big help for families” because it allows employees to pick their own hours, as long as they work 40 hours per week.  It’s particularly helpful in scheduling time off for “appointments during the weekdays,” whether they’re for doctor’s visits, teacher conferences or whatever.