The addition is a private retreat created for employees."Mydepartment had received several requests for accommodations formoms who are expecting or new moms, nursing at home, with a needfor privacy," explains Tammy Kendall, manager of administrativeservices. "Of the current employees in the corporate office,approximately 10% are expecting or have had a baby in the pastyear." Kendall and Tom Shaw, vice president of human resources andadministration, are the brains behind the latest employee perk.

The facility is housed in a renovated 10-foot by 15-foot office,out of the headquarters' main traffic flow. It is accessible torestrooms and kitchen facilities. The room is outfitted withat-home furnishings and cozy lighting. The lounge also is insulatedfrom office noise.

"We have received many positive comments from employees - evensome of the men whose wives have recently had children understandthe need for this amenity and have commended Crescent," saysKendall.