The 100 Best Companies to Work For

What does it take to be a Best Company to Work For?

|   July 2010   |  FROM THE PRINT EDITION

This is the year that separates true best companies from pretenders. An economic contraction the country hasn’t seen since the Great Depression has put pressure on all aspects of a business. Layoffs, pay freezes and cuts, benefits pruning—all have been the norm during these turbulent times. Many employees are simply thankful to have a job, and are less concerned with health club memberships and other perks.

But there are standouts, as there always are. Some companies realize that an investment in human capital can have a positive effect on the bottom line. It can be something as simple as listening to the employees—that is, management visiting each location, talking directly with the staff and paying much more than lip service to what they say—or a comprehensive effort to improve the health of the entire workforce. One company goes as far as to publish its financials internally every month, so that all employees are given the same picture of the firm’s health. Another funds an employee’s education, whether or not it’s work related. Yet another issues each new employee a Nerf gun for the occasional skirmishes that break out in the office.

These are the companies that have survived turbulent times and managed to keep their employees happy. These are the Best Companies to Work For.

Click below to see the lists:

• Large Companies
• Large Companies Headquartered Outside Washington
• Midsize Companies
• Small Companies
• Nonprofit Organizations

Click below to read the stories:

• Hall of Fame Winner
• Large Companies
• Large Companies Headquartered Outside Washington
• Midsize Companies
• Small Companies
• Nonprofit Organizations

(The small and midsize company lists have been updated to correct for an error in one company's size.)

Click here to see the photo gallery from our June 17 awards banquet.

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