The 100 Best Companies to Work For

This is the year that separates true best companies from
pretenders. An economic contraction the country hasnt seen since the Great
Depression has put pressure on all aspects of a business. Layoffs, pay freezes
and cuts, benefits pruningall 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.

The Judges Rankings in the Best Companies to Work For were determined in part by a panel of distinguished judges. Al Lopus: President, Best Workplaces Institute John Hartman: Executive coach, Waldron & Co. Scott Ofstead: Vice president of human resources, Kibble & Prentice Nita Petry: Area president, Washington state, Gallagher Benefit Services Inc. Scott Rabinowitz: Managing director, Seattle, DHR International Josh Warborg: District president for Northwest operations, Robert Half International

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 employeesthat
is, management visiting each location, talking directly with the staff and
paying much more than lip service to what they sayor 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 firms health. Another funds an employees education,
whether or not its 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.