I think that culture and pay are the most important things. Salary itself is not important if you love your job, but a company that pays its employees poorly probably doesn't value them very much.

What do you think of this year's Best Companies to Work For list?

Which are your favorite companies?

Would you like to work for one of them? Tell us what you think. The best replies will be published here.

I worked for Principal Financial Group and am very surprised to see it on this list. It was one of the worst jobs EVER.

Wegmans is by far one of the place that you will see the most loyal shoppers at. If you have ever had a chance to shop at Wegmans you'd understand.

I would think that companies that are known for the best, highest quality products would be good places to work: Apple Computer, Sony, Toyota/Lexus, Google, etc. This is not always the case, according to the survey.

Companies with average, mediocre to poor reputations for quality (but sell well) like Wal Mart, Microsoft, and Dell had a mixed bag as well. Goes to show that the bottom line and quality do not translate into the best environments.

The company (firm) I work for is best as far as I'm concerned.

Everyone is treated with respect, paid well and has excellent benefits including sick time, holidays and vacation - to the tune of graduating from 2 then 3 and 4 weeks.

The atmosphere is very friendly, with exempt and non-exempt employees working side-by-side with understanding, consideration and cooperation.

Our Human Resources Department is very understanding, encouraging and cooperative and the employees are treated with respect.

I have no complaints and I love, enjoy and look forward to coming to work here every day!

For the "Big 4" firms, people need to understand the difference between the existence of national programs and the reality of local support. For example, does Deloitte have great national programs for working mothers (e.g. flexible hours, etc.)? Yes. Do those matter if your local office Partner-In-Charge doesn't truly support them? Not at all. As a result, the "best place to work" calculations are essentially based on programs and benefits that might as well not exist for many offices.

What, no Boeing?

While Microsoft has not produced a truly new product in years (Who's using Vista yet?) Boeing has been cutting metal, making sparks and making money on new products.

I worked for one of the companies on the list for over 10 years. I can say that the environment on the inside is completely different that what is portrayed to the media. Ever since, I don't put any faith in this listing and just check the list to get a chuckle.

Boeing isn't a good place to work though.

The Walt Disney Company hired me when I was 59 to work in the theme park engineering area. The company has a rich culture and history and is extraordinarily supportive of employees, providing all kinds of tools for professional and personal growth and community involvement.

It is very satisfying to work in an atmosphere where imagination and diversity are so encouraged and where the final purpose is to provide fun and the stuff of beautiful dreams for the world's children and their families.

Remember that Vista is only one product from Microsoft. In the past couple of years they've also released XBox 360, Visual Studio 2005, SQL Studio 2005, and BizTalk Server 2006, to name just a few.

Sometimes working for a small company has it's benefits too. I work for a valve company in Central Massachusetts. It only employees about 20 people, but it is a multi-million dollar company that would never qualify for Fortune's list. There should be a list for the little guys too, because this is a great place to work with great benefits and even better people to work with/for.

I work for one of the "Big 4" and look forward to coming to work most days. Benefits are great and I was pleasantly surprised by the professional manner people are treated.

Corporations and smaller companies that offer 'perks' as incentives rather than salary should take note of these top 100 employers. One company where I worked put so much value on 'flu shots' and summer outings. It was a good thing; however, those things do not have an impact on the lifestyle lower wages imposes on the employee. Ahhh. And thus, turnover was high and costly to the company. I personally would rather see fair and equitable salaries vs. 'fluff' that can't be taken home.

I look forward to this list and find much of the information posted to be quite useful.

Having stated that, however, I'd really like to also see a list of companies that are rated very low. Not only will the public be provided with more information, but it would force those companies to improve their policies. IMO, society would benefit greatly from such a list.

I understand the whole issue of corporate sponsorships, etc. and biased opinions, but in general terms, such a list would be appreciated.

I used to work for Deloitte in a S.Consultant position. Although they have good benefits, the # of hours that I used to work was ridiculous. I rarely had personal time and in fact when I left I had over 20 days of PTO available, more than 85% of what was alloted for me (yearly). That was more of a reflection of the enormous work load that is there. It was very sickening.

I believe some 'perks' are very worthwhile. For example, Deloitte's summer holiday bonus of 4 extra days applied to everyone who works full-time, from the mail room to the partners. It's a very fair way to add to everyone's compensation and create a sense of unity.

The larger companies like Starbucks, Walmart, Boeing, Deloitte, etc... skew the 'numbers'. Statistics should be broken up according to the number of employees at a company, Since a vast majority of U.S. companys are considered 'small' -500 or less.

I worked for Quad/Graphics. Compare the reality of the retirement plan, specific facts, to what Quad has touted over the years in the media and then decide if you want to work there.

I worked for Griffin Hospital, Derby, Connecticut, from 1985 to 1995 and this hospital has been consistently appearing on your list. I have been unhappy ever since I left this wonderful community oriented hospital, over 11 years ago. Everyone is treated with respect, regardless of the title they hold. Management recognizes that the continued success of the hospital is due to the efforts of ALL the employees and not just the privileged few at the top, as it should be. This is the place where I want to return to.

Anyone considering working for Quad/Graphics should investigate the reality of the retirement plan compared to the plan the company has actually provided employees. Specific items such as plan structure, vesting, matching contribution, etc.

There are significant differences. Why?

How about doing a poll to see what the best companies are for "non-exempt" employees. All the big wigs get the perks and bonuses. They don't say it but it's usually the case.

I've worked at 2 of the Big 4 and in each case the number of hours are ridiculous and the pay is less than minimum wage on a per hour basis. They claim to have a "work-life balance" but its mostly just work. There is high turnover and people aren't happy for the most part. I believe these surveys are skewed and don't tell the whole truth.

Deloitte's Promotions are done behind the scenes so you never know if you will be promoted. However, based on personal experience as a sr. associate who was passed over, its based more on politics and less on merit. Kiss butt and you will advance.

I worked for Boeing. While their products are well known, they don't treat their employees the best. They could really do better. Smaller unknown companies are more often the best. That's where I ended up.

Some of this is very inaccurate. I know 3 of the companys in GA mentioned and all are not great places. Many HR departments make efforts in measureable ways just to get thier companies on theses lists. As example being Deloitte where I worked. What is the good of a few extra days off when you are working 80 hours weeks and if you ever take any time off then you will loose all hope of promotion. Same with Homebanc they have had a virtual revolving door with employees last year due to consistant senior management and strategy changes. As for Alston and Bird I guess if 100 hour work weeks are your thing then they rank highly!

I worked for Quad/Graphics for 24 years. Before you consider working there, compare the actual retirement plan to the plan the company has touted to the media over the years. Why is there such a difference on specific items such as contribution rate, plan structure, etc.?

Are sweatshop worker salaries figured into the 'average'? I think if we asked a Nike employee from a third world country to rate businesses, the results would be slightly different...

So Google gives its employees gourmet meals, laundry service, and a range of other freebies?

I worked for more than a few dot-com companies during the heyday, and they're now all gone.

How long can Google sustain?

I work for a subsidary of one of the top 10 companies and we claim to represent this comapany in the top ten and we do not get treated as well as the employees for this top company......The top company outsources it's employees now so it makes more of a profit but cut incentives and heath care to us. I wish I could mention that Company's name without fear of losing my job but I work for PRC and the outsource for them.

I can see why one of the countries biggest builders is not on the list. In the many years that I have been with our company, perks are consistantly taken away, leaving very little room for loyalty, excellent customer service, or a happy work environment. You can bet on the fact that only the lowliest employees (you know, the ones who do all of the actual work) are the ones who have perks taken away. Our higher ups are flying around in helicopters and vacationing for months at a time, while we have sick days taken away, benefits taken away and much much more... Excellent customer service is our current goal.. I think that should start on the inside as happy employees will consistantly offer a much better level of service to our customers..how good can customer service be if employees are unhappy and consistantly looking for employ elsewhere?!

I also would like to see a list of the bottom companies to work for. These companies may clean up their act. I left one of the bad companies along with the CEO and 6 vice presidents. I could write a book.

Our company was just rated 72 out of the best 100 companies to work for. I am proud to work for a company that helps to improve people's lives with the help of our products. With that said, the company probably needs to improve their overall benefit package as we only receive 2 weeks vacation as standard and 6 paid personal days (sick leave, etc.)

I agree with a previous posting. I work for one of these companies and they have good "supposed" benefits. The problem is that you are frowned upon if you use them.
I am frowned upon for using any sick days (even for my children), am forced to use vacation days during the Holiday week so they can close the building, and they do not like it when I take time off for doctors appointments (either for myself or for my children).
I work for the Tech portion of this company. So maybe the parent company is different.

I agree, shop at Wegmans just once and you will never want to shop at any other grocery store... It's the best!

E&Y is making it happen! They're doing a great job!

I have worked for Deloitte for two years. What I value about Deloitte is that they embrace critism from their people and work hard to create change. While I have not always been happy with work life balance/ compensation/ and job challenges I have never felt that my voice has not been heard. Deloitte did not make the 100 Best Companies List last year but they worked hard to make the list in 2006 and I am confident they are going to work to achieve a higher ranking next year.

I'm amazed at how high the turnover at these companies is. 10%, 11%, 12%, or higher! Actually, this is pretty high, which means although the benefits are measureably high, people truly aren't all that happy.

I work at Wegmans, and personally, i think it deserves such a place on the 100 list, even better that it is the top 5. Work is great, managers, team leaders, you name it. The first time i came into the store, not yet as an employee, buyt with my family, we were helped alot by those who were already working here.

Although Deloitte is mentioned here as a great place to work...you also haveto see the downside. Traveling all over, no family time, the 80+ hr work week and if you take vacations...forget about promotions. Take from a former senior associate. You are better off working for the client than working for Deloitte.

I am a proud employee of Wegmans. I have been there for nearly 6 years and everyone I talk to ask me if it is as good as they say it is. My response...I have never worked for a company that treated me this good. The respect that they give to they'er employees is out of this world. We are family!

I was a Manager at Deloitte. I had top work 90+ hours to get promoted to Sr. manager. I lost my kids and wife because of the promotion. And guess what, they only gave me 10k above my manager salary. I quit and reconciled with my family. Do not trade promotion for family. Deloitte should not be ranked so high.

I worked at Deloitte (consulting) for almost 7 years. The quality of life varied greatly depending on the project; also, there was recently a massive turn-over of excellent employees with the Solutions and Braxton re-integration. For a group of "smart business people" that charge highly for their advice, they made many bad business decisions during that transition.

I worked for Wegmans for 3 years, it was the best job I ever had. You were treated as part of a team and with respect. The pay was decent for that type of business and even part time employees got benefits. We had several "employee days" that honored us. I sure do miss that company.

NORDSTROM one of the BEST? what a joke...they treat their customers like gold and employess like children..Unless tou're in upper management you get no respect. Fake smiles abound at this miserable place.

I work for Whole Foods Market and they truly deserve the spot they earned. If anything, they ought to be at number one looking at how many employees they have. This is an amazing company to work for and work here is addictive and i hate to take a day off. The culture is very welcoming and inclusive, nowonder we can afford to give the best customer service to our customers.

I work in a branch of Robert W. Baird but talk with everyone from assistants to high level execs. in Milwaukee on a day-to-day basis. Everyone from the CEO to the travel department is incredibly helpful and genuinely nice. It is a real team effort at this firm and it deserves to be in the Top 100.

Sorry to see Randy is unhappy working for Nordy's. I've worked for the company for 3 years and love it!! Sincerely a family-oriented, family-friendly company! No car washes or massages like Google, but all in all a fun place to work.

What I would like to see is the ranking of the Fortune 500. Yes, it's nice to see a lot of small and medium-sized companies, but how do the likes of GM, GE, ExxonMobil, ConAgra, Ford Motor, and Home Depot.

Also, how does the Federal Government rank? Is working for Uncle Sam better or worse than the private sector?

I have worked for Wegmans for the pasr 2yrs...after 20 years with usairways...what a different culture.
They respect you, benefits and pay are good..it is a joy to come to work..In july I was diagnosed with Breast cancer....The support from Wegmans thru this process has been uplifing and made my treatments much easier to handle....in my opinion we should still be number one on the list....

I work for Wal-mart and am not suprised it is not in the list this year. Over the last five years it has become less pleasant to work for, the current attendance policy leaves a lot to be desired. If you are a working parent you really need to hope and pray that your children only have an emergency on your days off.
There is a lot of good that Wal-mart can do but they seem to be losing sight of the many low level associates that keeps them running.

What you folks need to understand is that many, if not most, of these companies hire consultnats or full-time employees to campaign for inclusion on this list. That is not to say that most of the companies are not great places to work - but there are literally hundreds (maybe thousands) of terrific places to work that will never have the chance to get on this list because they can't devote the time and energy to shepherd the process.

I worked at Quad/Graphics for 12+ years. I can say that the 3/4 day work weeks are not seen as a benefit by the employees. They make you work 12 hour days without a break for lunch. They also force a shift rotation meaning that day people are forced to go nights and vice versa. There are no sick days and vacation accrual begins after you've been with the company a year. When I started, I had a whole 5 days off for a year and a half. It took me 5 years to get 3 weeks off. If you are sick, you are either docked or must make up the time. (I was a SALARIED employee.) The only benefit of the daycare is that it is on site; it is no less expensive than a regular day care center. The only benefit that really was a benefit was the health insurance plan.

I worked at Wegmans and grew up in Rochester NY, they helped pay for college and gave me a job every holiday and summer break. It's a fantastic company year after year.

So whole foods is all that!?
Well, I applied for employment in my specialty, assistant kitchen (food service). I have to start at the bottom like all team members.After all, I have only 15 years in the food business and 7 years in management, maybe I can live on $9 an hour like all team members and Whole food will pay my mortgage...
In San Diego, CA.

I've worked for Nordstrom for nearly 8 yrs. and each year I expected to see Nordstrom finally fall of the 100 list. Sure, the first 3 or 4 yrs. were great, and I can't deny that I loved working there. But when you decide that you want a life, and I mean basic quality time with family and friends, Nordstrom gets very upset. I was a dept. manager for 5 years and did extremely well, doubling volume over 4 years, picking up 7 digits altogether. However, ask any dept manager (not store mgr.s or higher) how many hours they truely work, especially during the summer and holidays. If they tell you they work less than 60, they're lieing. Ask how many department managers get holiday pay AND the extra day off too. NONE. 5 day work week each time. 10 hours minimum per day. Ask how many sales dept. mgrs. actually get the $48,000 salary quoted in this piece, before making commission. Not many, that number is inflated with commission $'s and bonuses (if you're lucky to make any). What I can tell you is that anyone who has been a salesperson for several years, or a department manager for several years will tell you that it's not worth giving your time for. You miss too much basic quality of life for the bs you put up with, fake smiles abound, kissing customers butts, putting up with abuse from customers who use products and bring back sometimes years (5-10) later only to have that commission taken right back out of your check! You have to fight for every dime you make, and sell your soul to the devil. That's why I'm finally outta there. Life too precious. Am I disgruntled? No, I just decided to wake up and smell the life I've been missing.
Oh...and Laura in LV...you're still being brainwashed in the "Nordy Culture" just wait until you finally wake up and see just what you've missed!

Nordstrom is NOT a great place to work. The benefits are good and the employees are nice, but the company does NOT value their employees. I agree with Randy. Sales associates are expendable, as are managers. The discount is 20% unless you meet your sales goal EVERY year (raised each year) and then you get 33%. Even if you have been with the company for a long time, the discount policy is the same. Management, of course, is different. In all fairness, I'm sure different stores have better store managers, but if you get a bad one, it trickles down to every employee at that particular store. I am not sour grapes - I was a top seller at my store for 9 years and you NEVER get a thank you.

Sounds like Whole Foods and The Nugget have similar hiring motives. I have 10 years experience working in every department at Luckys/Ralphs grocery store, and they wanted to start me at 7.50 an hour! Nobody but a 17 year old still living with their parents can survive off that!!

I worked for publix, what a hell hole.The only thing good was taking their stock and setting up my retirement.For fulltimers you are their for however long they want you.If you are a hard worker they will pile on work,while the lazy worker walks the store.If you are a stock clerk you stock,check,bag groceries.I worked there 7 years totally hated it, workers smile to customers out front complain about them in back.All stock just hated standing by the clock to clock in.After about 10 years there are few worker left.For promotion if your a butt kiss you move up(even if it does not last long).$ 27,000 for three jobs not worth it.And I left in 1997.






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Starbucks is a great company that works their salaried managers to death! All of the respect and dignity and work/life balance is bogus. Keep in mind that people work for people not companies. My experience at Starbucks was less than gratifying and they make their store managers work like migrant workers, you get promoted based on who you know not what you know!
Monica Kennick Fort Lauderdale- Florida

How does CDW consistently get on this list? I worked there and they have a huge turnover rate. They have awful benefits, atleast, compared to the financial industry, where I work now. Maybe, they are the best in what they do, but I would not say they are the best you could work for.

I work for the Starbucks Coffee for almost 1 year now. I can truly say that it is a happy working environment and training is great. My only concern is that either a barista or a shift supervisor can only be a part-time worker. Even if you want to be a full-time worker, you cannot unless you are a manager or assistant store manager. Promotion at my store is not as good as other location. So my point is it depends on your manager and which starbucks you work at that makes the working environment worth it.

If you are outside of upsate NY and you happen to overhear a conversation between two people from upstate NY, I guarantee that within the first 5 minutes of the conversation, one of person will mention how much they miss shopping at Wegmans and the other person will immediately agree. It really is that great of a place. How they manage to motivate their employees, who are primarily high school kids, to provide the highest levels of customer service has always been a mystery to me. I'm glad to see they're still in the top 5.

I finally see that Fed Ex hasn't made the list this year. Did some one finally survey the front line employee's? Fed ex had astounding growth due in large part to a non union highly motivated work force. We have now become more like Bush vs Saddam.

I worked for Pella 6 years until they sold us to Larson Storm Doors. Maybe they felt the storm door division of Pella wasn't making as much money as the entry door division...who knows. We have many extra perks now with Larson Storm Doors. When it's 110 degrees in our building we're allowed extra breaks which is unheard of at Pella. We have a bigger profit sharing each year (and cash payout) and more days off throughout the year. And you're right, someone campaigns behind the scenes to get these companies on this list even though the employees fill out the surveys. A lot of these "100" companies don't explain why they treat people like machines...that's never listed. It was kind of a kick in the stomach when we found out employees from other Pella divisions were getting 3,000 - 5,000 dollars year end bonuses and we were getting a few hundred...we weren't supposed to find out.

Publix does not deserve to be on this list. My Father worked for them for over 25 years and when they wouldn't promote him up from Store manager he left. They would not promote him due to his religious affiliation.

I worked for Deloitte for 3.5 years and I thought they treated their employees terribly. Benefits were good, but that was only positive thing I could say about them. I left 6 months ago, much happier now.

RE:
Are sweatshop worker salaries figured into the 'average'? I think if we asked a Nike employee from a third world country to rate businesses, the results would be slightly different...

First of all, these are not sweatshops...they are just normal factory jobs like almost any other company has. Sure it's not a fun job, but most jobs aren't.

Second, they aren't even Nike employees, but that's not to say the Nike still doesn't have a blind eye towards bad practices. Just recently Nike severed ties with a Saga Sports due to work violations that they were unwilling to fix.

Third,
The practices of our country are not those of other countries.
Even after Nike cut ties with Saga, there was criticism made from the other end...
because working children is not unusual in a lot of countries, and what may seem like a little there might be normal wage.

It took me awhile to get in but I am happily employed at Edward Jones. The benefits, hours, training and support are wonderful and I feel like a very valuable employee. It give me great pride to work for a company that treats their clients and employees with such respect.

Another worthwhile note; finding a new career for a person over 50 was not easy, thank goodess someone still appreciates customer service! Thank-you EJ

I work for Wal-Mart, and have for about 3 years. I did not expect to see them on this list. I agree that their attendance policy is not family friendly. Also, they will argue that they have "competitive" health benefits. But the truth lies in how much we pay monthly....and then pay medical expenses all year and never meet our deductible. I still believe that if Sam were still alive...he would be learning from these other companies and improving Wal-Mart.

I worked for Wal-Mart. As a manager I was excited when I was first hired, and wanted to retire with them. They claim to be very family oriented. Yet, they work salaried managers long hours seven days a week. You can love your job and your company...but you can't neglect your family. (They are the reason you go to work each day.)

Nike is a fantastic place to work. They treat employees great, and you can't beat the perks. The Nike Employee Store is a shrine to sports.

I work for Intel. It generally, a good place to work and should have been included. I think many of these rankings ignore the jobs of non-salaried employers. For example, many Whole Foods checkers don't make enough to do their shopping at the store. How could this company be included as a "Best Company"?

No company is as interested as they say they are in taking care of their regular associates-if your sick, many times you can't take the time off and if you do...it will cost you. If you are pregnant-look out. So sad to see that our CEOs et al enjoy so much while everyone else's pie is shrinking. Another sad fact is thatwe treat our criminals better than our working poor, who work more for less each day. The company's have gotten so damn greedy that they are only interested in the bottom line and not your behind-even though you make the money they so freely spend on undeserving people who give themselves golden parachutes with what could be your retirement funds-wake up America and call these scumbags for what they are-boycott them until the associates have a better shot at having a real work/life balance and real time off like in most other countries.

I had 15 years in a company that was on the "Top 100 Places To Work In 2006." I ended up being forced to work in a different division after a Corporate reorganization which seemed like a hostile takeover. Those who were moved to this other division were mistreated, constantly offended and demeaned while all of the original division employees were favored for everything including job responsibilities, education, and training. Top 100 lists don't carry much weight with me because after that experience I know better. It is the
management you end up working for in a company that matters.

Can anyone tell me about Edward Jones? I can tell you that the best company I ever workded for was Cox Communications, and I've never seen them on this this. We had high wages, a ton of freebies, PTO time, and flexible hours. Also, I noticed that last year Indy had a few companies that aren't on here anymore: Eli Lilly, Roche Diagnostics, Guidant and Anthem... I wonder what happened to them?

You can really tell the "true" culture by the way that the people of every level treat each other. I worked for one of the big 4 and saw a company that got up to #8 on this list sink just as quickly when people forgot the rules of basic respect for each other in lieu of Office Politics.

Way to go Wegmans! Shopping there is an experience, not a chore. The culture there reveals the happiness of the employees and I've gotten nothing but the best customer service.

i'm sure edward jones is good to work for...as far as how good they are for their clients, that's another story.

I USED TO work for Intel and think it does NOT deserve to be in the top 100 list. Managers prefer to play politics and rule by instilling fear in their employees. Pay was only OK, benefits were middle-of-the-road, and job security is non-existent. After six years, my stock options gave me only about $1700 after taxes. After almost being downsized twice, the third time was a charm and my entire department was cut. I�ve been looking for a comparable job for four months�.

I work for Intel as well and as review many of the other companies see many of the same benefits as many combined - paid 8 week sabbatical (for salaried and none salary/hourly), great benefits (3 months for pregnancy leave), increasing time off with years, RSUs, bonuses, flexible hours for families, work from home flex, and more. Overall, many good things, just simply a tough couple years as we restructure, but believe should have veen included also!

Someone mentioned above that Intel should have made the list. Intel has become a horrible place to work. The culture is gone, benefits are not competitive, and the moral of its employees are in the toilet from the never ending layoff cycle.

I work for Deloitte and KPMG for the past 15 years and can honestly say that although the compensation was decent (above minimum when you factor in the hours) and benefits were good, it has taken a toll on my personal life. I'm now divorced and rarely see my three children because I'm always traveling, meeting clients, projects etc. A consultant/associate/principal's life is great ONLY if you are single, love working and have no desire to raise a family...also, you better love traveling, red-eyes, early morning flights, cold & lonely hotel rooms, take-out every night and uncomfortable beds/pillows. I've learned after 15 years that money is useless if you don't have somebody to share it with......i'm wealthy but i'm incredibly lonely and the holidays flat out suck.....if it weren't for my parents and friends, I would be on more than just the Paxil and Trazodone i currenlty take for my depression.

Toyota DEFINITELY isnt one you want to work as a salesman for!

WEGMANS your kidding right?!?!? Been there done that!! Once you say "NO" to them..forget your forced out of a job!!!

"Making this list" is less a function of good on-the-ground people management and more a function of mobilizing a strong 'PR' effort to get on the list. Companies with a laundry list of cool programs appear on the list even though few employees ever see the benefit of the program. Conversely, excellent companies that deal with employees one-one-one, case-by-case and do so very well but have no flashy brochure or employe website have no chance of making the list.

If you want to know about the experience of being an employee at a company, find some current employees to talk to.

Has anyone ever heard of United Rentals? 4.1 billion in assets, 750 branches nation wide plus stores in Mexico and Canada. Great starting wages tons of opertunity and unlimited training resourses. Management is firm but fair and a job well done is never overlooked.

I worked at Deloitte for 6+ years. While I had issues with work life balance over the years I was there I took complete advantage of never booking my PTO. When I actually resigned in December of '04 they had to pay me for two years of vacation. Revenge is sweat!!!

I agree about Cox Communications. Excellent company. Career pathing, mentoring, better than most health-care benifits.

Bank of America is the best company I have ever worked for. The benefits are 2nd to none and the opportunities are those for those who work for them.

Sorry to say it, Cox Communications has changed a lot in the past 4 years. Lower wages, excellent folks get horrible reviews/raises, takes forever to hire replacements, much more turnover and hours. Ruled by Six Sigma.

Top 100???
I have seen an employee owned 'top 100' company deteriorate badly in the last 15 or 20 years, from the viewpoint of the non-salaried employee.
Benefits reduced and/or offered at increased prices and maximum pay for hourly, full time 'liferes' has not increased, or increased only slightly in that time and people are making the same $$/hr today as they were 15 years ago.
So, were they dramatically overpaid then or are they dramatically underpaid now?
Now the emphasis is on profit for the shareholder, because the hourly employees can't afford to buy stock and eat, and that keeps the shares above their heads.
A single person living modestly could live on $25k/yr in 1990, and save a bit over time.
Now it is a race between the end of the month and the end of the money, and living on a single paycheck as a single person is virtually impossible.

Top 100 if you are a member of management or a corporate exec---YES.

Lost vision of the cooperate cornerstone---YES.

Top 100 "Where working is a pleasure" place to work---NO, sadly, not any more.
"Mr. George" is spinning in his grave.

The current 'big wheels' were never 'little wheels' and just don't understand what trying to live on a paycheck is like, in todays economy, but they learned all about profit in school.

In general, Baird is a good place to work. Pretty good pay, great benefits, etc.

The thing that makes Baird a truly great place to work is my fellow associates. I agree with the other comment. From the CEO on down, people treat you with respect. I've been here 13+ years and am proud to say I work for Baird.

Wish I was paid more though (but who doesnt!)...

I love Bank of America

I worked for an Insurance company for 28 years that was taken over by Nationwide in 2004. I was laid off regardless of experience and loyalty. The Ohio based employees were favored over the dedicated PA people. This total disregard of livelihood, loyalty, recognition, performance record, years of service, family, etc.. Left a permanent "sour" taste in our mouths. I (and many others) will not support any Nationwide related product or service. How do these people sleep at night? Nationwide is definetly on their "own" side.

A previous year's version of this list (from the 1990s)had Quad/Graphics augmenting pay 15% through contribution to the retirement plan. I worked there, they weren't doing any such thing. Fortune's sister publication Time in 1989 touted the Quad miracle and trumpted the Quad claim that the average 5-year employee had $250,000 in profit sharing. Not even remotely true. The current Quad leadership will not address these issues.

I personally challenge the CEO of Quad/Graphics to a $100,000 debate, and all he has to do is be sucessful in defending the documented, public claims the company has made over the years concerning employee benefits, and its financials. There have been some, shall we say, disengagements from reality. But they made the list anyways. Remarkable.

Can someone give me some information about Citi and its Management Associate Program? Thank you!

I worked for Amgen as a contractor and was treated with utter contempt and distain. While Amgen does treat their full-time employee�s extremely well. Amgen�s management and employees look down on contractor since they aren�t official Amgen employees. The group I worked in was housed in a warehouse like a Home Depot store. We worked within a caged area which blocked access to the bathroom. A portable trailer �bathroom� was provided but when that broke down we had to walk from the back of the building to the front, about 200 yards, and when it rained they provided us with umbrellas. California State law states that office based employees must be based in a suitable working environment. When I asked for access to the bathroom from the inside of the building and stated that I was going to call Cal-OSHA I was terminated.

Work for WPP/Ogilvy. Nice place to work but low pay and very unclear performance review guidelines. Great amount of turnover rate. They are loosing business due to global competitiveness and its concerning lots of employees.

My suggestion would be stay away from WPP/Ogilvy and look for better options.

I worked for the # 2 Company on this years 2007 list. What you hear is NOT the real world. Lower than average pay. Long hours and old outdated equipment. Lots of internal policy problems.

When I turned 18, I started a new job in the manufacturing industry. It was a newly-built, multi-million dollar facility, complete with a Gym, cafeteria, and even childcare services.
It was 1997 when I started the job. Management was not hesitant in telling us "newbies" that many of us would be there long enough to retire from the company. We had 401ks and an outstanding healthcare plan. I was proud to be so young, and part of something so great. For nearly 4 years, I worked for this "stable" company, and looked forward to a bright future.
In early 2001, the company closed their doors-forever. Today, in 2007, I have yet to find a job as good as that one.
I'm still bitter about it, even after all these years.

I am interested to work for STARBUCKS COFFEE company but any feedbacks from those who is currently working at the company? what about the pay? and the employee treatment?

OhioHealth is a good organization. BUT, I don't think they qualify for this designation. They have a policy against descrimination based on sexual orientation? Interesting, after 23 years there I didn't know about that.. they don't have domestic partner benefits. Guess they just let gays work there, they don't want to give them equal pay....

Anyone who thinks Nike contracts with factories that qualify as "sweatshops" has obviously never experienced an American factory job, nor traveled overseas to make an objective comparison.
My time at a US factory was miserable. Hard work, low pay, no bathroom breaks, inadequate training, poor lighting, no sick leave...
In comparison, some benefits offered to employees by Nike manufacturers are far greater than what US employees are offered. (2 years of paid maternity leave, anyone? Free daycare and English classes?)
Please do your research before parroting whatever you read on a bumper sticker yesterday.

I worked Corparate for 20 years!, The best company I worked for that took care of me, my family and my goals was my own company, the risks are high but boy nothing like working for your self, when you screw up, guess what who am I gonna blame? when you don't who gets the rewards? Me

Nike doing what it does best...selling the sizzle. Facts: average wage $60K per year weighted heavily by the top end salaries. Typical wage less than $35K. Great exercise facilities on campus if you can afford the $40 every two weeks coming out of your check. Even Nike's own wage survey's show wages are 15% less than industry standards. Health benefits are slightly less then industry standards, on site day care is very expensive.

The positives are stability, prestige, profit sharing, management that listens (lacks action), nice working environment. Quit last year to take the same type job with a competitor for 25% better wage.

REI is not a good place to work. They were #9 last year and this year #27. The managers consistently understaff the store so that certain metrics will be met so that the managers can receive their twice yearly 15-20% bonus. Yet they love to blame the hourly staff for poor customer service.

Nike is one of the best corporate citizens I have worked for. Good benefits, management style and a great working environment. Nike leads the industry in policing the factories they use to make their products. I hope to stay with Nike until I retire!

Deloitte is THE BEST place to work. I should know as I was recruited away by a headhunter to work for another firm and quickly realized that it wasn't A DELOITTE. I returned and they welcomed me with open arms. Deloitte has allowed me the ability to navigate my career to find challenging work and projects where I add value and make a difference. The colleagues I work with are the best and brightest and the growth, mentoring, coaching and support I have experienced has been incredible. As a working mom of two I am fullfilled at work and at home as the organization has been extremely family friendly. I get an extraordinary amount of personal time off to use when needed...and everyone in the organization was given 4 additional days this year to use over the summer. I will not leave this great place to work again!

I worked for KPMG and am interested at how this "Big 4" firm made the rankings. The "Employer of Choice" program that is intended to promote work/life balance has only fostered frustration in a culture where 60-90 hours per week are the norm. Individuals with family committments are looked upon with disdain and as a result broken familys are not uncommon. I am a better person, a better man, and a better professional as a result of my decision to open my eyes.

Citigroup, I feel one of the great companies I worked

just wanted to know if Standard Chartered bank was included in the survey , if so where did it stand ?

The SAS lustre is gone. Most of what is used for this rating is a function of corporate headquarters. Less than half the employee population is based out of HQ. Fortune should poll employees at regional facilities to get a more wholistic view. 2006 saw some of the most prolific turnover in SAS' history. The CEO is out of touch with reality, he has very publicly trashed and alienated the sales force and the product takes an army of professional services people to fix installs.

I work for the number 2 company on this list, and I wonder if they survey many of the hourly workers. I've been with the company many many years and have never filled out one of these surveys. Trust me, if I and others in my department had, they would not be so highly ranked.

The company is like a mixed bag. On one hand, we love being associated with the company because we truely believe in our products and the help it's giving the patients. However, there has been alot of internal conflict, alot of policies put into place but no way to fully comply with said policies because of obsolete equipment.

Also, the re-structurings and re-orgs and changes to shift structures for hourly employees have left many disgruntled. Many hourly employees don't get to utilize all the perks the company touts (carwash fridays, onsite dental care, onsite daycare, etc) due to these only being available during "banker's hours". The company runs 24/7. Next year, try surveying the people who are stuck at work on a Saturday night or a Sunday day and see how much they love the perks and their jobs.

It's come to the point where I hate my job, but I love my company...how messed up is that???

One good thing, all employees (regardless of exempt/non-exempt status) get the sabbaticals, and they are wonderful!!!!!

I'm a Rochester native and like others can assure you that Wegmans is without a doubt the best at what they do. I'm glad to see that their employees are happy and well taken care of - they deserve it for the great job they do. Keep up the great work Wegmans!

I work at Cisco in Austin as a contractor at Building 6; the company is very good to its contractors and I never feel like I am not a permanent person. After working contracts for Dell and a brief (2 week stint at McKesson which did not make the list which says a lot about my time there) and other companies, Cisco is a good company. I did noticed that McCutchen is 94; I worked there in 99 before Bingham took over, I'd have to say it was good.

first, you have to be insane if you want to sit in front of a computer screen staring at other company's numbers only to have to wait on them to provide you information. not to mention the clients hate you being there. the money is good, but can you put a price on your life?

It is beyond my comprehension that Nordstrom continues to make this list. I worked there for 1 year and it was retail hell. There is absolutely no emphasis placed on work/life balance. The benefits and paid time off are some of the worst in the industry. Upper management looks down their nose at the sales help ( which happens to be the backbone of any retail establishment) sending a message that each employee is expendable and that there are many new applicants who would give their right arm for the opportunity to be a retail slave for Nordy's. What made that year tolerable was that I worked in a department with others like myself who were waiting for better opportunities...grad school, better careers etc. We all agreed that it would truly be a miserable existance if we were trapped at this company for longer than a year or two. I went on to employment at another company on the list....the biotech giant Amgen. Truly a class act that should be a model for other companies on your list.

I work for the #54 company on your survey. Previous years it was much higher. They now only survey employees they are sure will give a positive response. Concerns and complaints are ignored, only positive feedback is considered. In spite of continued bad reviews, there is no effort to improve poor leadership, it just gets sweeped under the rug.

Worked at AMEX many years. Thier operations areas dont pay well at all. Much higher payscales at their Corp NYC location. Integrity counts there as do the opinions of their employees. Benefits are average at best.

Bank of America is an amazing company to work for...There really is a work/life balance, and plenty of opportunities to learn and do more. They sent my wife and I to Grad. school. We earned our MBA's through the tuition reimbursement program for about two grand. Also, my wife an I had 8 weeks paid paternity/maturnity leave. I'll always remember those two months of time with the new family. Thanks BofA

I work at Goldman Sachs and i can tell you its a modern sweatshop. The pay is good but the hours are insane. I work to live and not live to work. I filed my resignation only because my job was consuming all my free time. And i am pretty sure most of the wall str. working force experiences the same issues. Good pay, no personnal life.

I love Principal Financial Group! It's just what you would expect an Iowa-based company to be: trustworthy, competent, and full of hard workers. I would be happy to work here for the next 30 years!

I don't understand why Pfizer, Inc isn't on the list. That is one of the best companies to work for ever!

Baptist Health Sysytems one of the top 100?! They are one of lowest paying employers and make enormous profits for a non profit. They do not believe in cost of living raises. The cost of living in the state of Florida has sky-rocketed due to hurricanes, increased homeowners insurance and taxes. Employees will soon be moving out of state in droves. The only money makers at Baptist are executives and as far as the RN's that make 100K, those aren't hard working bedside staff nurses, those are the 7 Chief Nursing Officers. Get real!

I worked for Crowe Chizek for a few year, not one of the big 4 (accounting firms) but in their words "The Unique alternative to the big four" and while the firm likes to trumpet how GREAT our jobs are, how HAPPY all the employees are, what a SPECTACULAR work life balance they have...BS. Working 80-90 hours a week in order to have your Fridays off...not fun at all. There was always this HUGE push for more billable hours, more billable time, etc. etc. (ad-nauseum). "Productivity" was something the bigwigs wanted us to focus on constantly, which turns out means..you guessed it...more billable hours. I spent so much darn time entering and tracking down to 15 minute intervals exactly what I worked on, it was silly. I hated it. Politics were very important as well, if you were liked, you advanced. If you weren't, you would languish for years as a staff accountant, and then get fired, or you would just be fired. I had one relationship fall apart due to the hour/time commitment. I now work for a non-profit as an accounting manager, very easy going office, no OT, no Busy Season, and several old Crowe employees work here as well. It's very easy to get burnt out in public accounting. Very Very Easy.

I'm somewhat surprised that Verizon Wireless did not make the list. As far as pay goes, i believe it is one of the highest in the industry. as far as benefits, it can not be matched. i think part of the problem is that verizon is partly owned by Verizon Com. and the vast majority of the people who work for them are union people who suck the life out of a good company.

i would like to work for one of the 100 best companies listed, but how can i get my foot in the door without having to submit an online resume and/or resume?

I don't understand why EA is not on the list. This is the best company to work for, ever!

I work for #19 - not as an associate, but as a staff member in one of the branch offices. This firm has been very nice to work for - and very generous in benefits. Very few other companies offer 3 months paid maternity benefits as well as annual bonuses to their support staff. Thanks, A&B!

Ohiohealth @ #52?! You have got to be kidding me! I guess if you are a nurse then it is great. This organization only recognizes RN's and forgets about the rest of the staff. Policies are not enforced equally, pay sucks and the time bank is rotten. You only hear from management if you've done something wrong, and never hear anything if you've done something good. Also, Press Ganey scores hold us all hostage and we are told repeatedly how we should feel lucky to be employed by them.

I was glad to see QuikTrip on the list & at #20. I worked for them for three years (it was my second income). The incentives for me is that not only are you evaluated by your manager, but also by your co-workers, the people you actually work WITH! Also not only the managers get a monthly bonus, all employees do!
It can be stressfull, but the people you meet make it worth it.

I worked at Plante & Moran a few years ago. For a public accounting firm, I'd say Plante is a good firm to work for compared to most other firms. However, it still was far from paradise. To succeed at Plante, there are two assets one must have: adequate technical skills and the necessary political connections to get on desirable engagements. As a staff accountant, one really needs to develop a strong relationship with at least one senior ("in-charges") and a manager so they will put you on their engagement. Otherwise, you may be sitting around doing nothing while other peers are getting the experience to move up. The partner who was my manager was a great person to work for and an excellent mentor.

I have worked for Pfizer Inc for 4 years now, dispite all the negative media about this company, It is the best company I have ever worked for. The pay is good and the benefits are great. Family always comes first. And I believe in the products we provided for a healthier better world.

Stop the insanity. This is turning into a disgruntled employee page.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is not a great place to work if you want any sort of life outside of work. The salary may seem good on paper, but when you factor in the amount of overtime you put in it falls below minimum wage. The national office promotes a lot of work/life balance initiatives that are not supported at the local office level. Most employees who make it to manager are either single or divorced because the job does not allow you to spend any time with your family. I worked there for three years and rarely saw a work day that lasted less than 11 hours even during our non busy season. The only positive thing is that they have decent benefits. But if you are never allowed time off to go to a doctor, benefits are useless. I left the company a few months ago and I have never been happier.

The office politics of corporate America are bad enough as it is. But then to have a company claim to be so big on diversity and fair treatment yet choose their leaders and award cost-of-living raises based on the opinions of a select few is RIDICULOUS! Ask anyone who works for Vanguard and they will tell you just how underpaid we are (even if the extra benefits are good), how unevenly and selectively the corporate policies are enforced, and how hard it is to actually move up in the company! I would think twice about accepting a job without wading through the glamour they sell you first!

"Deloitte's Promotions are done behind the scenes so you never know if you will be promoted. However, based on personal experience as a sr. associate who was passed over"
-- Passed over to be a senior? thats like drowning in the desert.

I've been with the Syracuse PwC office for 12+ years and although there are good overall benefits and flexibility, unless you work in the large city offices you are not really working for the "firm" Our office has only two partners, neither of which would be qualified as managers in the real PwC offices.

price water house cooopers is a great place to work. you get to audit to pwc audit and do 404 work. now, there is a big push for quality, quality, quality. everyone is extremly happy and is so happy because they get to follow pwc audit guidance and document everything they did in the day - and it must be in accordance with pwc audit.

Kind of funny to read this stuff! This is my last day working for a company I just quit. Talk about being treated like a pre-schooler! Not even a Christmas card or holiday greeting email from management to employees. One engineer, a West Point graduate, was hauled out to the parking lot by the manager to get his company vehicle tire pressures checked! With a lucrative long term State contract, this place just gets bills regardless of performance or turnover. Google looks like heaven. Hey...need a good welding engineer Google??

Recently off Co-Op at Pratt & Whitney (of the much larger United Technologies Corporation) I can attest to their commitment to employee fulfillment and work-life balance. There does not exist the typical massive pay schism between hourly and salaried workers. Flexible benefits allow employees to build a compensation package to suit. And while the company is hierarchal, the culture is open and conducive to dialogue among the various tiers.

I would also like to see a list of the worst companies to work for.

I've worked for KPMG for over a year and have found it be very flexible and accommodating around my personal life. While it's true that the hours can be bad sometimes, for most of the year, 40 hour weeks are the norm. Plus, with 25 days of vacation for all professionals, there is plenty of time to balance the work/life scales. KPMG may be No. 97 on the list, but they are No. 1 in my heart.

I am shocked to see PLANTE & MORAN on this list yet again! Being an employee for over 7 years, I have personally witnessed the politices involved to be on this list. Maybe it depends on the office location, but for the most part they don't provide the flexibility they claim. Working for P&M is like selling your soul to the devil. If you commit to giving up your personal life for them, your job is glorious. There is a lot of questionable behavior by upper mgmt, but if you say anything, you are out the door. Problem is with the current job market and the pay, you are forced to stay and do/say what they want to hear.

Just as another person said before, I am too surprised KPMG, LLP made the list. It is a bunch of crap that they actually let you have a work-life balance. I came back from being on maternity leave to work 80 hour weeks with a newborn at home. Then they told me that they would not promote me to the next level because I went on maternity leave! That company only caters to the people they want to. They were not willing to do any type of flexible work arrangement at all with me! I would not work there if you were to triple my salary!

I'm surprised JPMorgan Chase didn't make the list. It's a great company with excellent benefits and a great management team.

Someone earlier said about "Nationwide om their own side" which may or may not be true but the company they acquired in 2004 will really make it happen. This company, formerly part of THI holdings, have some managers (dictators) who are making life of some employees misarable. Nationwide should closely look at this acquired firm, to keep their bright image going forward,

I work for one of the largest home builders in the U.S. and can not even afford to hardly feed my children let alone purchase one of their homes....we have so many employees that are renting apartments and can barely afford gas to get to work.
And as for your job description that changes on a daily, they add and add on to your work load and just expect it to be done with no overtime or perks or thank you's! Over worked and unappreciated is what it is called. You treat people the way you want to be treated and I do way to much and get NOTHING in return!!!

Wow, some tough comments against the Big 4 (accounting). I worked for KPMG on the IT Audit side for 4 years right out of college. The first two years were tough, but I rarely worked more than 50 hours. The environment was great, challenging. The pay and promotions were fair and at times exceeded my expectations. You can't beat the 25 paid days off, plus I got 2 weeks of paid paternity leave as a new dad. I left recently to pursue something in industry, and I've had a hard time getting used to the results-less, monotonous work environment. I'm considering going back to KPMG. The "Employer of Choice" program was good at the start, but admittedly, the effect lessened as enthusiasm wore off and client demands increased.

I work for the #12 company on this list. Its a pretty solid place to work but their are some misleading #'s specifically when it comes to the Bonus section. I can assure you the "average" person here maybe gets a 1/5 of the Bonuses shown on the list. I guess to calculate the average they took a sample of two people......a top executive and the poor guy that delivers mail from office to office because that is not reality. Leads me to wonder how much more of this list is legit or not and based on alot of your comments I'm guessing its so-so which ultimately for me anyway, puts very little credibility into this "top 100" list.

Many people who've written comments are approaching this list with gross tunnel vision.

I work for SRA International, Inc. (#61), and although I sometimes have my serious gripes, the company as a whole is exceptional. I was brought on as part of an acquisition - a very small liberal company bought by this much larger, relatively conservative one. We lost a lot of our "organic" culture but gained a great deal: astonishing medical benefits (my wife's $14000 pregnancy/delivery cost us about $200 out of pocket through our PPO), great leave program, excellent retirement plan options, hefty tuition reimbursement, oportunities to change career direction internally (I'm living proof), colleagues with a huge breadth of experiences, etc. The list goes on and on.

Yes...there are days when working as me in my office stinks - in fact, there are sometimes loooong weeks. Additionally, there are indeed things about SRA that could improve.

Here's the important thing to remember, there is no "PERFECT COMPANY." I challenge anyone to say that even his or her marriage (which is equivalent to a company you've chosen to start, and you co-own it with benefits you co-create) is without bumps and difficulties! We don't live in a utopian society...thank goodness.

You've got to weigh the good with the bad. Pay isn't everything, pursuit of profits isn't everything, and time off isn't everything. Every company has its jerks with whom you must work...EVERY ONE (well...save for sole proprietorships!). What's important is that the company gives you the guidance to pave your own way and has tools you can use to succeed - but it's up to you to use them. I stand behind SRA's ranking on this list!

I think the folks who say that they love to work at Bank of America is being paid to say it.

I have been a contractor at BOA Addison TX. The Testing Services dept is a sweat shop and run by slave driver.

Bank of America is one of the worst companies to work for. When they take over a company, like in many ocassions, the benefits are considerably bad. For instance, when they took over MBNA, our medical insurance costs increased, our incentive decreased...they starting cutting costs and its not the same. Employee turn over is thru the roof!

I grew up in Rochester and worked for Wegmans as soon as I was of legal age...and happily worked for them all through high school and college (thanks to their excellent scholarship). The work ethic I learned from them has stayed with me my entire adult life. They are absolutely one of the finest companies I have worked for. Now if I could only get them to build a store out here in Indiana...no other supermarket can compare. They are #1 in my book!

I must counter the comment regarding Principal Financial Group. Of course it all depends on the situation, but I rarely hear anyone with a true complaint. I'm sure Principal doesn't offer the very highest pay, nor the very best benefits, but they offer an extremely fair package when referenced in the market. They pay for performance (not long hours, but performance), so if you prove your value, you're treated well with salary and opportunity. Often those who leave return with a story that they left the greenest grass and want it back. A place of true integrity and straight talk. Great place to work!

Bravo Wegman's! Wegman's employees are a shining example of customer service. If you have not experienced one of their stores, just take a step inside. One of my friends worked at Wegman's all through college, with support and flexibility for his hectic schedule. He was a single dad and full-time student. Imagine that! They even helped him with a scholarship.
When I'm asked what I miss about Buffalo, Wegmans is right after family and friends. That may sound odd to some, but I know there are other who feel the same way. I even leave a comment card from time to time asking Danny Wegman to consider a store in SC.

Both my company and my husband's company appears on this list. In fact, our positions are also listed as most common salaried positions -- the rate of pay is about $20,000 more than what we are actually paid, and we have several years experience with the companies.

I was also shocked Baptist was listed in the top 100? give me a break, the only people there making money is the administration, it isn't the nurses, radiology, or therapy workers. They do all the work and get none of the pay
! just worked to death and burned out. This is one place they should have a Union. For a non-profit, they sure are making money, and it isn't going to the people who do the work.

I am a Registered Nurse at #80, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. LVHHN most definitely deserves to be on the Top 100 Employers Lists. They are an amazing healthcare facility to work for, and I'm proud to work for a hospital that not only made this list, but is also recognized as a Magnet Hospital by the ANCC. Congrats LVHHN!!!

I worked for #57 for 6 years and every thing said about them is this blog is true. When their founder died in 1996 the vision of employee concern and customer service did live on for a short time. However the shareholders found a way to force the founders son out. Apparently a profit margin 1.5 times greater than any grocer in the country wasn't enough. Service is no longer important. Employees neither. Being 3 times as profitable as others is what matters. People move on, customers move on, but the shareholders keep making money. But isn't that what makes a corporation great? The rich get richer and the working man suffers/

I Work for a company called POWER ONE, it is a Power Electronics Company and the business pressure is pretty intense..

I want to say that the company Management Treats the employee well.

It is a very good company to work for, in this line of business. You will never hear about company like that in top 100 list, as nothing is that much fancy here.

I work for the federal government, the Veteran's Adminstration Hospital. The best deal in town, get to it now! If you are a medical professional you can not beat the benefits or the salary. The government does not tell you we cannot afford to give you a raise, like most catholic hospitals, there are NO on hold raises. The raises may be smaller and more frequent, but compared to the public sector you cannot beat this career. And most of all our veteran population, they make your job worth while.

I'm a life long resident of Rochester, NY and a Wegmans fan. We shop there, my children have worked there, and they are wonderful in every way. Believe me, you should wish they would come to your town!

SAS Institute should be removed from the list. Management there can be easily considered to be bullies. For the most part, it is not a tem environment. It is not an employee focused place to work. When the luster of the benefits fade, then you are faced with being in a bad environment which bosts of having the employee interest in mind. There are so many cultures that do not thrive in this environment.

I work for Ernst & Young, number 25 on the list. I love it here. I get tired of everyone at the other Big Four complaining about working long hours. This is public accounting; we work long hours; and you knew what you signed up for the job.

Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about Ernst & Young. I started with this company straight out of college and love it. I came from a poor background, having worked since I was 15 to pay for my schooling, and have experienced many different, what one might call, "blue collar" jobs.

If you've ever had to work a blue collar job, then you would not complain about public accounting. Our job is challenging and can be time consuming, but Ernst & Young takes care of us. They have all kinds of programs in place to get involved in the community, sports, or simply help lessen the load for working parents.

We have three weeks of paid vacation, three personal days, and sick time that we can take during the year which does not affect our salary; this does not include our 8-10 paid holidays either.

That is a lot more time then I had ever gotten at any of my other jobs and certainly more time than most of my friends and peers working in other professional careers.

On top of time off, Ernst & Young has given me top quality training at least two weeks during the year and provides me time so that I can study for the CPA exam.

I have direct interaction with Partners of the firm and high ranking executives of some of the nation's biggest companies. This makes networking at Ernst & Young one of the most rewarding benefits that most people don't even acknowledge.

There is not one person at the firm that I do not like. I get to change teams and job locations consistently so that the work does not become tedious and boring.

Ernst & Young does provide me with the opportunity to stay in one place, if travelling is not my thing, but I have no wife or children of my own and so I welcome it with open arms.

The ability to move up in the firm through the ranks is easy to do; with some effort and the standard timeline you could be a Senior Manager in 8 years. Where else can you move up that fast, in rank and pay, in such a short amount of time.

I could go on and on about this firm and all of the opportunities that it offers and how great I feel it is, but then this blog would turn into a novel.

I will conclude with a piece of advice for all of those in Public Accounting who complain about their jobs. If you can stick it out for 5 years, you will have doors opening that you never thought possible. After 5 years of experience at a Big Four accounting firm, with all of the networking that has taken place, and with a CPA license, you can pick from almost any company in the nation from which to get a new job.

And while you are doing that, I will be on track to Partner at Ernst & Young.

This is called "100 Best Companies to Work For," but someone asked how Uncle Sam would compare.

I know that cities are different from the federal government, but I'd like people to know that government work is the most stable I've known.

I'm the landscape industry, where in the provate sector, you won't make money unless you own the company or you share the last name with the owners. Pay was poor, benefits were worse and overtime was forced for months on end.

Then on to non-profit for me -- a private college. As their horticulturist, I made slightly more $, but eventually, they hired a VP of Finance that runs the place like a corporation. She believes laborers are grunts that deserve less than minimum wage and the easiest way to save money is to lay off people. Non-profits are not as safe as they used to be.

I work for the city of Minneapolis now. The pay is very decent, and the health plan has a deductable but they provide a reimbursement account that rolls over, earns interest and nearly covers each year's out of pocket max. I get 12 days vacation and 12 sick per year, 11 holidays and comp time is something we want to earn.

The only risk is a government shut down which usually doesn't happen at the city level. I'm union and off probation (first 6 months of hire), so unless I REALLY screw up, I've no reason to fear losing my job.

Sorry to say, if you work at Principal outside of the Des Moines area, it is not a great place to work.

I worked for the internal firm services of one of the Big 4. They do a lot of "great place to work" stuff, but sometimes it gets overboard. People would have appreciated more money in the bank than all these monthly social activities and extra days off, which are usually surprises so you can't even plan ahead of time. Leadership always encouraged great values, however, the people you actually work with don't really practice it. Those who know the right people are the ones who are promoted, regardless of how they treat their coworkers and regardless of your performance. At some point, I lost the enthusiasm to go to work. After over two years, I got tired of the politics and "fraternity/sorority" kind of mentality that I quit my job even if I loved what I was doing. Too much lip service and favoritism.

I'm happy to see Amgen in the top 50 yet again. I have been working at Amgen for almost a year now and I feel very fortunate to be working with such a great company.

I graduated college with an Information Systems degree and then landed a job with Amgen two months later due to a very cool program that the IS Department at Amgen has created called the Amgen College Hire Network (ACHN).

This group gives students who are fresh out of college a chance at getting their foot in the door and working for the IS department at Amgen. Without it, I probably wouldn't have gotten the chance to work here.

The ACHN program gives us members many chances to be exposed to our Senior level staff in the IS department so it has been a very rewarding experience!

Quite an accurate depiction of American labor, with the exception of Google at #1. The arrogance and unrealistic perks like prime rib & sushi for lunch every day is NOT sustainable.

Any company that pushes benefits upon its employees and later must revoke them due to cuts and realignment was thoroughly flawed in its HR psychology to begin with.

My company ranks in the 30s, and without a doubt, I truly do feel that we could have landed the #1 spot instead. Though we don't all slurp on caviar and lobster every day, our benefits are realistic and as a result, nearly every one of us is happy.

I am proud of the software we offer, I am proud of the people I work with, and most of all, my company has shown me how to be proud of myself. I will probably remain for years and years.

I would like to say congratulations to all the companies that made the list but I am surprise to see that Quad Graphics did not make the list this year. I loved working at that place, even though it were hard work and long hours. Just keep up the good work because when you have loyal people working then you have a respectful business.

I work for #74 in the most common hourly position and I must say...Initially I loved it. Brand recognition...number one in the industry...but then once the smoke clears you realize that the image is for the stockholders and customers. Management does not care how the employees feel. My division is treated like a step-child to the fair haired card division. They cut our 401K match in 1/2...to 1.5%! Five years after 9/11 I am tired of hearing how I should feel lucky I have a job. The only reason everyone hasn't left this office is because there isn't any competition here...but if one competitor moved in they would lose half their workforce.

After reading thru the litany of comments, it became apparent to me that the BEST companies to work for aren't listed; they don't try to campaign to get on the list. Witness my employer, HEB grocery store of Texas. Over 60,000 employees, always the best prices for groceries, consistently outsell Wal-Mart and all other competitors. I'm paid over $10/hr just to stock shelves! Yeah, we work hard but never get any b.s. from ANY of the managers. When my boss asked me to work a certain day (after only being there 3 weeks) I told him I couldn't as my family was taking me out to dinner (I'm 40). Three days later in the mail I got a birthday card signed by all the store managers. People can , and have, worked there for over 30-40 years. They are a great, no, GREAT! employer who take care of their employees and make sure you have a great work/life balance. They offer scholarships and multiple opportunities to move on up. Two weeks after I started, all employees got a $100 bonus check and they paid the taxes, etc. Didn't matter how long you had been there, 2 days or 30 years, all got the same amount.

HEB takes care of its employees and is one of the best companies I have ever worked for, regardless of position!

Dear Mort in Colombus, OH:
Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaasssseee! Big 4 firms provide incredible career opportunities, but working for them is no trip to Disneyland. Working at a Big 4 is boot camp for accountants.

I worked for Principal and, I must say, they weren't so bad. But, moving up means getting through lots of red tape. Furthermore, their rules regarding salary adjustments when promoted keep you from being paid your rightfull salary when you are finally promoted.

I worked for Wegman's for 18 years, some part itme some full time and some in amnagement. It is a great place to work. Very family friendly, great pay, excellent benefits. The Wegman Family especially (the recently deceased Bob) have a great vision when it comes to their employees.
I am now living in a state w/o a Wegmans and truly miss them the most. I compare every where I go or work to them and it is to bad that other companies can not mimic the Wegamns atmosphere as it makes for a great bottom line.
To all Wegmans employee present and future, you get out of it what you put in.
To all Wegamns shoppers please say something nice to a wegmans employee, it makes there day.

NIKE has the great perks--even bigger at the VP levels--poor environment for family life--work/life balance non-existent. The "culture" fosters incest. For a high percentage of employees they have either slept together, dated or are married. They are truly a "family" within the company. Higher level employees are handcuffed to a blackberry, laptop, cellphone 24/7. Would like to see stats of Nike induced divorce or the percentage of employees that are not married.

I live in the Suburbs of Boston, Ma but I am originally from the Suburbs of Buffalo, NY. I shopped at Wegmans every week and it is the best grocery store I have ever been to. I always mention how much i miss going to Wegmans. They really need to Expand to the south shore of Massachusetts. They have the most variety of anything you are looking for. They have the freshest food and so deliscious. Wegmans has always been in the top 3 and the employees really do seem like they enjoy working there. If only every grocery store could be like Wegmans. I came home to Buffalo for Thanksgiving and right before I left to come back to Boston I had to stop at Wegmans to have their famous subs, i didnt want to leave. Keep up the good work Wegmans!!

I'd Like to thank Fisk Johnson From company #7 for the best career I have ever had, Thanks for the free schooling too.

How can a company with so many unhappy employees be a great place to work. Deloitte has many unhappy people and few who receive all that is touted.

I have worked for Deloitte Chile for about 1.5 years now and have to say I'm pretty happy so far (I started here and have not worked for Deloitte USA yet).

I must say there are the usual complaints about work/private life balance and the lower than market compensation. While this is true, most everyone was aware of the hours required before signing up for the job. As for the lack of good pay, I could go to another company and make up to double the salary, but as I am young in my career, Deloitte's training is too much to pass up.

They have great programs to train you straight out of college, I've worked with some of the top managers in the biggest banks and mines in Chile, and they pay for percentages of professional certificates, post grad programs, etc.

Great place to start out and learn. After that you have to decide if you want such a dynamic and pressure-pacted environment.

I used to work in Deloitte's tax department. I find it ironic that Deloitte made the list, and that one of its highlights was giving all employees 4 extra days of vacation.

Deloitte's vacation policy is already very generous. 23 days for senior consultants and staff and 28 for managers and up. When I worked there, many of us could not find time to use up our vacation days, because of the pressure to make our billable hours.

Giving everyone 4 extra days on top of that is a joke, and it was a calculated move to make it back onto this "Top 100" list after not being there in the previous year. Did I mention that after Deloitte did not make the previous year's list, that an e-mail went out to every single employee telling us they were committed to making it the follow year? I guess Fortune fell for it.

I left Deloitte 6 months ago and I've never been happier.

Just so other Sales Representatives don't get too jealous, I almost chocked when I saw the average salary for AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca pays it representatives much less than competitors. This $97,000 amount must include medical benefits, our company car,etc. because after checking with several of my colleagues we all agreed that is a far cry from our salaries.

Working at corporate is probably a completely different as it generally is, but the sales aspect is something else. It's not a bad company to work for, but not sure if I would place it in the Top 100.

Anonymous

I worked for Principal Mortgage in Overland Park, Ks (Corporate woods) and it wasn't a nice place to work. A Manager at that location (the Fall of 2000) had a work ethic of the business needs first and than family. I was taking work home with me as a Loan Processor and working long hours. She said, if you can't hang, than leave. I was single parent, with a newborn at home. I walked out. That woman was a Witch. I periodically checked with some of my former peers and turnover was nearly 40% because of her. Not family friendly!

This is for Dave in Richmond who was touting Verizon Wireless. About your high pay and teriffic benefits? Do you think the company offers those through the goodness of its heart? You are enjoying those because Communications Workers Union members negotiated and ( if need be ) struck for them ! A rising tide raises all boats, Dave.

You are enjoying what we earned for you through years of sacrifices and strikes. Unions don't "suck the life out of good companies". They make your good pay and benefits possible whether you are organized or not.

Don't be fooled by your company's anti-union propaganda. If there were no labor unions, you'd be working seven days a week for $1.00 an hour with no benefits.

I'm really surprised Baptist health systems is # 81. The nurses who make $100,000 are the ones who work themselves to death. They say they want your opinions. When you give it your subjected to retaliation.It has become increasingly difficult to live in this region due to high cost of living. BHM has yet to really address this issue except to say they will build affordable housing. Who wants to live in a cracker box in West Kendall or Homstead. Besides this is only to attract new workers. They have no plan to retain their loyal employess which has become a dying breed. Emloyees are leaving fast to find jobs where they can afford housing and insurance. There is no way a nurse can qualify for the median house price of 278,000 making an average of 66,000. ITS UNION TIME.

I think this is great...good to learn about the different companies from an employee's perspective. However, how does American Express even get on this list. THEY HIRE 36,000 SOME OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. AND ONLY 26,000 WITHIN THE U.S. THUMBS DOWN TO THEM!!!!!!

After reading the comments, I would not want to work in a big 4 accounting firm or most financial services companies. While many of the postings were negative, I liked seeing that many people had positive things to say about their companies - even those not on the list. The GREAT comments from both current and past employees, as well as customers, about Wegman's supermarkets were inspiring! They should go out and train other companies how to create a culture like that.

Marriott made it again and I am happy, I have worked for Marriott and the Ritz Carlton for over 5 years, this company is great and promotes the employees to better positions. Our company offers some perks such as dry cleaning, free meals everyday, super dicounted hotel rates and travel benefits, we have a very good 401 k plan and a positive work enviroment.

Marriott is the best, I worked for the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota and now I am working at a Marriott in Miami, the company is fantastic, it's a very stable company and benefits are great!

I have a brother who works for Baptist Health of South Florida, this company is hell and does not offer job security. My brother was hired full time and the company told him to go home several times, because they could not afford to have him there all day. He eneded up working 32 hours at times, this company is the worst!

I have worked for both PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG in their consulting divisions. I recently left PwC after two years because of the inordinate amount of travel and work demands. That, PLUS the constant commands from partners to sell sell sell AND maintain your utilization rate. They always stressed being in command of your own career, yet discouraged you from moving groups within the Firm.

That being said, it did afford me a modicum of flexibility - when I wasn't out of town for an engagement. Benefits were okay, and the number of PTO days were generous.

While I have been greatly challenged by my work at PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory practice, I have also been dismayed at how uncaring or remote many senior level executives ("partners") appear to their staff. Even as a manager, I do not have that level of comfort or working relationship with my partners. When I had a child late last year,neither of my partners even acknowledged the birth or congratulated me - despite the fact that I had been out on paternity leave. Perhaps it's because I wasn't billable during that time.

I guess some of the Hedge Funds should also part of this list.

The Big 4 accounting firms are truly getting slammed here. I have worked for both industry and an accounting firm and you need to consider what your goals in life are before you take one or the other. If you prefer a more laid-back environment where you don't have as much challenge, then choose a career that allows that. If you prefer to have something going on every minute of your work day, then consider that. Accounting firms are not the easy path, they never have been. Long hours are required and that is something to be anticipated. Many of the firms are putting up great hype on the work/life balance. If you don't feel your getting that, have you truly asked for it? If you have, and it is something that you truly desire, then it is not the right place for you to work.

When you are considering working for an accounting firm, you need to know what you are looking for an evaluate the local office you are working for and ask the right questions - like how many hours do most of the people work, how many clients are in the department, where are the clients located, how much travel do you do on average. If you don't get a good feel for it, don't accept a position there.

I love working for KPMG, I have been with them for 8 years now and have generally had a very good experience, which included working outside of the US. I made sacrifices that made it hard for my family, but I know how to work with my superiors to ensure they understand how important my family is to me and my personal needs. Many people are afraid to ask for this and I think that many people need to try and come out of their shell - it is a hard thing for accountant types to do, but it is necessary to enjoy your job.

If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!!!

I have worked for two of the "Big Four" and can tell you that neither one of them should ever make this list or any other "best" list ever.

Cisco is a good place to work if you are a Director or above. That's where all the "perks" go in this company. I've been here as an employee for 7 years, received good reviews, several CAP (monetary) awards, but no raise in all that time.

I work for Dunder Mifflin paper company here in Scranton, PA and I just have to say its freaking awesome!!!

I noticed that Deloitte made the top 100 list again this year, after an absence of several years. I spent 11 years at Deloitte and can say that they truly try hard to make it a nice place to work. Internal client services personnel (like me) were treated poorly and that left me with a bitter taste when I left. If they want to be a top 100 firm year in and year out, they need to really be a nice place to work, which it was, sometimes but not all of the time.

I recently joined Alcon (#65 on the survey) and would have to say that it is the greatest company that I have ever worked for. Not only are the benefits great, the people and environment really standout.

I have worked for South Miami Hospital for the past 24 years and its a GREAT place to work. Employees are treat fairly with dignity and respect.
Kudos to Baptist Health
for making Fortune 100 once again.

I am in the United States Military and I must say there is not a more rewarding career. The men and women of the Armed Services make it possible for the may great companies to even be on the list. No job like the United States miltary. I love it.

I thought they shut the Scranton branch down.

Think I may have to plan a vacation back east to visit Wegman's. I want to see what makes it such a great place and what I'm missing in SoCal.

I left Amgen several years ago to raise my children. In that time I have seen my friends and family overworked, stressed out, and their benefits decrease. It may have the most "company" days off, but those don't even apply to the entire company. Why didn't they list a salary, what do they have to hide? I would love to know who they surveyed to even make the list. No one I know is happy.

OhioHealth @ 52?!?!? Get real. I guess Senior Leadership were the only folks to give input, maybe if they actually did some work.....neat that only two of the many hospitals were listed...how about the other 2 in Columbus?

How is it determined which companies make it on the list? Is there a survey of all the large companies? I've seen my company on the list a few times for "best place to work" but they are far from "best place to work". Employee morale is so low its unbelievable so I wonder who is giving such high marks.

Where is Time Warner on the list? Or were they excluded?

I work for Principal Financial Group (number 77 on the list) and it is a great place to work! The flexibility offered helps me to meet my goals at work, balance my family life and attend higher education classes (which they pay for!).

I have worked for Baptist Hospital for more than 5 years here in miami, it is true that they cut off your hours and won't let you work the regular 8 hours. Benefits aren't as good as they say.

I work for Google, our company is the best of all, I love it!

I have worked for Baptist Health of South Florida for 5 years, this is a good company, I agree that it should not be listed as one of the best places to work for, but I still think is a good company.

Publix is a very good company, I am very proud of being a Publix employee, benefits are good, our salaries are very poor, they need to change that, but at least is a very stable company.

Did anyone have anything to say nice about RH Donnelley? They publish yellow pages in 20 states, including Sprint/Embarq and Some AT&T books. I must say, they are very flexible. Raises are outstanding! It will be 2 years in March 2007, since starting in 2005. My salary has increased nearly 15%. No management breathing down my back. I handle Accounts Payable, collecting from Yellow Page Customers. As long as you do your job, they (Management ) won't bother you. Love Love Love that place.

I work for American Fidelity, an Oklahoma based company; I live in So. Ca. This company works so hard to treat their companies well. I love my job of 6 years, and I love American Fidelity. I wish that I found this company long before I did.

I think Fortune should do a feature article on Wegmans. As I read through this list, I couldn't help but notice the unanimous concencus of the great work environment. This management must be doing something right.

I was pleased to see KPMG make the list this year. I have spent the last 8 years of my career at this great firm. I truly enjoy what I do, but recognize that a professional services firm environment isn't for everyone (& you will see comments from these types of people throughout the thread, unfortunately.) Firm management figured out a few years ago that in order to attract and keep the best talent, we had to make some changes. I truly believe that KPMG leadership listens and implements the perks & plans that make sense given the nature of our business. Making the Top 100 is clear evidence we're headed in the right direction. Congratulations & keep up the good work!

I work for the #12 company on the list and it definitely is not one of the best places to work. Simply ask a salesperson or builder, the front line workers what they think "off the record" and you will get the real answer. The company has great intentions at the very top, but unfortunately it is not communicated or felt at the lower levels. Most of the people in my project are miserable. Poor management, unclear goals, operations are a mess. I have worked for great companies, and this is not one of them.

I have worked for SRA International for almost two years. As a general principal, I think that the company has good intentions and tries to instill a sense of pride and good will amongst its employees. However, this seems to be true only for employees based at corporate locations and not those located at client sites (offsite) -- who are ignored. I think that management should work more towards supporting its offsite staff in order to educate and guide so that the offsite project managers and team will feel involved and connected to the company. My manager (who is a Director) is very removed and only makes contact when there is an issue about billable hours or a reporting requirement. As a project manager, I have been in a �sink or swim� state due to a lack of direction and guidance. And, unfortunately, have learned nothing at all except from mistakes that I have made and the repercussions that others have suffered because of mistakes they made. This seems to be a trend based on observations and the comments of others I have spoken to who work at client sites.

**I am quite certain that the surveys used to compile the results for this ranking were only given to SRA staff at corporate locations and not the off-site staff.

Okay, look. I used to work for a company that helped to research and tally the results for the 100 Best. Here's the story behind this story.

A company's marketing, management and HR departments get the paperwork to complete for the 100 Best. Sure, there are some interviews with employees, but they are spotty and hardly representative of the employee population as a whole. 100 Best relies heavily on self-reported data which is as skewed as the company itself can make it without lying. It's pretty apparent to folks who work in organizational development and research that these types of surveys are not worth the paper that they are written on most of the time. Your quality of work life is most likely to be determined by the quality of your immediate supervisor (research has proved that). Your experience of a company will vary based on your immediate supervisor, your geographic location, your position in the company, your level (higher levels generally report higher work satisfaction than lower levels) and so on.

100 Best might tell you vaguely about benefits and average salaries and so on. But it won't tell you who you will be happy working for. To suggest otherwise is a gross misrepresentation of what self-reported data is able to measure.

Best company??? That's an easy one, I work for myself. Commute? I wake up and I'm there. Once the work is done in the AM, I'm off to the beach or elsewhere til evening. I get to live right downtown St. Augustine Florida and to meet all sorts of very interesting people...and on Sunday when everyone checks out, I can blast my favorite tunes as I clean rooms.....

I am surprised Wells Fargo, Inc is not mentioned. I am in WFF, DSM and I love every minute here. Though, corporate policies restrict me to talk about my job, yet I appreciate what the company has given me till date.

Plante & Moran on this list again? Upper management constantly preaches the 'golden rule', while doing the exact opposite behind the scenes. However, the larger problem is that they have no real growth to speak of (only through mergers) and have way too many young partners who have no business development skills. Not a good mix if you are looking for a long term career.

I worked for Intel and they deserved to be on this list 10 years ago. Now, I'd make them a candidate for 100 WORST companies to work for. Management is continually building an atmosphere of fear, everyone pointing fingers at everyone else in hopes that the OTHER guy will get laid off. Intel has gone from being a place to excel to being a place to put in your 9 to 5 only, keep your head down so nobody will single you out and maybe lay you off, and hope you get through focal (performance) review with a little more (not much) money. I got outstanding ratings every year, never worked less than 60 hours/week. I used to think Intel was the ONLY place to work. After all the benefits cuts, the poor raises, and the senior management speeches telling me how I was a dumb bureaucrat that didn't really matter, Intel's about the only place I DON'T want to work.

I worked for Publix and they are a very financial strong company. If that makes a company worthy of your 100 best companies to work for then thy deserve it. But I think it should be more then that. If should be how they treat their associates. I worked for 8 years and have seen how the company presidents, regional and district managers have instilled in the company doctrine that "you are here to provide results and not excuses" mentality. All that is wrong in the Publix world is the individuals fault and that is the end. You can not voice your decision or you are labeled a problem. The company has a policy of holding a counseling statement over your head which results in them not giving out a raise. Raises are provided just 2 times a year and the most that is allowed is 25 cents. Counseling statements are not given out fairly with some receiving one while others don�t for the same action.

The starting pay depends on how well you know the hiring manager. If you happen to get hired at the $6.50 that most are hired at 4 years to get to $8.50 if you�re lucky not to have received a counseling statement. I had seen many occurrences of unfairly counseling of associates just to avoid providing a raise.

A company who has a 14% turnover rate and who knows what the release rate is has a problem and those are your figures. I know they are more than that because I couldn't keep my department full and had at times 100% turnover. If it is voluntary or not that to me is not a company that is a company that I want to work for. How about you?

I really don�t know where you get the information to run you article but it should be looking into associate reasons of leaving.

Florida is a right to work state and the company has all the rights to release an employee for any reason with no repercussions. Publix is one that uses that right to its fullest.

Interesting about the #12 company you have on the list. I currently work there and I am looking feverishly for another position. In fact, I came to work for this company because they were ranked #24 in last year's study. The fact that this company is on the list is shameful. Sure on paper the company looks great: Charitable Giving, New Home Discount, Birthday Off..etc. However the interior workings of the organization are a mess. Most people I talk to on a day to day basis are miserable. Builders and Salespeople are treated like dogs. The operations side of the organization is in shambles, and the workforce morale is extremely low.

I am sad to see Amy's response as I worked at Intel for 13 years. I left two years ago when the company relocated my dept to China. Until the time I left, I still think Intel is a great company to work for, especially after working for two awful companies after my departure (both of them are fortune 500, US MNC). Probably since my departure, Intel's MSS is shrinking and the company expands too fast - still recalled it's only a 80k population when I left but I read some news last year that it's >100k...while the business is not in the same speed of growth....hopefully with the recent retrenchment, the company is shaping up again!

SAS Institute... has any peer group validated the Dr Sanders model for evaluating school standardized testing? Has any client had their results (standard test results) validated by a 3rd party. Why has Dr Sanders not had a peer forum review to discuss this model? I would question the validity of results when this model is used. This can have a negative affect upon school funding if the model results were found to be not valid or incorrect.

As expected, Wegmans nearly makes the top of the list yet again. As a Rochester resident who is spoiled by my everyday access to what I consider the best grocery store chain I couldn't be happier for the Company and it's employers. Yesterday early morning I was in a Wegmans store and noticed a man who appeared to be the head chef standing in line at the coffee counter, he was a distinguished, middle aged man who spoke with a foreign accent. All this aside, what made the best impression on me was that everyone from the produce delivery truck drivers to the store employee who was collecting my money for my coffee on the run knew this man and wished him a good morning, and in turn he did the same with a smile. That was a moment that captured the essence of a company being recognized as a "100 Best".

For those who works for Capital One or know any one who does, can you post comments and let me know what it like? I have an interview with them and would like to know about the culture. Thanks!

I worked for Deloitte for seven years and it was a better place to work in when it was Deloitte and Touche. But it absorbed much of Arthur Andersen, over the past 3 years, which truly took the heart out of it. Now it is a business without a heart and thus you see the many complaints against it. I left six months ago and I have never been happier....

This is unbelievable. Baptist in the top 100. Who did they pay off. Brian Keeley's goal for 2007 is to be the top 51.What planet is he living on? This proves he has no idea what is really going on in his organization. Nurses are leaving in droves for less expensive places to live,better pay and where they are treated fairly.There is no way a nurse can live in Miami with Baptist Hosp. wages. I cant wait to see what Brian does to be in the top 51. The only way this will happen is if he starts giving raises. This might cut into his one million dollar a year salary!

Congrats to Wegman's! I grew up in Rochester then lived in Pennsylvania for 10 years. I used to load up my kids and drive 60 minutes just to shop at Wegman's. I am thrilled to be back in NY and have a Wegman's 2 miles away! Just go once and you'll see why it is THE best grocery store!

I am a long time employee at Baptist Hospital and am proud to be a part of this organization. However, we do have internal problems that must be addressed. There is so much layering of staff that is it difficult to understand "who does what" anymore. Also, managers must be trained not to micro-manage their staff, when you feel trusted and professional you rise to the bar. This is very common in this organization and true leaders are hard to find. We now have a new CEO who we are hoping can bring us back to what we were, a truly friendly and caring institution. Also, long term employees should feel valued and longevity should be rewarded as in other large employer groups in South Florida. Expierenced caring nurses within the system need to stay here.

I'm a bit confused as to how David Weekley Homes made this list. I worked for another homebuilder for almost five years before coming on board to Weekley this past year. Honestly, the #24 ranking from last year by Fortune was a big reason. Wow, was that a mistake. The training provided was excellent, but after that there is a big dropoff. The company as a wholeis very unorganized, dishonest, and the morale is very low among team members. In order for Fortune to continue to make this a reputable 100 list, I would encourage a more thorough analysis of the companies, especially Weekley. I think if you peel back the layers of this apple, you will find it is rotten at the core.

Capital One- I work in the McLean office and it really is a great company to work for. The benefits are great, the perks are cool, they really support home-work balance, and the company really has a proactive attitude about its future. They not only have a flexible work schedule but they also have a future of work program, where an associate is mobile and can work from home, starbucks, or come into the building and use an open cube. I really like the diversity and the company really does support and individual's career goals, so mobility within the company is up to the associate.

I have worked for Publix for 5 years in Florida. I think it is crazy for them to be listed on the top 100 to work for! I am a senior in college,majoring in accounting, and to me my store is the reverse of how a business should be run. The management stinks and doesn't stick up for their emplpoyees. The managers think that all the employees should do all the work while they sit doing "paper-work" all day. The company offers below average wage for the amount of work you do, and the amount of respnsibility you have as an employee makes you feel like your a manger. Like I said I am a senior in college, and working there I feel like I am a manger even though I already have two complete idiots running my department. I think the company lost many of its traditional ideas as a growing comapany when Mr. Jenkins passed away, because today Publix is another one of those average slave-driving employers!

I am thinking about accepting an offer at Booz in McLean, VA. I'm just worried about work-life balance (this is in the Global Finance division). Does anyone have any insight into that?

Hey, Troy, if I had a dollar for every college student who thought everyone they worked for was idiots, I'd be able to retire at 45. When you graduate from college, let us know if you've learned how to spell. Until then, let me know where you go to college so I can make sure my kids don't go there. Be grateful that you have a job and the opportunity to go to school unlike so many young people.

I'm sure Fortune didn't randomly select these companies. Our local Publix is the one grocer in the community where I see the same employees year after year. They must be doing something right, when the competition keeps turning over staff so rapidly.

I find all the comments interesting on the respective best "100" companies to work at. These have to be skewed numbers provided by HR departments. for probably 80% of the companies. I work at one of the companies that has made the list for several years, and know for sure, it is not one of the best places in the opinion of many. They say they pay a fair salary, considered one of the largest mutual fund company, yet many of the phone associates work second jobs! Go figure.

Troy from Orlando working at Publix - first and foremost, if you truly are a senior in college, you should be ashamed of your grammar skills. Your emotionally-charged opinion of your current employer is also well below professional. I hope you present yourself differently when you go to an interview.

the fact that you are reading these blogs is undoubtedlybecause you are extremely unhappy with your present job.welcome to george bush's anything goes world of ever-increasing productivity gains by making you work 20%harder this year than last year.by now you realize that you are doing the workload of five people."ask not what your company can do for you,ask what you can do for your company!"welcome to george bushes, new America!

I work for David Weekley Homes #12 on the this years list and just want to add that it is a great company to work for.

American workers just don't get it. The halcyon days are over. Here is the motto to live by when thinking about your career: Compete or Die. I chose to compete and as a result I am wealthy and have a happy family after working at several top companies and recently selling my own company for millions after 10 more years of hard work. Now at 49 I can retire but I just took an offer at Delloite. Believe me kids, you have two choices. COMPETE or DIE. Forget about all the stuff you thought you were gonna buy. Forget about your arrogance. Just plan on busting tushi, saving your money, and speaking as many languages as possible. I speak Chinese, took an MBA from a top 5 school, and my career has never been stronger. I won't be the last guy without a chair when the music stops. PS: I give 25% of my annual income to charity no matter what. Can't take it with you. Long hours? Tough luck. Life ain't no peach and our grandfathers and fathers that died on the beaches on Normady should remind you of why you can do what you want, when you want.

So the Container Store is #4...that's very interesting. In the 6th Avenue store alone, 83% of the minorities work overnight, the turnover rate has risen to 67%, and, the only African-American manager in the store was transferred to another store. How DOES this company make the list?

Starbucks is a a great company. I can honesty say that top-ranked leaders within the company base their decisions on doing what's right, as opposed to relying on profitability alone. It offers great benefits and perks, as well as excellent training (if your store manager and fellow partners are committed to training). I believe that one's experience working within Starbucks depends on her/his manager. There are a plethora of excellent managers in the world of Starbucks. Like anywhere else, however, there are several horrible managers who do not do the right thing. I myself started as a barista and worked my way up to the role of store manager. This can be done if you have the drive and initiative, in addition to the support of the store manager and district manager.
Yes, management is hard work, especially if you take over a troubled store. If you're interested in doing what's right and developing part-time employees, this job is for you. The best part of my job is helping partners succeed professionally and personally, regardless of whether or not they want to stay within Starbucks. The worst part includes not being fully compensated for working sixty-hour weeks regularly.

I work for a top 50 Fortune 500 [tm] company and we've never made this list. We adopted the Jack Welch Bell Curve "forced" ranking for our Performance Management and ratings are handed out based on subjective criteria such as do a "good job performance" or "timely submission" or "good survey feedback." Some Managers will tell you the ratings are handed out in a totally arbitrary fashion. For instance, "Joe had a 2 last year, he has a wife and a baby on the way, make him a 4 this year so he'll get a bigger bonus."

Our ranking system clearly indicates you are ranked against your peers and not your objectives. Rankings are forced so that no one department can have more high performers than another even if that truly is the case.

My question for anyone that works at a Company that made the list, is your ranking "forced" based on a bell curve distribution?

who has info on QuickenLoans/Rock Financial. Benefits, worklife, advancement,

Oh, Joseph . . . I am so happy that you are wealthy, and that you have a happy family (despite the fact that you've probably had little time to spend with them). Thrilled that you can speak Chinese, and overjoyed that you got into a Top-5 grad school. Truly.
You might not be "the last guy without a chair when the music stops," but that's only if the game is about stress and money and workaholism. If the game is about love and joy and life, then I'm sorry, but you've been "chairless" for a long time.

You can't take it with you � that's absolutely true. You can't take money, or title, or company perks, or position, or cool suits, or a Rolex, or an expense account, or anything else with you when you die. You can only leave things. I hope that, when I leave, what I leave behind for the people I love are lots of wonderful memories of time spent together.

No, for the most part, American workers � and American companies � DON'T get it.
The companies that do get it � and I hope those are the companies that are on this list � are the ones that understand that life is what happens outside of work.

The Container Store has consistantly been in the top 10 for several years and was #1 a few years ago. I would like some feedback from people employed there. Is it really that great?

Can someone give more information about the typical lifestyle and compensation of an Investment Represenative at Edward Jones Please.

Joseph - its funny how easy it is to spot those who are full of it (and themselves). Usually it starts with recognizing that they spelled the name of the company they are going to work for wrong... its Deloitte, not Delloite. Go sell your "tough work" philosophy somewhere else.

In response to Dan, I also work for David Weekley Homes, but not for long. What a horrible place!

the day is gone for hard working people that did their jobs with pride and produce highest quality products .now a days it is piss and moan,blame someone else, bitch about all things and poor quality

I'm a new Indymac Bank employee this year and I'm suprised they didn't make this list. Indymac treats their employees VERY well. Our families and mental health are a HIGH concern to the company and, as was posted earlier, the money is good but you can't take it with you. They put family first always.

I have spoken to 3 folks at DWH and they were all top-notch in terms of talent, personable and thought very highly of the firm...It have witnessed a vastly different approach from the competition and trust that great times will be ahead in 2007 and 2008 for DWH.

I work for KPMG and they have done an excellent job with their "Employer of Choice" program. I am defending the Big Fours on this list, simply because it is just plain hard to be a professional in coporate America, working 55+ hours during busy season and keeping those employees motivated, whilst receiving daily offers offering 25% increase in our already competitive salary.We have CHOSEN to stay here and that's why we deserve to make this list! After having the opportunity to spend time abroad, we should appreciate what these Companies are doing for its employees, not just to make it on the list, but actually implementing positive work environments. Its been a sheer struggle dealing with the mentality and lack of appreciation for employees you see in other companies abroad.

Seems like everyone complaining about David Weekley Homes is from Texas... what about hearing from some employees elsewhere, like North Carolina? Anyone in the east happier with their part of the company??

An important reminder to all. Amongst the myriad of negative comments on this board one fact must not be overlooked. People who love their jobs are not searching lists containing the Top 100 places to work. Consider the source when browsing these comments!

The best company I ever worked for was a small pre-press firm in centra Illinois. I left so that my wife could take a job with another firm and have not been able to find anything comarable. Money isn't everything. I doubt I will ever work for a large firm because of that experience.

carmax... does anyone have any information on this co??? are they all there cracked up to be???

how about such a wonderful private company like Trek? Great benefits and social atmosphere. Great workout facilites and the president, John Burke, is really in touch with the people there...
you go JB...

I am only a contractor at Capital One, and even without their great benefits and pay, I am enjoying it here. They really put their words into action. They don't just talk about diversity, work flexibility, and associate growth, they mean it. Everything about the environment explains why they can get the best and brightest working here. I will try to get on here as an associate any chance I get, but until then, even for a contractor this is the best place I have ever worked.

The David Weekley Debate. I have to chime in here folks. Seems like the east may be better than the west, because here in Texas, things certainly aren't right.

I am actually a future homeowner, and In the almost 10 months (home still not finished) that I have been under contract, I have had 4 builders and 2 salespeople. The people were actually pretty good, seems like they recruit some solid talent. The problem is, none of them stayed. I have spoken to a couple of the former employees since they left. They gave us their cell phone numbers as a part of the "personal touch". Both complained of unfocused management, unclear expectations, red tape, and integrity issues.

Talk is talk, results are results. It looks like it will be about 12 months to build my home. It has been a terrible experience, that I wouldn't wish upon any of you folks.

Just my 2 cents

DWH: I'd be interested to find the employees that they claimed to have interviewed for this survey. I have spoken to my colleagues in Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Tampa, and have yet to find one employee who was actually inteviewed.

DWH better be glad I didn't get a survey!

I was surprise to see Bank Of America missing from this list. It is the most diverse, across the board, company I�ve ever worked for. This �melting pot� has generated a high standard; from associate professionalism to the revenue channel! There are many resources in which associates can take advantage of at their fingertips.

I work for Starbucks and it's a fantastic place to work. I think work-life balance in an important component. Do you have to work hard and diligently over time to get ahead, yes, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I think that sometimes people feel that if they work for a company for a number of years that they are entitled to something -I would disagree. I think that hard work applied over a time period brings character and true leadership, at the same time one must not confuse good intentions with good results, as that's what careers are built on. Benefits are great and they truely do take the average partner (employee) into the equation. I started on the front line as a part-time partner while attending University pursuing something completely different. I was asked to stay and have not looked back since. I have read numerous comments from previous and current workers of many of the companies on the list and the one thing that comes up again and again is inter-office politics and employee engagement. I think we do this very well at Starbucks, in tackling these opportunities. I think this relates to "being the culture" in your respective enterprises. I think a wise person said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world", and I would agree. If you are in a position of influence change your workplace, be that breath of fresh air, if you are not, make that your work-life goal, make a difference everyday for the people you work for. No matter how many levels of HR it really comes down to the store experience - that's why it's vital to ensure that we don't believe the old adage that "people are your most important asset" that's a misnomer, the truth is that "the RIGHT people are your most important asset". It's absolutely vital that we hire the right people and keep them motivated - too many times we hire "warm bodies" and low an behold that's the results for customers and fellow employees. I try to make a difference everyday and my employees respect me for it, as they aren't so much partners/employees that work for me in the traditional business relationship, but rather as coworkers/friends, that exists a dynamic engaging and enthusiastic relationship. In essence we work in a flat organization, all different levels of commitment, experience and understanding of business operations, but all people are equal.

There's a great author Susan Scott, ("Fierce Conversations") who says, "most conversations are with yourself, sometimes they involve others". I think this is true to work-life balance as well. We think we have to do this, this and that when in reality we ineffectively delegate, train, and retain our best people. I think we put too much on our plate fearing our boss or coworkers will think less of us, when in reality it's ok to say no to projects and most of our understanding on what our boss will think is just us having a conversation with ourselves. For those that don't love their jobs change - not everyone was meant to be accountants and that's ok. Do what you love, love what you do!

I work for Starbucks, and I love my job!

WEGMANS is by far the best GROCERY STORE CHAIN Bar none in the country. I've lived all over and have shopped at Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, TOPS, and PRICE CHOPPER and none of them come close in customer satisfaction, variety and comfort. They have real chefs preparing the food and many WEGMANS have onsite subshops, chinese, health food and pasta bars. Their offerings are top-notch. THEY REALLY TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. However, why they are consistently in the top ten companies to work for is beyond me. I worked there for six months and left on my own accord. It was a part time gig and I left for a full time job. They offer no discounts to employees on anything. In my job, I had to stand on concrete floors for each of six hour shifts. My first two weeks, i had to put my feet up after work and my ankles swelled up until I got used to it. We weren't allowed to sit down unless we had a doctor's note. If you were ever caught sitting down or leaning, you were reprimanded not by your immediate supervisor but from HR. And if you were more than three minutes late or early when you punched in, you had to call over a manager to check you in. We even had to pay full price for our Christmas Dinners at the annual party. Talk about cheap. Here is a multi-billion dollar company and they can't even spring for a $10 meal. I think the managers at corporate have access to gyms and other perks, but those of us who worked at the stores, really don't have any perks whatsoever. Once you've made it to store manager, there is a lot more socialization and they walk the store a lot. Not sure if they are really working or just socializing. The insurance must have been new, because they didn't offer it when I worked there five years ago.

I have worked for Ernst and Young now for 3 years and still feel it is a great place to work. Sure the work enviroment can be stressful, like any other client service business, but they go out of their way to promote a positive work enviroment and flexibility with hours. It's only the people who can't work efficiently that get burned out and complain about the hours. I think they deserve this position and am excited to continue my career here.

I love Nordstrom. I feel sorry for randy j., who obviously had a bad experience. I work for Nordstrom in Colorado, and having embraced our culture as a corporate family, even not being in management, I have been treated, well, "like gold".

I worked for HomeBanc mortgage, and I must say, that I "bought into the Hype" when I was first hired. However, during the training process and my intitial phase of employment, something just didn't seem quite right....if you know what I mean. They try to force the employees to donate money to foundations and do volunteer work that is outside of business hours to make HomeBanc look good. The require that associates make donations to the "HomeBanc foundation" which allegedly goes to benefit a philanthropy group. These donations are taken out of weekly pay and also they charge associates $20 if you are 1 minute late to a meeting. They are not competitive in the market, fill employees heads with b.s., and the ranking is something that has been acheived by their marketing department....Trust me, if you were to poll a majorit of HomeBanc associates, they would not even list the company as one of the top 100 companies to work for in their own city, much less in the whole U.S. This whole "Fortune 100 Best" is just a way for invalid employers with no recognition to boost their credibility towards people with outstanding abilities...however, it is all a fraud!

David Weekley Homes is a great place to work. I have worked here for two years and have always been treated well. Like all businesses we have our problems but nothing so major that it would require a bashing post. Most of the people writing these messages are the ones that always want more for less. They don't want to do the job they were hired to do so they blame the managers. It is a hassle to get a home perfect so they would rather cover things up and tell no one instead doing it right the first time. To the Team members feverishly looking for other jobs and bashing our management team. If you don't like it leave, go some place else. David Weekley is a great man and asks nothing more than an honest days work. If there is something wrong with that I guess I'm just wrong. So to everyone out there bitching and moaning, get with the program or move on to KB or DR Horton I'm sure you will be much happier there.

I would like to respond to the comment "Toyota DEFINITELY isn�t one you want to work as a salesman for!" by saying that #41 JM Enterprises is not a Toyota dealership therefore being a Toyota salesman would not apply to JM Enterprises which is a vehicle distributor to dealerships. The statement of not being a salesman for Toyota would not apply to JM and since I did not see a Toyota dealership listed, I would like to point out that the comment is not relevant to this list.
I have worked in dealerships of various vehicle lines and depending on the individual employer my experiences have been both good and bad.
I would additional like to add that as an employee of JM I take great pride in its associates honesty and integrity. This is a direct effect of the founder Jim Moran and his family. He founded his business with the idea that happy employees generate a sound business. Further he has put in place various programs to ensure that his employee�s are able to give back to the surrounding community with company assisted programs. Including job training for at risk youths, the boys and girls club, mentoring programs, habitat for humanity and the united way just to name a few. I am grateful to the Morans and the organization they have built. This is the last job I will ever have. My only regret is that I wasn�t able to start my job career with them in 1977.

I have a love hate relationship with REI. At first they are a fun place to work, good discounts, and have realized what good health benefits they provided, now they even offer to part-timers. Our store was very generous when people wanted to take a leave of absence.

But you also have the downside- you work for low pay-most hourly employees cannot afford to live on what they make(especially in the Bay Area)-you work weekends, and holiday weekends are especially busy and hard to take off.

Most of the employees are fun and if you have a good manager than even better. But you may like your manager and then they switch to a new department and you get a new manager who knows nothing about your department and tries to tell you how to do your job, even though they haven't even been trained for it.

This is one of my biggest complaints. My manager had no clue how to do my job, and when it came time for a raise I got $.10 more per hour, despite the fact that she told me how fabulous I was, and how I made her job so much easier because I was so self-sufficient-yada yada yada...but I have had other managers who have recognized my hard work and told me and shown me monetarily-so you never know.

I think this is a great job for part-timers-because if you work full-time in the store I don't think you get the recognition you deserve. But as far as a career-unless you love the retail atmosphere-it just can't pay the bills.

Like I said- a love-hate relation ship. I can come up with as many pros as I can cons.

I have no idea what it is like in the HQ or DC.