(FORTUNE Magazine) – These 22 companies have appeared on our list every year since its 1998 inception.

A.G. Edwards This St. Louis--based brokerage's generous 401(k) contributions have made millionaires out of hundreds of employees.

American Cast Iron Pipe A job for life? It still happens: About half of Acipco's workers have been there 20 years or more.

Cisco Systems Longtime CEO John Chambers managed to keep Cisco's employees pumped up--even when the stock wasn't.

FedEx The delivery giant hit its best note with workers after the UPS strike of '97, when the bosses came through with a $20 million thank-you.

First Horizon National Bankers aren't known for flexibility, but the former First Tennessee is an exception--almost everyone works a flexible schedule.

Four Seasons Hotels This luxury chain extends its signature pampering to its people, with cleaned and pressed uniforms, good meals, and free stays.

Goldman Sachs The storied investment bank maintains its mystique: a place where smart people willing to work very hard can get very rich.

J.M. Smucker Last year's No. 1 company impresses even veterans of America's top companies by being really, really nice.

Marriott International One of the world's largest hotel companies is still run by a Marriott--J.W. Jr., son of the founder. About 40% of managers there work their way up.

MBNA The credit card titan is known for coddling its call-center crew with free limos for their weddings and convenient child care for their kids.

Microsoft Though not the ticket to riches it was for startup veterans, the software giant still attracts brainiacs to its bucolic campus.

Nordstrom Known for its customer service, this family-led retailer believes in giving its employees the tools they need to do their job--and getting out of the way.

Publix Super Markets This employee-owned grocery chain encourages associates to bring friends and family to share the wealth --even to four generations.

Recreational Equipment (REI) Founded as a co-op by mountain climbers who needed gear, this outdoor retailer still lures athletes and adventurers.

SAS Institute This software maker, a perennial on our top ten, keeps turnover at a low 4% with perks like a swimming pool, massages, and laundry service.

Synovus This Georgia-based bank and payment processor hit No. 1 in 1999, thanks to what we dubbed its "pat-on-the-back culture."

TDIndustries What are a bunch of Texas-based contractors doing practicing "servant leadership"? Who cares?--employees love it.

Timberland This footwear and apparel maker has managed to thrive while carving out a socially responsible niche that draws idealistic types.

Valassis Turnover here is rare. Everyone on the executive committee has had a lifelong career at the company. The newbie: CEO Al Schultz, who has only 20 years under his belt.

W.L. Gore The inventor of Gore-Tex, Glide dental floss, and other polymer-based products keeps employees engaged by letting them choose what to work on.

Wegmans Food Markets How does an 89-year-old family-owned grocery business end up as our new No. 1? By being anything but ordinary (see story).

Whole Foods Market This upscale organic utopia takes teamwork very seriously: To work there full-time, you have to be voted in by your team of co-workers.