One of the best things in one's adult life is when you find a job that satisfies you. Definitely, not everyone can say, "I love my job!" So what makes a satisfying workplace? According to the Great Place to Work Institute, a great workplace is one that's built on sound relationships, where employees trust the people the company and the management, they are proud of the job they do, and enjoy a wonderful relationship with co-workers.
Given these criterion, the Great Place to Work Institute and Fortune has been compiling the best companies to work for since 1998. We list here ten of the Top 100 Best Companies To Work For in 2012.
1. Google
Placing fourth in last year's list, Google cinched the top spot this year because of the employee perks, the workplace culture and the job itself. Google incorporates fun and play in the workplace with a bowling alley, bocce court and yummy three square meals provided free by the company.
Employee count: 18,391
Industry: Media, Online Internet Services
State: California
2. Boston Consulting Group
Also at the #2 spot last year, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) are constant placers in the Top 100 Best Companies To Work For list because of the six-digit earnings of its consultants. Aside from that, BCG is known for pushing employee wellness and workplace equality.
Employee count: 1,958
Industry: Professional Services, Consulting, Management
State: Massachusetts
3. SAS Institute
Although previously at the #1 spot, its downgrade from the list does not mean its employees are not less satisfied. More than ever, SAS Institute employees are happy because of the perks they receive in child care, health care and promoting work-life balance.
Employee count: 6,046
Industry: Information Technology, Software
State: North Carolina
4. Wegmans Food Market
Previously ranked at #3, Wegmans has consistently made it to the Top 100 Best Companies To Work For list since it was first published in 1998. Employees cite the prioritization of health and other great benefits as the reason why they love to work in Wegmans.
Employee count: 41,717
Industry: Retail, Food/Grocery
State: New York
5. Edward Jones
Financial services firm Edward Jones climbed to spot #5 from #11 last year. Factoring in the recession in the US, Edward Jones had zero layoffs. The company has also been cited as providing a great ownership structure, in which a third of its employees are partners in the firm.
Employee count: 36,937
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance, Investment
State: Missouri
6. NetApp
IT firm NetApp ranked a step down to #6 from last year's #5. Because of increased company revenues, NetApp employees received as much as 31% increase in their salaries. The company also has initiatives such as allowing employees to volunteer for five days outside the company with full pay and other employee-centric programs.
Employee count: 6,887
Industry: Information Technology, Storage/Data Management
State: California
7. Camden Property Trust
Camden Property Trust, a real estate company, also ranked #7 in last year's list. This is the fifth year that they have been included in the list. Camden Property Trust has been cited as a generous employer, reportedly giving out surprise bonuses to its employees last year.
Employee count: 1,678
Industry: Construction & Real Estate, Property Management
State: Texas
8. Recreational Equipment, Inc.
Outdoor gear retailer Recreational Equipment moved a step up in its ranking grabbing the #8 spot. Employees have cited work-life balance, great workplace chemistry, and perks such as free-equipment rentals and discounted merchandise as the reasons why they love working for the company.
Employee count: 10,466
Industry: Retail, Specialty
State: Washington
9. CHG Healthcare Services
Rising from #27 last year to #9 this year is the healthcare staffing firm, CHG Healthcare Services. The company is known for listening to its employees’ feedback, improving its facilities, health plan, and even making Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday a paid holiday.
Employee count: 1,312
Industry: Health Care, Services
State: Utah
10. Quicken Loans
Previously ranking at #29, online lending company Quicken Loans now ranks at #10. Employees cite great work-life balance, perks such as tuition reimbursements and gym membership discounts, and additional rewards for high-achievers, as the things they love about the company.
Employee count: 3,808
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance, Banking/Credit Services
State: Michigan
These top companies are reportedly hiring as we speak! So build up your resume using these tips and head on over to CNN Money to see which of these companies need you.