Editor's Note: Great Places to Work in Not-So-Great Times

If you’ve been a Book Business reader for several years, you’ll recognize the feature in this issue highlighting the “Best Book Publishing Companies to Work For.” This is the third year we’ve conducted this study not only to recognize those companies that have gone the extra mile to create places where employees thrive, but also to share the characteristics of positive work environments to help others striving to improve their workplace culture.
This year, however, was a difficult one for the book publishing industry, like many industries. The economic recession and the ensuing trail of publishing companies announcing layoffs and cutbacks added to the discontent of those unhappily employed, and it strained many companies that otherwise were pretty good places to work, as employees questioned the stability of their companies and jobs.