The Best Book Publishing Companies to Work For

How the Best Companies Were Selected

The “Best Book Publishing Companies to Work For” is a project conducted by Book Business in conjunction with the Best Companies Group, an independent research firm that specializes in finding and recognizing great places to work. The study was free and open to all public and privately held organizations, either for-profit or nonprofit. To be eligible, companies had to be book publishing companies that have been in business for at least one year and are based in the United States, with a minimum of 15 employees.

The Best Companies Group managed the online-registration process, conducted the surveys, evaluated the data and determined the final list of companies. Part one of the assessment (75 percent of each company’s score) involved a confidential, 66-question employee-satisfaction survey, where employees’ are asked to rate their workplace experience and company culture. Part two (25 percent of the score) included an employer questionnaire about each company’s benefits, corporate policies and other information.

Each participating company received a free report highlighting data points that reflect the employees’ experience at their workplace in eight categories of engagement: Leadership and Planning, Corporate Culture and Communications, Role Satisfaction, Work Environment, Relationship with Supervisor, Training and Development, Pay and Benefits, and Overall Engagement.

To participate in the “2010 Best Book Publishing Companies to Work For,” go to BestBookCompanies.com, where you can also find more information about the study and view sample questionnaires.

The “Best Book Publishing Companies to Work For” list is Book Business’ annual ranking of companies that embody the philosophy that a company’s employees are the key to its success, and that employee happiness translates to a more motivated, productive workplace. Many companies on the list show that being a great company isn’t just about offering an attractive benefits package (though that certainly helps). The companies that made this year’s list create environments where employees are valued and respected professionally, and they also work to help enhance employees’ personal lives. Whether it’s through profit sharing, ample paid time off, telecommuting options, childcare services, fitness facilities, adoption assistance or pet-friendly policies, these companies go the extra mile to keep their employees happy—and it shows.

What Makes the 'Best Companies' So Great?

1. F.A. Davis Co.
FADavis.com
U.S. Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pa.
President: Robert H. Craven Jr.

F.A. Davis is a health science publisher that markets to both students and clinicians.

Overview:

Number of new hires*: 21
Rate of voluntary turnover*: 5.5%
Bonus or incentive program for all employees: No
Employee stock option/profit-sharing: No/Yes (discretionary contributions based on percentage of salary; 8.5% in 2007 and 4% in 2008)

401(k) or 403(b) retirement savings program: