2010 Best Companies to Work For.

• Author: Stewart, Heather
• Position: Cover Story - Company overview

Monday morning--the gloomy start of another long workweek for the vast majority of workers. But each year, as Utah Business honors the Best Companies to Work For, we find a group of people who don't get the Monday Morning Blues, workers who feel empowered at work, who start the week with a sense of anticipation and end it with a sense of accomplishment.

The organizations that participate in our annual Best Companies to Work For program go through a rigorous process that includes a detailed profile of the benefits and other perks offered by the company. But more importantly, employees weigh in through surveys that measure their satisfaction with benefits, growth and development opportunities, and the culture of the company.

Utah employees have spoken, and we are thrilled to present our 2010 Best Companies to Work For.

1 Spillman Technologies

Spillman Technologies handily topped our 2010 list of Best Companies to Work For, due in large part to the overwhelming support of its employees. "I can't say enough how much I love working here," says one employee. "I've never worked anywhere that was as much fun, with as many good challenges, or with as many awesome people."

There's a lot to love about Spillman's benefits package. For starters, the company covers 100 percent of the employees' total family premiums for medical, dental and vision plans. Additionally, the company developed a family-friendly insurance coverage option so that employees don't have to pay a deductible, and they only pay a small set amount for outpatient and surgical procedures.

Other great perks? Spillman has condos in Bear Lake and St. George that are available for employees to use with their family and friends. The break room is stocked with free soda and popcorn. And employees appreciate the frequent family-friendly activities, such as Lagoon Day and a family Halloween party.

"Spillman treats its employees like gold," comments another employee. "[There is a] caring, laid-back management style, while still expecting employees to get the job done."

overall Score: 89.4

Number of Utah Employees: 190

Company Size: Medium

"Spillman Technologies understands how the strain of poor health can affect an employee and their family; therefore, the company removes that anxiety by paying for all of their insurance premiums."

- Spillman Technologies

2 Grant Thornton

The benefits package offered by Grant Thornton is exhaustive. The company offers standard medical, dental and vision coverage, but goes above and beyond with adoption benefits that cover up to $10,000 of eligible expenses, a legal services plan, auto and home insurance, and even veterinary pet insurance.

But the benefit that employees seem to be most enthusiastic about? Flexible scheduling, which enables workers to compress their workweek, telecommute or set part-time hours.

"Although this is an accounting firm, there is still a great work/life balance," explains an employee. "We have a wonderful office with a breakroom that includes a pool table, foosball table, popcorn machine and ice cream machine."

The company promotes the health and wellbeing of its employees, and it pays entrance fees for racing events like 5Ks or marathons. The local Grant Thornton office also has a running club and a softball team.

Many employees are also appreciative of the opportunities for growth and development within Grant Thornton. "Promotions are fast," says one worker. "There is a set path for promotion, so you never are left wondering. Training is held constantly to keep you updated."

Overall Score: 88.0

Number of Utah Employees: 45

Company Size: Small

* Adoption benefits

* Veterinary pet insurance

* 401(k) match

* $600 yearly wellness credit

* Legal services plan

* Flexible scheduling

* 100 percent paid family insurance plan

* 401(k) match

* Onsite fitness room

* Company condos

* Costco and Sam's Club memberships

* Family-friendly activities

"You know that quality is of the utmost importance, but that we can have fun. They allow us to have a life besides work, which is rare in this industry."

- Grant Thornton Employee

3 Williams Northwest Pipeline

"I am very proud to work for Williams. The turnover rate is next to nothing and that is because people never want to leave," says a worker at Williams Northwest Pipeline. From flexible scheduling to a generous portion of vacation time, the company helps employees maintain a healthy work/life balance. It also encourages its workers to give back to the community and even enables employees to donate volunteer service on company time.

Employee wellness is another focus of the company, which provides an onsite gym with fitness classes and a dietician--along with incentives for meeting wellness goals. "Besides educational reimbursement, they have programs ... to promote growth for those who are willing to step forward and take advantage of the opportunities," says another employee.

And on top of all that, employees report that Williams Northwest Pipeline offers competitive wages and a complete array of benefits, along with a 401k match up to 6 percent and a yearly bonus for all employees.

Overall Score: 87.7

Number of Utah Employees: 240

Company Size: Medium

* 401 (k) match and pension

* Tuition reimbursement

* Flexible scheduling and generous vacation policy

* Onsite gym, dietician and masseuse

* Domestic partner benefits

* Time paid for volunteer work

"Employees are encouraged to get involved in the community, and the company provides several programs that provide additional financial support for the charitable causes that employees want to be involved with."

- Williams Northwest Pipeline Employee

4 Edward Jones

Edward Jones gives its financial advisors flexibility and autonomy--each advisor works independently in a two-person office with an administrative support specialist. "I don't feel managed," explains one advisor. "I feel like a business owner." In fact, the company offers its advisors the opportunity to become limited partners in the firm.

Additionally, employees have access to training resources and support from management. "I can and do pick up the phone and call any of the top management to ask questions or discuss issues. Our corporate ladder is more like a sidewalk," says another advisor.

Employees of Edward Jones are also enthusiastic about the company's benefits and other perks. For example, employees can earn "diversification trips" based on their performance. One advisor recently...