What goes around ...

• Author: Francom, Sarah Ryther
• Position: From the Editor

Since the economic strife hit the nation two years ago, just about every company across the state experienced hardship in one way or another. That hardship is evident in the state's climbing unemployment rate, which has reached 7.5 percent--the highest rate since 1982, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While many companies have been forced to hunker down, for some companies today's high unemployment rate has posed an opportunity to snatch up highly skilled workers. Though the worker surplus is good for employers in the position to hire the best talent, the surplus has also been a double-edged sword by making it easier for employers to take their current employees for granted. These employers have forgotten the value of a happy workplace--numerous studies indicate that happier employees are more productive employees.

In this issue of Utah Business, we celebrate 20 companies that have remained committed to their employees. These "Best Companies to Work For" keep their employees working happily day after day--a feat not easily accomplished. Though the majority of the honored companies offer their employees unique perks, such as educational opportunities, flexible schedules and other nontraditional benefits, surveyed employees state that the primary reason they love their job is because they feel appreciated. If you haven't said a simple "thank you" to your employees recently, there's no time like the present--you may be surprised how a simple act of gratitude can quickly boost...