The 10 Best Magazine Publishing Companies to Work For
Here’s Publishing Executive’s look at what makes these companies such great places to work.
November 2008The “Best Magazine Publishing Companies to Work For” list is Publishing Executive’s annual ranking of companies that seem to embody the philosophy that a company’s employees are the key to its success. But being a great company isn’t just about offering a great benefits package (though that certainly helps). The companies that made the list this year create environments where employees are valued and respected professionally, but they also work to help enhance employees’ personal lives. Whether it’s through bonuses, fitness centers, sabbatical programs or super-flex flex time, these companies go the extra mile to keep their employees happy—and it shows.
1. GIE Media
www.GIE.net
U.S. Headquarters: Richfield, Ohio
CEO: Richard Foster
GIE Media publishes nearly 20 b-to-b trade publications (such as Garden Center, Today’s Medical Developments and Snow Magazine) and Web sites, and manages conferences in various industries.
Overview:
• Number of new hires*: 10
• Rate of voluntary turnover*: 2%
• Bonus or incentive program for all employees: No
• Employee Stock Option/Profit-Sharing Program: No/Yes
401(k) or 403(b) savings program:
• Employer match: 65%
• Maximum match: 6%
PTO:
• Paid holidays/year: 13
• Paid time off (PTO) includes: vacation, sick and personal time
• Vacation days available after 1 year of employment: 10
• Maximum # of vacation days: 25
• Sick days: 6
• Personal days: 4
Telecommuting/flex time:
Highlights: Both. Covers home Internet access, phones, supplies, etc. Employees must work on-site periodically.
• Option to work compressed work weeks: Yes
• Employee Assistance Program: Yes
• On-site exercise/fitness facilities: Gym.
• On-site fitness/wellness programs: No
Other benefits:
• Paid family crisis time (up to several weeks)
• Adoption assistance/time off
• Tuition reimbursement
Other programs or practices that promote a healthy work/life balance:
• Paid time off for community service
• Recognizes 10- and 20-year anniversaries with family vacations or cash equals
Companies Mentioned:
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We will be doing this study annually, so there is always next year. You can go to: http://www.bestmagcompanies.com/ to find out about participating in 2009.
I am sure there are some great companies out there that were not listed, however we have to rely on the companies themselves to register. We issue an open invite to the industry, and don't charge for participation in order to keep it fair and accessible for all.
As for the quality of the list, employees at every company under consideration are surveyed, so we are confident that all companies on this list are regarded very highly by their employes -- current employees.
One note for your company: In the past, a minimum of 15 employees were required for participation; but we had a number of small companies express interest this year and frustration at not being able to be included, so we are evaluating whether we can add a "small publishing companies" list this year.
When I first saw your listing, I thought that it was a well thought out piece, until I got to company #3. As a former employee of Cahaba Media Group I was shocked to read what they said about their company. Then I noticed the asterisk and it became clear how they could say that they were such a great place to work. Everything is in the past year and only includes employees voluntarily leaving. There were some that left over the past 6 years that were voluntary as well as many that wasn't voluntary. Luckily, a former employee, in fact the creator of their Construction Business Owner magazine, started his own company, Highlands Publications, and he has taken what was promised at Cahaba Media and made it a reality. In fact, he has hired two former Cahaba Media employees so 3 of the 10 employees at Highlands Publications are former Cahaba Media employees. Other than one editor, the current employees at Highlands Publications are the only employees every hired. The books are open allowing us to know how much is made and how much is owed. That is so we each have a stake in paying off the debt thereby helping to make us more profitable. The work environment is much friendlier than I ever experienced at Cahaba Media and everyone has a say, everyday.
I wish I would have known you were even considering such an article, because I think you missed the real deal in Birmingham, AL when you picked Cahaba Media Group.