More than a 9 to 5.

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EMPLOYEES at Bovis Lend Lease Inc. in Los Angeles are given as much as $500 by the company to pay for pilates sessions, jazzercise classes or even to join a bowling league.

At DMI Music & Media Solutions in Pasadena workers can bring their pets to work, while at Creative Channel Services in Culver City a masseuse visits the office every other week to offer free stress-relieving massages.

Sound like a bit much? Not in an era when a still strong Los Angeles economy and low unemployment has even some of the most desirable companies offering all sorts of perks to attract and retain talented employees.

But to truly be considered a great place to work, a company must do more than give its workers generous benefits and a good salary--even if Fido can curl up underneath your desk. The best places to work often foster an environment of respect and recognition rooted in interpersonal relationships among employees at all levels.

"In my experience, there is regularly a misconception that the best workplaces are a function of compensation and benefits," said Rich Boyer, managing partner of ModernThink, a Wilmington, Del.-based workplace research company.

"I'm not going to say that those things aren't important, but at the end of the day, the quality of the relationships that a person experiences day in and day out is more important than the figure on their paycheck."

Top-Rated Employers Span Broad Spectrum of Industries

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To that end, Best Companies Group, a Harris burg, Pa. firm that conducts Best Places to Work programs nationwide, with the help of ModernThink surveyed nearly 10,000 employees from companies across the county to produce the Business Journal's first annual list of the top workplaces in Los Angeles. Companies did not have to be headquartered locally to make the list, only maintain a workforce here.

The research firm, which has produced similar lists in 20 different states, tries to take a comprehensive approach when determining the award winners. Among aspects they examine are the culture of the organization, the communication between employees and the growth opportunities available to workers. An anonymous employee satisfaction survey accounted for 75 percent of the ranking, and an employer survey of salary, benefits and other information accounted for the rest.

Since larger companies often have more financial resources, they typically offer better benefits to their employees. As a result, ModernThink assessed the companies against similarly-sized peers. After all, while some might be attracted to the opportunities for travel at a Fortune 500 company, others like the more informal atmosphere of a far smaller enterprise.

With over 1,400 employees, the Capital Group Cos. Inc. took the top spot among large companies (which had to have at least 250 local employees.) Employees like working at the laidback Los Angeles mutual fund manager with its atmosphere of mutual respect so much that 10 year veterans are common. Employees also get free tickets to Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers games, scholarships for children and reimbursement of car-pooling costs.

The Glendale offices of Denver contractor PCL Construction Services Inc. was the No. 1 medium-sized company (25 to 249 local employees), while the 18-employee L.A. office of Boston marketing firm Aquent was named the best small sized company (with fewer than 25 local employees.)

In the end one of the defining characteristics of the companies that top these rankings is that management is invested in creating the best possible work environment. "It takes a commitment from senior leadership in terms of their belief that taking care of their people and doing the right thing for their people is the right thing to do," Boyer said.

Satisfaction profitable

Though pay may not be the most important factor in determining the top workplaces, it nonetheless can have a significant impact on employee morale--especially as the huge baby boomer workforce ages.

Catherine Shepard, a principal with Mercer, a New York human resources consulting firm, said companies have begun ramping up their bonus pay programs in an effort to attract young workers as older ones retire.

"Merit increases aren't enough to really motivate people anymore," she said. "Bigger companies are formalizing more structured bonus plans; smaller companies are doing what might be called a spot bonus program."

Whatever it is that satisfies workers, companies might be wise to emulate those on this list. Research indicates a direct correlation between good work environments and business success.

Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor of organizational behavior and human resource management at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, has written more than 10 books about the workplace over four decades. One thing that his research has shown repeatedly--but which he says has mostly gone unacknowledged--is that companies with happy employees and good work environments are often the most successful.

"Having a good workplace cuts turnover, which is costly in a thousand different ways. You're more likely to produce outstanding products and customer service--the relationships are many," he said. "There's an enormous body of evidence which doesn't seem to impress the executives in this country."

The incentives most valued by employees, he said, are those that relate to family and improving the balance between each employee's work and non-work lives. Those include flexible scheduling, time-off policies and vacation days. Indeed, more companies today are offering some of their employees a several-month sabbatical from work--as much as 20 percent of companies offer some sort of sabbatical leave, according to recent studies.

Though most of these companies offer this benefit as unpaid time off, Seattle-based Wongdoody, which has offices in Culver City, will give a three-month paid sabbatical to employees who have 10 years at the company.

"I know a lot of companies don't offer this, so the fact that there is something like this to look forward to really gives us an incentive to stay with the company," said Connie Sung, a senior account executive with the company.

CresaPartners, a Los Angeles commercial real estate firm, has also embraced policies directed at the so-called work/life balance. The company not only permits flexible scheduling, but also allows employees to bring children to work if they are having childcare difficulties.

"With today's working parents, sometimes there are issues when there are school holidays or closures," said office manager Daphane Duncan, who particularly likes the casual nature of the office. "It's important that you like where you work because you spend so much time there."

Equality, Respect Mark Investment Firm

(1)

CAPITAL GROUP COS.

Los Angeles

Business: Financial services 

Founded: 1931

Local Employees: 1,464

Capital Group Cos. is one of the nation's three largest investment management companies, with its American Funds considered the largest family of mutual funds in the U.S.

Yet its downtown Los Angeles headquarters lack the traditional comer offices or special parking spaces set aside for top executives--not even for Jon B. Lovelace, emeritus chairman, whose father founded the original investment company during the Great Depression.

"This is a very flat organization," said Darcy Kopcho, a senior portfolio manager, who traces the low-key and collaborative corporate culture to Lovelace and his father. "What I've loved here is the combination of really smart and extremely nice people. Clearly there are people here who have more responsibilities than others, but we really have a very heavy respect for an individual's opinion."

The company generally avoids elaborate mission statements, preferring to pass on the institution's values through role models and storytelling by veteran associates who serve as informal mentors to recent hires.

Erin Dolby, a copy editor for the company's online sites for almost eight years, recalls how surprised she was by how different her perception of the company was from reality--right down to its "business casual" dress code.

"My expectation would have been that it was a dry place to work with everyone in gray suits," Dolby said. "That perception was dashed by the interview process, which was so in-depth. I talked to a half dozen people before I was hired here and the more people you meet here the more you think 'These people can't possibly be as nice as I think they are.' But then they really are."

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That culture hasn't changed much, even as Capital Group has grown from $30 billion in assets under management to more than $1 trillion in the 20 years since Kopcho first joined the privately held company; it now employs nearly 1,500 people in the Los Angeles area and more than 7,500 around the country.

Kopcho also recalls that the company's philanthropic reputation was a motivating factor in her initial decision to join the company. "Giving back to the larger community has always been an important part of the company," she said, noting she has a special interest in supporting entrepreneurs in the Philippines through an outside micro-lending program. She further takes advantage of the company's two-to-one match of any charitable donations she makes.

Locally, Capital Group's management training program for selected new hires provides the option of working for an area non-profit as part of a two-year rotation through various segments of the company. In addition, workers with five years at the company can apply for a "service leave-of-absence" that enables them to work at a non-profit of choice for up to six months and still receive up to 75 percent of their salary.

For those looking to further their education, especially for a business-related graduate degree, the company offers various levels of tuition reimbursement.

And as befitting an organization that aims to increase the retirement nest eggs of its individual investors, the Capital Group contributes to a defined benefit plan equivalent to 15 percent of an employee's total compensation, in addition to sponsoring a 401(k) program to which the employee contributes. The company also offers a variety of merit-based performance and profit-sharing bonuses.

Its vacation accrual schedule is among several benefits that contribute to long tenures and a low 6 percent annual turnover rate in the Los Angeles offices last year. Workers get 18 days vacation in the first year of employment, growing to 28 days after 20 years, with bonus days accruing after that.

"It makes you feel very valued here," Dolby said. "I've stayed here because there is really no reason to leave. This is really the best company I've worked for."

--Deborah Crowe

(2)

WELLS FARGO & CO.

Los Angeles

Business: Banking, financial services

Founded: 1852

Local Employees: 8,714

As Wells Fargo & Co. grew from its California Gold Rush roots to a diversified financial services operation with 158,000 North American employees, home office executives have resisted the urge to impose top-down controls.

For the 9,000 members of its Los Angeles operations, that has meant an unusual level of autonomy for a company that is among the nation's largest employers with 3,236 bank branches in the U.S. and Canada.

Executive Vice President Edmond Leo, area leader of the Greater Los Angeles commercial banking group, cites the corporate culture of decentralization and local control as one reason that he stayed with the company well after it acquired his former employer in 1998.

"Even as large as we are, decision-making is local but also very collaborative among our different regions," said Lelo. "We as local managers have a lot of authority, and we make sure that all our team members feel they have input and are valued."

At the same time, size has its advantages. Wells Fargo, which has more than 80 business divisions, has the resources to provide a generous benefits package and opportunities for professional advancement that enable employees to stay challenged for a career.

The San Francisco-based company last year invested 2.7 percent of payroll in training programs--including 100 percent tuition reimbursement for pertinent courses--that range from nurturing mid-career executives to incubating future leaders through an innovative professional development program. That program provides new college-educated hires the opportunity to rotate among a variety of divisions and jobs within the company for between six months and two years.

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Throughout the process, they are matched with mentors and "buddies" who show them the ropes. "When you come into this organization, you aren't alone from the time you walk in the door," Lelo said.

Not too surprisingly for a financial services firm, all employees can get no-fee checking and savings, accounts and special financing rates on major purchases. Wells also offers a Waditional defined-benefit plan based on a percentage of an employee's compensation and years of service. Flex hours and family leave policies accommodate a person's changing circumstances.

Adding to the sense of community both outside and within the company is encouragement for community involvement, charitable giving and participation in affinity networking groups, generally organized around ethnic, gender and common interests. Employees can even apply for up to four months paid "volunteer" leave to work for a non-profit group.

Dolores Arredondo, 34, has taken advantage of many of these benefits since joining the company more than four years ago, after several years at another bank. Last week, Arredondo took time from her current job as a marketing manager in the community banking unit to participate in two days of women's leadership training.

"I feel like I have so many opportunities for professional and personal growth here," said Arredondo, a member of Hispanic and African American affinity groups. "That's what attracted me in the first place, and it's been even better than I could have believed."

--Deborah Crowe

(3)

BENTLEY PRINCE STREET INC.

City of Industry

Business: Manufacturing

Founded: 1979

Local Employees: 510

Premium commercial carpet manufacturer Bentley Prince Street Inc. makes its associates feel like part of a family and a team, both by valuing their opinions and health--and encouraging concern for the well-being of the planet.

With an on-staff nutritionist, healthy snacks in the break room and environmental sustainability programs, Bentley Prince employees are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and the wider community.

"What differentiates us from our competition is the people who work for us and the impact of the difference they can make every day," said Chief Executive Anthony Minite, who joined the company 16 years ago. "We are a strengths-based organization."

While other California carpet and home-furnishings manufacturers have fled for cheaper locales in the southeastern U.S., Bentley Prince has stayed in Los Angeles County even after it was acquired by Atlanta-based Interface Inc. in 1994. It is now the state's largest carpet manufacturer and specializes in custom commercial carpets.

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"We have remained committed to this state and that's a powerful statement that motivates our associates and our customers," said Minite, noting that 80 percent of his workforce is Hispanic. "Equally as powerful are the recycling and other sustainability programs we do to ensure that our operations have as little impact on the environment as possible."

Among the environmentally conscious programs: using recycled fibers in carpets and recycling product waste from the manufacturing process.

With the support of Interface, Bentley Prince has invested in professional development programs, including one that identifies each worker's strengths and pairs them with coaches and other mentors. The company also has a detailed process to solicit and reward ideas from every employee to improve operations. There is tuition reimbursement for employees working toward their GED or a college degree.

"This also is a place that encourages and appreciates your input," said Cynthia Jolinet, a customer development concierge who joined the company more than three years ago. "I don't feel like I'm working for someone else. I feel like I am working for myself and all of my co- workers hem."

Worker's compensation costs have fallen by $2 million over the last five years, helped along by a safety and wellness program that includes visits by a massage therapist on alternate weeks. Finishing touches are being put on an on-site fitness facility. Jolinet said she has taken advantage of many of these programs to improve her health and relieve the stress of her desk job, which is working with sales reps to deliver custom orders.

She has lost 10 pounds over the past year alone with the help of the nutritionist, who comes to the plant every Friday. She regularly signs up for massages and is quick to grab the free fruit and whole-grain bars from the break room.

"They offer bi-lingual stress-reduction seminars during work that they cater, to really encourage people to participate," she said. "They are straight telling you that they want you to take your time, be patient and stay healthy. And you take that practice home."

--Deborah Crowe

(4)

LONGO TOYOTA, SCION AND LEXUS

El Monte 

Business: Vehicle dealership

Founded: 1967

Local Employees: 1,028

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At times, employees at Longo Toyota, Scion and Lexus in E1 Monte are treated like celebrities.

For Christmas a few years back, Wolfgang Puck catered a party for the employees at the Kodak Theater. Not only was a red carpet rolled out for the employees to make their entrance, but they were hounded by autograph seekers.

"Usually at award shows, paparazzi are walking around taking pictures of the stars," said Kary Loefler, the guest relations manager for the dealership. "At the party, they had 'fans' going around asking for our autographs."

The El Monte dealership is the nation's largest, selling more than 25,000 new cars and trucks last year produced by Toyota Motor Corp.

And to achieve those sales, management at the dealership--owned by Bloomfield, Mich.-based Penske Corp., the diversified transportation company founded by racing legend Roger Penske--believes employees have to be treated like friends and family.

Tom Rudnai, the dealer's president, prides himself on knowing the names of each of the more than 1,000 employees who work under him. "Quite honestly, it has taken a lot of practice. I try not to manage from my office," he said.

Rudnai updates himself on new-hire pictures and name tags and meets with every new employee for a half hour within their first month on the job--from valet and car washer to managers. He also makes sure that employees are carefully screened before they are hired, which has paid off in a low turnover rate.

The friendly attitude does not go unnoticed by employees. Hector Martinez, service manager for the dealership, remembers a day when he was making his way across the 64-acre dealership to pick up a car, when he crossed paths with Rudnai in a parking lot.

"As Tom was driving by, he rolled down his window and asked if I needed a ride," Martinez said. "He didn't have to stop."

Martinez has been with the company for 11 years, starting as a car wash supervisor. As a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, he has had several tours of duty in Iraq and has returned to his job each time.

The dealership offers a number of tangible perks for its employees including an on-site Subway, Starbucks, retail store, and ATM, as well as shoe-shining and dry cleaning services. There also are company picnics and other events.

Of course, employee discounts on cars are a big perk. Longo sells used cars to the employees for $500 more than the total cost to the dealership and new cars for $100 more than the wholesale price plus tax and license. Employees get additional rewards for referring friends to the dealership to purchase cars.

"We give several tours weekly to people from around the world who have heard about the amount of business we do," Rudnai said. "They ask us what makes us so successful, and we tell them it is our people. We have loyal, passionate, engaged employees."

--Sarah Filus

(5)

LOCKHEED FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Burbank

Business: Credit union

Founded: 1937

Local Employees: 365

It's nice to feel appreciated at work. And at Lockheed Federal Credit Union there is no shortage of appreciation.

The employees, most of whom are credit union members, have an active say in the operations of the company--and they are well rewarded for it.

Through the "Ideas" online forum employees can contribute suggestions to increase the efficiency of the business and receive cash rewards. An employee was recently given $100 for developing a way to eliminate redundancy of data entries. Another was given $500 for creating a better Excel spread sheet for loan advisors.

"The monetary reward is commensurate with either the amount of cost savings or revenue generation the idea results in," said Deb Matalon, vice president of human relations for Lockheed. "If the idea is great and it makes the system more efficient, then the reward is larger."

The Burbank-based credit union originally served only Lockheed workers but now has about $2.5 billion in assets and has 100,000 members mostly in Southern California, also makes it a priority to help employees along on their career path. Each year employees have individual meetings with managers to establish a career development plan.

"The employee can communicate with the manager that they are interested in moving up the ladder in the same area they are in, or that they want to move from one job to a different kind of job in the company," Matalon said.

If an employee aspires to be in a job outside of his or her expertise, the company provides training through classroom or online courses, DVDs and books. Employees also can apply to any job they would like without a manager's approval.

The company boasts a turnover rate of 5 to 7 percent lower than the industry standards, with some current employees working there for nearly 40 years.

"On a general basis, I think credit unions treat their employees better than other companies," said Chief Executive Dave Styler. "We are not-for-profit cooperatives, and I think it has to do with the not-for-profit part. We are here for the members and we can look at the long term benefits of treating our staff well not just long term profits."

Georgi McQuitty, a loan phone center operator, joined the company on a whim, expecting it to be a short-term position. She is now approaching her 25th anniversary. "My five-year plan went out the window," she said.

McQuitty started as a member services officer and has held numerous positions, including electronic and card services representative and consumer loan officer. For the past three years, she's had perfect attendance.

"I've seen so many people come and go. A lot come back because the grass is not greener on the other side," she said. "There is so much room for growth for all the employees."

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--Sarah Filus

Big Contractor Gives Employees Strong Voice, Equity

(1)

PCL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC.

Glendale

Business: Construction and general contracting

Founded: 1906

Local Employees: 121

Founded 101 years ago, PCL Construction Services is all about longevity and stability--both in its business and corporate culture.

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The business is all about building structures that stand the test of time. But it's the firm's employee ownership plan that's provides its internal strength--PCL is entirely worker owned.

After a year with the company, any staffer of the construction and general contracting firm, even clerks and receptionists, can own shares in the company, something that those who participate say makes them much more committed.

"We all have to work, why not work at a nice place and get a piece of the big pie?" said Anne Schimmel, the company's human resources manager and a 14-year PCL veteran. "It's our company, which makes it all the sweeter. When we have a great profit year we all partake in that. It's really something special."

Employees have owned the company through the equity program since the late 1970s. Though the company wouldn't release specific numbers, more than half of the employees participate in the ownership. There's not a lot of turnover, either.

It's common for employees to stay with the company for more than a decade. One staffer in the accounting department has been with PCL for 43 years, another for 26. PCL employees said the lack of turnover lends to a sense of stability. (The Los Angeles branch opened in 1983; veterans came from other locations.)

"When people come to PCL they just don't leave," said Paula Stamp, the company's business development manager. "A lot of our employees are long term, which I think speaks very highly of the kind of place this is to work. People like it here."

The company has locations through the United States and Canada, with the Los Angeles office a unit of PCL Construction Enterprises Inc., itself the U.S. arm of Canadian construction giant PCL Employee Holdings Ltd. Employees buy shares in the Canadian holding company, but each local office operates as its own profit center and distributes them among workers.

Among recent jobs, the Los Angeles office is the general contractor at the Los Angeles Unified School District's Central Los Angeles High School, the Centre Street Lofts mixed-use project in San Pedro and parking structures for AEG's L.A. Live complex downtown.

The construction services firm has a heavy emphasis on safety and employee education, and asks each employee to complete 35 hours of "continuing learning" each year. It may sound onerous, but the education program runs the gamut from traditional safety training classes to design software training, or even language classes if applicable.

"It's anything that enhances the employees' ability to do their job," Stamp said. "This is the kind of thing that can really advance people's careers, and we emphasize that."

It's not all work and no play, however. There are informal Friday afternoon gatherings at the 17,000-square-foot offices, where the employees can snack, chit-chat and even party when they land a new contract. PCL also will cater lunch when employees are working hard on a project. And on most Wednesdays PCL holds "college of construction" meetings, during which workers watch an educational video and have a catered lunch.

"It can be expensive to do that from an accounting standpoint," Stamp said. "But you realize it makes a huge difference for people and we do it because we want to."

Other benefits include eight paid holidays annually, three weeks of paid vacation to start and a morning "flex and stretch" warm-up routine.

"It's a very friendly place especially because we all respect each other," said Vice President Colin Terras. "We work hard and along the way have some fun."

--Anne Riley-Katz

(2)

INSOMNIAC GAMES INC.

Burbank

Business: Video game development

Founded: 1994

Local Employees: 145

It's easy to understand why employees at Insomniac Games have high job satisfaction. The Burbank video game development company has a fun, laid-back culture, with perks aplenty: a fully stocked kitchen--from breakfast food to a soda wall stocked with dozens of soft drinks--a masseuse who comes to the company headquarters every week, no dress code, company lunches on Fridays and company activities like trips to the movies.

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Chief Executive Ted Price said the approach fits perfectly with the company's product: developing fun-to-play video games.

"We are an independent company; we have a very independent spirit," said Price. "Nobody is looking over anyone's shoulder and saying this is how the game should look. We don't have a rigid structure."

Next month, Insomniac employees are headed on a company trip, but it's not a seminar. They're going race-car driving.

"We really make an effort to bust out of the office periodically and have a fun day, like a fun company field trip," said Angola Baker, who works in Insomniac's human resources department. "Sometimes it can be a fun challenge for us in HR--how are we going to top that? What kind of fun, crazy, exciting things can we do next?"

There are also the more typical benefits, like a 401(k) with a matching company contribution, a full health plan with no deductible, vision and dental coverage, as well as four weeks of paid vacation a year.

Still, the company prides itself on demanding hard work. Insomniac is behind some of the best-selling video games for Sony's PlayStation consoles, including the "Spyro the Dragon" and "Ratchet and Clank" franchises and "Resistance: Fall of Man"--the launch title for the game platform that is still its top seller. The company's games also routinely win video game industry "best of" awards in categories such as "game of the year," best graphics and soundtrack and innovative design.

In its 14 years of existence, the company has never once missed a shipping deadline for any of its games, something that all of the company's employees take pride in. Employees and management alike say that an atmosphere that fosters creativity is key: Workers are in large, open spaces, since Insomniac adheres to the belief that confining cubicles or offices stifles the creativity that's paramount to the company's business.

Price also said keeping the outfit free of "politics and bureaucratic crap" is a big part of employee satisfaction, and helps keep the emphasis on the games being developed, rather than corporate structure and policy.

"We really do everything we can to make sure people are appreciated," he said. "Being independent and small also keeps us agile. Whether it's a production problem or a change that needs to be made we can move quickly and keep the energy high here."

The company's size is a factor: Insomniac is holding steady at 155 employees, and isn't in a hurry to expand, holding the belief that several high-quality games a year beats churning out products in vast quantity.

"Our success within the industry enables us to do this. We're small but have sold more than 25 million games at this point," Price said. "We can achieve success with that independent attitude. It's been a great ride, and we hope things will continue that way. We want to ride off into the sunset having fun."

--Anne Riley-Katz

(3)

BUSINESS.COM

Santa Monica 

Business: Business-to-business Web site

Founded: 1999

Local Employees: 105

When executives at Business.com set out to renovate the company's Santa Monica office last year, they didn't solely rely on your standard cadre of interior designers and workspace consultants. They sought input from employees.

And that involvement amounted to much more than a few staff members going over swatches one day after work. Three committees were formed and given oversight of different aspects of the renovation

The result of this inclusion: a recreation room complete with a television, a Playstation game console, couch and foosball table, as well as conference rooms named for Los Angeles neighborhoods such as Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice, all adorned with employee-taken photos of those areas.

The company's approach to the office makeover highlights key aspects of its workplace culture, including the high-value placed on employee input and the importance of fostering an environment that stresses a combination of fun, teamwork and success.

"We love people who take initiative, people who propose something new or show a willingness to run with something, and the organization gives these people both the freedom and support they need," said Chief Executive Jake Winebaum.

Business.com is an Internet directory, information resource and search engine targeted at business owners, managers and executives. The company also has a pay-per-click advertising network, and last year launched Work.com, which contains more than 1700 how-to guides related to workplace and business operations.

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Its own operation includes a company "green" team, which was created by a sales manager who sought to make the company more eco-friendly by creating a task force of fellow employees to propose suggestions and implement reforms.

Whether it's a recycling program or something dealing with the company's core business operations, employees have an opportunity to provide their views directly to the boss: Over the course of the year, Winebaum has lunch with all 105 employees.

"During the lunch I ask each person two questions," Winebaum said, "What would you do if you had my job? What are three things you feel the company can do better?"

Jeff Copeland, a product manager for content at the Web site, couldn't recall exactly how he responded to Winebaum's questions during his lunch with the chief executive, which occurred just a month after he started in May 2006, but said the experience definitely left an impression on him.

"For me, as a newcomer it set a tone that they are open," said Copeland. "They want to know what you think about what is going on."

And at Business.com this communication highway goes both ways. Copeland said he's "never worked in a more candid organization in terms of talking about financial performance and the direction of the company."

From Winebaum's perspective, the reason for the candor about the company and its direction is fairly simple.

"We are pretty careful about creating really clear goals for the company, and communicating how each individual is going to contribute to the achievement of those goals," he said.

--Drew Combs

(4)

MURPHY O'BRIEN INC.

Santa Monica

Business: Public relations 

Founded: 1989

Local Employees: 36

Anna Huggins calls it the boomerang effect--the tendency of job-hopping employees to leave Murphy O'Brien public relations agency only to return a short time later.

"If it wasn't for the people, it wouldn't be a great place to work," said Huggins, a senior account executive with two years at the agency. "I love the creativity that comes with the job. Also, I like being able work with people, not just at Murphy O'Brien but with the clients."

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Murphy O'Brien specializes in getting media coverage for client companies that include Peninsula Hotels, See's Candies and Morton's Steakhouse. While working her accounts, Huggins visits hotels to meet everyone from top executives to chefs. Last year she traveled to Florence, Italy and stayed in a 15th century palace that one client is converting to apartments.

Spencer Castillo, vice-president at the agency, has lived the boomerang effect. He left Murphy O'Brien briefly two years ago for a large agency but quickly returned. "It was all about the people," Castillo recalled. "At the end of the day, especially in a service business like this, you're only as good as your team."

Public relations firms usually start small and pay a lot of attention to their staff, according to Castillo, but when an agency grows past a certain size, the emphasis shifts to the clients. "They forget about their people because of the client focus," he said.

Two common human relations tools--employee training and a generous time-off policy--make Murphy O'Brien an extraordinary workplace.

In the last year, the agency has hosted three guest speakers for its employees. The first discussed how to handle tense, difficult conversations. The second held one-on-one sessions to help employees read other people's body language. The third taught "Happy Skills" so workers can feel uplifted.

"We're giving employees skills that apply not only to their profession but to their life," said Castillo.

However, Castillo added that in public relations, "it's all about keeping clients happy. If our clients stay with us, and they do, that's how we look to reward our employees."

To motivate employees, the company bestows weekly Moby Awards, "sort of like the Emmys but the Mobys for Murphy O'Brien," Castillo explained. The Moby recognizes extra effort on the job with the reward of one day off.

The agency also reduces staff to a minimum between Christmas and New Year's, while even during regular weekdays, "We don't have employees working until 10 or 11 o'clock," said Huggins. "There's a nice balance between the personal and the professional."

--Joel Russell

(5)

CAPITAL NETWORK LEASING CORP.

Sherman Oaks

Business: Equipment leasing 

Founded: 2001

Local Employees: 36

A sign in the offices of Capital Network Leasing Corp. displays the words of Teddy Roosevelt: "When you play, play hard; when you work, don't play at all."

And in an intensely sales-driven industry, the employees at CapNet live by that credo. The company expects workers to work hard from the moment they are hired. They also can earn as much as $100 extra if they perform well during their first week--just a taste of the extensive bonuses available for big producers.

"It feels good to have a goal when you come to work everyday," said President Blake Johnson. "Some people get lost with numerical goals. So we've done a good job of breaking it down into daily (sales) goals."

CapNet provides funding for equipment leases in 35 industries, from agriculture and construction to high technology and movie production. Customers range in size from Walt Disney Co. to mom-and-pop outfits, with a typical transaction at about $200,000.

The company's car bonus exemplifies its approach. Based on fast-year performance, the company contributes to an employee's car lease for as much as $1,000 per month. All members of Johnson's sales staff have qualified for the car bonus program at varying levels of monthly incentive. Mercedes, BMW and Range Rover rank as the favorite models among the staff.

"We all come to work to make money. When you can make more by working a little harder, it sort of validates spending your time at work instead of outside enjoying the Southern California sunshine," said Brian Spratt, a sales agent.

Before joining CapNet, Spratt worked as a stockbroker at Morgan Stanley and drove a Honda Accord. Now, thanks to the bonus system, he drives a Lexus ES 350. He believes the auto bonus fits well with car-centric lifestyle in Los Angeles.

Other bonuses include steak dinners, helicopter rides, trips to Palm Springs or San Diego, and quarterly cash incentives. Johnson notes that every one of his salespeople who have more than three years with the company makes at least $8,000 per month, or roughly $100,000 per year.

"The culture dictates that people are very focused," Johnson said. "All the salesmen tie the same double Windsor knot and the sales women always look sharp. Even though it's inside sales, people still wear suits everyday. It's putting on a uniform and getting at it."

Spratt says that customers choose CapNet for speedy financing and quick delivery of the equipment. The company tagline sums up the approach: "Real Financing. Real Fast."

But it takes an employee with special knowledge to quickly turn around lease transactions, so for that reason, the company also distinguishes itself with an intensive training program that lasts six months and involves close supervision by a mentor.

"The right people will either make or break your company," Johnson said. "If you expect an above-average work ethic and return on investment from your employees, you have to identify and recruit the right people--then make sure their personal fulfillment and financial success are beyond those of everyone else they know."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

--Joel Russell

How It Was Done

With "The Best Places to Work in L.A." the Business Journal has sought to identify outstanding employers who have been successful in creating high employee satisfaction.

The program was open to all companies in Los Angeles County--whether public or private, for-profit or non-profit--with at least 15 employees in L.A. Being headquartered here was not a requirement. Companies were measured against their peers: large companies had to have at least 250 local employees, medium-sized companies 25 to 249 local employees, and small companies fewer than 25.

Companies that wanted to participate nominated themselves online through the Business Journal's Web site and then completed a two-part workplace assessment. Part one of the process, which counted for 25 percent of the evaluation, consisted of an employer survey asking for the company's benefits, policies, practices and other general information. The second part involved a confidential employee satisfaction survey with 65 questions that accounted for the remainder of the evaluation. It was largely completed online.

Assisting the Business Journal was the Professionals in Human Resources Association, an El Segundo personnel group that helped get the word out among employers. The program was managed by Best Companies Group, a subsidiary of Harrisburg, Pa.-based Journal Publications Inc., which compiles similar lists across the United States and in Canada. Best Companies contracted with ModernThink, a Wilmington, Del.-based consulting firm to carry out the survey.

The assessment took a comprehensive approach, examining the interpersonal relationships and quality of communication within each organization. Participation was free and each company received a Participation Report, which included several employee satisfaction scores. Companies were given the opportunity to purchase an expanded Assessment Findings Report, which summarized all of the data collected.

Staffing Firm as Creative, Colorful as the Companies It Serves

AQUENT LLC 

Los Angeles

Business: Temporary and permanent staffing

Founded: 1986

Local Employees: 23

When Diana Scott-Monck was looking for a job six months ago, her search focused on typical business development positions which she thought would complement work experiences, including a stint at a Web site.

But her thinking changed when she came across an ad seeking an account director placed by the Los Angeles office of Aquent, a permanent and temporary staffing company focusing on creative and marketing related positions.

"The listing was colorful and dynamic," Scott-Monck said. "It had a lot of personality and spoke to me in terms of the company being more independent and creative and more appreciative of people who posses those traits. To put it simply, it had flair and passion."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Since joining Aquent's L.A. office, Scott-Monck, who as an account director is responsible for relationships with client companies, said her experiences have matched her expectations. 'There is a lot of room for the individual. There are a lot of different personalities, skill sets and backgrounds, but everyone fits together like pieces of a puzzle," she said.

Some of that individuality is present in the office's blog, titled "But Less About Me," which allows the staff to communicate with potential temporary hires but is also a forum for a wide range of topics including music, art and sports.

Aquent was founded in Cambridge, Mass., more than two decades ago by three Harvard University undergrad students as a desktop publishing and design firm. Over the years, the company's business model has evolved to focus on staffing needs and related services.

From a Harvard dorm room, the company has grown to 72 offices in 17 countries. Based in Boston, Aquent provides permanent and temporary employees to two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies and claims more than half-a-million matches between companies and employees.

Along the way, the company has been willing to diverge from standard practices in the staffing arena. In 1992, the privately held company became one of the first national staffing firms to offer medical and retirement benefits to temporary employees. The company also has an open-ended vacation policy that allows employees to use their trine to volunteer and reach personal goals.

Aquent's West Coast operations were launched by firm co-founder Mia Wenjen. Today, the L.A. office is staffed by 23-persons, nine of whom have been with the company for more than eight years.

"It doesn't feel like it has been eight-and-a-half years, which I guess is a good thing," said Sharon Strauss, L.A. market sales director. "It is not like a traditional sales environment. We encourage people to work together on accounts. We are very much about the people and not about the numbers."

--Drew Combs

By RICHARD CLOUGH 

Staff Reporter

LARGE COMPANIES

Rank   Company               Headquarters       Business

 1     Capital Group Cos.    Los Angeles        Mutual funds,
       333 S. Hope St.,                         high net worth
       Los Angeles                              money management

 2     Wells Fargo & Co.     San Francisco      Banking, insurance,
       333 S. Grand Ave.,                       consumer finance
       Suite 1100,
       Los Angeles

 3     Bentley Prince        City of Industry   High-end carpet
       Street Inc.                              manufacturer
       14641 E. Don Julian
       Road, City of
       Industry

 4     Longo Toyota,         El Monte           Retail auto sales
       Scion and Lexus                          and service
       3534 N. Peck
       Road, El Monte

 5     Lockheed Federal      Burbank            Banking, financial
       Credit Union                             services
       2340 Hollywood
       Way, Burbank

 6     Pricewaterhouse-      New York City      Accounting,
       Coopers LLP                              professional services
       350 S. Grand
       Ave., Suite 4900,
       Los Angeles

 7     Bingham McCutchen     Boston             Law firm
       LLP
       1620 26th St.,
       Suite 4000N,
       Santa Monica

 8     Panda Restaurant      Rosemead           Chinese fast food
       Group
       1683 Walnut Grove
       Ave., Rosemead

 9     Deloitte & Touche     New York           Accounting,
       USA LLP                                  professional services
       and subsidiaries
       350 S. Grand
       Ave., Suite 200,
       Los Angeles

10     CB Richard Ellis      Los Angeles        Commercial real
       Group Inc.                               estate services,
       355 S. Grand Ave.,                       brokerage
       27th Floor,
       Los Angeles

11     Glendale Adventist    Glendale           Hospital
       Medical Center
       1509 Wilson
       Terrace, Glendale

12     Optimist Youth        Los Angeles        Non-profit children
       Homes and                                services, including
       Family Services                          residential treatment
       6957 N. Figueroa                         for high-risk youth
       St., Los Angeles                         and mental health care

13     Mattel Inc.           El Segundo         Toy maker
       333 Continental
       Blvd., El Segundo

14     Sheppard Mullin       Los Angeles        Law firm
       Richter & Hampton
       LLP
       333 S. Hope St.,
       48th Floor, Los
       Angeles

15     Providence Holy       Seattle            Hospital
       Cross
       Medical Center,
       15031 Rinaldi St.,
       Mission Hills

                                                    Non-
                             Local       Exempt     Exempt
Rank   Company               Employees   Salaries   Salaries

 1     Capital Group Cos.        1,464        ND         ND
       333 S. Hope St.,
       Los Angeles

 2     Wells Fargo & Co.         8,714        ND         ND
       333 S. Grand Ave.,
       Suite 1100,
       Los Angeles

 3     Bentley Prince              510    $79,765    $28,949
       Street Inc.
       14641 E. Don Julian
       Road, City of
       Industry

 4     Longo Toyota,             1,028   $166,938    $36,033
       Scion and Lexus
       3534 N. Peck
       Road, El Monte

 5     Lockheed Federal            365    $70,762    $37,482
       Credit Union
       2340 Hollywood
       Way, Burbank

 6     Pricewaterhouse-          1,200    $77,000    $47,000
       Coopers LLP
       350 S. Grand
       Ave., Suite 4900,
       Los Angeles

 7     Bingham McCutchen           276   $401,324    $59,716
       LLP
       1620 26th St.,
       Suite 4000N,
       Santa Monica

 8     Panda Restaurant          2,200    $54,900    $18,762
       Group
       1683 Walnut Grove
       Ave., Rosemead

 9     Deloitte & Touche         1,651    $94,969    $46,708
       USA LLP
       and subsidiaries
       350 S. Grand
       Ave., Suite 200,
       Los Angeles

10     CB Richard Ellis            882   $122,922    $43,700
       Group Inc.
       355 S. Grand Ave.,
       27th Floor,
       Los Angeles

11     Glendale Adventist        1,905    $83,740    $56,722
       Medical Center
       1509 Wilson
       Terrace, Glendale

12     Optimist Youth              323    $51,231    $26,287
       Homes and
       Family Services
       6957 N. Figueroa
       St., Los Angeles

13     Mattel Inc.               2,066   $108,403    $53,907
       333 Continental
       Blvd., El Segundo

14     Sheppard Mullin             508   $258,192    $54,223
       Richter & Hampton
       LLP
       333 S. Hope St.,
       48th Floor, Los
       Angeles

15     Providence Holy           1,271        ND         ND
       Cross
       Medical Center,
       15031 Rinaldi St.,
       Mission Hills

Rank   Company                Perks/Best Practices

 1     Capital Group Cos.     Tickets to premier
       333 S. Hope St.,       entertainment and
       Los Angeles            cultural events; college
                              scholarships for
                              employee children;
                              commuter financial
                              assistance

 2     Wells Fargo & Co.      Free checking,
       333 S. Grand Ave.,     discounts on loans,
       Suite 1100,            emphasis on employee
       Los Angeles            communication

 3     Bentley Prince         Multilingual teamwork
       Street Inc.            meetings, commitment
       14641 E. Don Julian    to environmentally
       Road, City of          sustainable practices
       Industry

 4     Longo Toyota,          Car discounts; on-site
       Scion and Lexus        retail including
       3534 N. Peck           dry cleaning,
       Road, El Monte         Starbucks, Subway

 5     Lockheed Federal       Employee suggestion
       Credit Union           rewards, personal job
       2340 Hollywood         development plans,
       Way, Burbank           easy job transfers

 6     Pricewaterhouse-       Five month residential
       Coopers LLP            leadership development
       350 S. Grand           course, employee
       Ave., Suite 4900,      funded program that
       Los Angeles            provide financial
                              assistance to employees
                              and communities in crisis

 7     Bingham McCutchen      Bimonthly game night
       LLP                    and social hour,
       1620 26th St.,         internal communications
       Suite 4000N,           director informs employees
       Santa Monica           of industry and company
                              news

 8     Panda Restaurant       Wage rates above industry
       Group                  average, 10-12 percent
       1683 Walnut Grove      annual wage increases
       Ave., Rosemead         for top employees,
                              Thanksgiving turkey

 9     Deloitte & Touche      Personal Pursuits program
       USA LLP                allows employee up to
       and subsidiaries       five years away from
       350 S. Grand           company, promotes
                              employee groups ranging
       Ave., Suite 200,       from Black Employee
       Los Angeles            Network to Globe &
                              Allies-Gay, Lesbian,
                              Bisexual or Transgender
                              Employees

10     CB Richard Ellis       Leadership Center provides
       Group Inc.             leadership training and
       355 S. Grand Ave.,     professional specialty
       27th Floor,            courses, corporate
       Los Angeles            diversity council

11     Glendale Adventist     Limited free and subsidized
       Medical Center         employee housing, campus
       1509 Wilson            childcare, annual gifts,
       Terrace, Glendale      Dodger baseball nights,
                              committee to guide hospital
                              art and spiritual direction

12     Optimist Youth         Annual tuition reimbursement
       Homes and              up to $1,000, staff hero
       Family Services        of month, quarterly
       6957 N. Figueroa       newsletter
       St., Los Angeles

13     Mattel Inc.            Toy, movie and attraction
       333 Continental        discounts; new toy tryouts;
       Blvd., El Segundo      free local shuttle; low-cost
                              credit union; educational
                              loans

14     Sheppard Mullin        Health care premiums 100
       Richter & Hampton      percent covered, free
       LLP                    downtown L.A. parking, profit
       333 S. Hope St.,       sharing after one year
       48th Floor, Los
       Angeles

15     Providence Holy        Monthly staff meeting with
       Cross                  hospital administrator,
       Medical Center,        mentorship programs for
       15031 Rinaldi St.,     new registered nurses
       Mission Hills

Note: Salaries are annual averages; ND=Not Disclosed;
NA=Not Applicable

MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES

Rank Company                Headquarters       Business

 1   PCL Construction       Denver             General contracting
     Services Inc.
     700 N. Central
     Avenue, Suite 700,
     Glendale

 2   Insomniac Games        Burbank            Video game developer
     2255 North Ontario
     St., Suite 550,
     Burbank

 3   Business.com           Santa Monica       Internet business
     2120 Colorado Ave.,                       search engine
     3rd Floor. Santa
     Monica

 4   Murphy O'Brien Inc.    Santa Monica       Public relations
     1630 Stewart St.,
     Suite 140,
     Santa Monica

 5   Capital Network        Sherman Oaks       Small business
     Leasing Corp.                             capital financing
     15260 Ventura
     Blvd., Suite 665,
     Sherman Oaks

 6   Phelps Group           Santa Monica       Advertising/marketing/
     901 Wilshire Blvd.,                       public relations
     Santa Monica

 7   Fraser                 Santa Monica       Advertising/marketing/
     Communications                            public relations
     2811 Wilshire
     Blvd., Suite 600,
     Santa Monica

 8   Singer Lewak           Los Angeles        Accounting/management
     Greenbaum &                               consulting
     Goldstein LLP 10960
     Wilshire Blvd.,
     Suite 1100, Los
     Angeles

 9   CresaPartners          Los Angeles        Commercial real
     11726 San Vincente                        estate brokerage
     Blvd., No. 500
     Los Angeles

10   Rothstein Kass         Roseland, N.J.     Accounting,
     9171 Wilshire Blvd.,                      professional services
     Fifth Floor
     Beverly Hills

11   On-Site Laser-         Chatsworth         Digital printer
     Medic Corp.                               maintenance, repair;
     21540 Prairie St.,                        toner sales
     Unit D
     Chatsworth

12   Prosum Technology      El Segundo         Informational
     Services                                  technology consul-
     2321 Rosecrans                            ting and staffing
     Ave., No. 4225
     El Segundo

13   Barkley Court          Los Angeles        Court reporting
     Reporters
     1875 Century Park
     East, Suite 1300
     Los Angeles

14   Nsbn LLP               Beverly Hills      Accounting,
     9454 Wilshire Blvd.,                      professional services
     Fourth Floor,
     Beverly Hills

15   Grant Thornton LLP     Los Angeles        Accounting,
     1000 Wilshire Blvd.,                      professional services
     Suite 300
     Los Angeles

16   Oversee.net            Los Angeles        Online marketing
     818 West Seventh St.                      solutions
     Los Angeles

17   Caruso Affiliated      Los Angeles        Real estate
     101 Grove Drive,                          development
     Los Angeles

18   Wongdoody              Culver City        Advertising/marketing
     8500 Steller Drive,                       agency
     No. 5, Culver City

19   Aspen Education        Cerritos           Educational services
     Group                                     for underachievers
     17777 Center Court
     Drive, Suite 300
     Cerritos

20   Lowe Enterprises       Los Angeles        Real estate services
     Inc.
     11777 San Vicente
     Blvd., Suite 900
     Los Angeles

21   Bryan Cave LLP         New York City      Law firm
     120 Broadway, Suite
     300 Santa Monica

22   M. David Paul &        Santa Monica       Real Estate
     Associates
     233 Wilshire
     Blvd., Suite 990
     Santa Monica

23   Jones Lang LaSalle     Chicago            Commercial real
     355 S. Grand                              estate brokerage,
     Ave., 31st Floor                          investment management
     Los Angeles

24   Psomas                 Los Angeles        Civil engineering
     11444 W Olympic
     Blvd. Suite 750,
     Los Angeles

25   Kforce Professional    Tampa, Fla.        Professional staffing
     Staffing
     11300 Olympic
     Blvd., Suite 730
     Los Angeles

26   Swinerton Builders     Los Angeles        Construction
     865 S. Figueroa
     St., Suite 3000
     Los Angeles

27   CaseStack Inc.         Santa Monica       Logistics, warehouse
     2850 Ocean Park                           management, transpor-
     Blvd., Suite 100                          tation brokering
     Santa Monica

28   Faye Pollack &         Encino             Information
     Associates Inc.                           technology services
     16000 Ventura
     Blvd., Suite 702
     Encino

29   Brown & Riding         Los Angeles        Wholesale insurance
     Insurance                                 brokerage
     Services Inc. 777
     S. Figueroa St.
     Suite 2550, Los
     Angeles

30   Nelson & Associates    Santa Fe Springs   Electrical/technology
     12816 Leffingwell                         sales
     Ave. Santa Fe
     Springs

31   Creative Channel       Culver City        Integrated retail
     Services LLC                              marketing services
     600 Corporate
     Pointe, Suite 150
     Culver City

32   Administaff Inc.       Houston            Professional employer
     1440 S. Bridgegate                        organization
     Drive, Suite 100
     Diamond Bar

33   Gursey Schneider       Los Angeles        Accounting,
     & Co. LLP                                 financial services
     10351 Santa Monica
     Blvd., Suite 300
     Los Angeles

34   Liner Yankelevitz      Los Angeles        Law firm
     Sunshine &
     Regenstreif LLP
     1100 Glendon
     Ave.,14th Floor
     Los Angeles

35   Health Advocates       Sherman Oaks       Hospital health care
     13412 Ventura                             benefits services
     Blvd., Suite 300
     Sherman Oaks

36   Bovis Lend Lease       New York           Construction management
     Inc.
     800 W. Sixth
     St., 16th Floor
     Los Angeles

37   1st Century Bank       Los Angeles        Full service bank
     1875 Century Park
     East, Suite 1400
     Los Angeles

38   Solid Concepts Inc.    Valencia           Specialized
     28309 Avenue                              manufacturing
     Crocker, Valencia

39   CH2M Hill              Englewood, Colo.   Engineering and
     1000 Wilshire                             construction
     Blvd., 21st Floor
     Los Angeles

40   DMI Music &            Pasadena           Music marketing
     Media Solutions
     35 W. Dayton
     St., Pasadena
                                                      Non-
                            Local       Exempt        Exempt
Rank Company                Employees   Salaries      Salaries

 1   PCL Construction          121          $74,925    $43,600
     Services Inc.
     700 N. Central
     Avenue, Suite 700,
     Glendale

 2   Insomniac Games           155          $82,959    $70,216
     2255 North Ontario
     St., Suite 550,
     Burbank

 3   Business.com              105              ND          ND
     2120 Colorado Ave.,
     3rd Floor. Santa
     Monica

 4   Murphy O'Brien Inc.        36               ND    $12 per
     1630 Stewart St.,                                    hour
     Suite 140,
     Santa Monica

 5   Capital Network            36      Commission-    $36,000
     Leasing Corp.                       only after
     15260 Ventura                         6 months
     Blvd., Suite 665,
     Sherman Oaks

 6   Phelps Group               60               ND         ND
     901 Wilshire Blvd.,
     Santa Monica

 7   Fraser                     28          $81,000         NA
     Communications
     2811 Wilshire
     Blvd., Suite 600,
     Santa Monica

 8   Singer Lewak              166          $80,000    $60,000
     Greenbaum &
     Goldstein LLP 10960
     Wilshire Blvd.,
     Suite 1100, Los
     Angeles

 9   CresaPartners              43         $355,000    $55,000
     11726 San Vincente
     Blvd., No. 500
     Los Angeles

10   Rothstein Kass             84         $109,806    $55,286
     9171 Wilshire Blvd.,
     Fifth Floor
     Beverly Hills

11   On-Site Laser-             54              ND          ND
     Medic Corp.
     21540 Prairie St.,
     Unit D
     Chatsworth

12   Prosum Technology         102          $90,000    $75,000
     Services
     2321 Rosecrans
     Ave., No. 4225
     El Segundo

13   Barkley Court              37          $65,000    $46,000
     Reporters
     1875 Century Park
     East, Suite 1300
     Los Angeles

14   Nsbn LLP                   68          $70,000    $55,000
     9454 Wilshire Blvd.,
     Fourth Floor,
     Beverly Hills

15   Grant Thornton LLP        156          $74,009    $52,000
     1000 Wilshire Blvd.,
     Suite 300
     Los Angeles

16   Oversee.net               166          $87,100    $32,300
     818 West Seventh St.
     Los Angeles

17   Caruso Affiliated         101               ND         ND
     101 Grove Drive,
     Los Angeles

18   Wongdoody                  49               ND        ND
     8500 Steller Drive,
     No. 5, Culver City

19   Aspen Education            60          $92,715    $41,038
     Group
     17777 Center Court
     Drive, Suite 300
     Cerritos

20   Lowe Enterprises          132         $123,000    $36,000
     Inc.
     11777 San Vicente
     Blvd., Suite 900
     Los Angeles

21   Bryan Cave LLP            133               ND         ND
     120 Broadway, Suite
     300 Santa Monica

22   M. David Paul &            51          $76,500    $47,500
     Associates
     233 Wilshire
     Blvd., Suite 990
     Santa Monica

23   Jones Lang LaSalle        228          $76,091    $57,420
     355 S. Grand
     Ave., 31st Floor
     Los Angeles

24   Psomas                    193          $87,200    $47,500
     11444 W Olympic
     Blvd. Suite 750,
     Los Angeles

25   Kforce Professional        79          $52,000    $30,000
     Staffing
     11300 Olympic
     Blvd., Suite 730
     Los Angeles

26   Swinerton Builders        117               ND         ND
     865 S. Figueroa
     St., Suite 3000
     Los Angeles

27   CaseStack Inc.             73          $77,382    $42,229
     2850 Ocean Park
     Blvd., Suite 100
     Santa Monica

28   Faye Pollack &             36          $75,000    $50,000
     Associates Inc.
     16000 Ventura
     Blvd., Suite 702
     Encino

29   Brown & Riding             50         $116,289    $41,578
     Insurance
     Services Inc. 777
     S. Figueroa St.
     Suite 2550, Los
     Angeles

30   Nelson & Associates        77          $73,000    $42,000
     12816 Leffingwell
     Ave. Santa Fe
     Springs

31   Creative Channel           58          $59,000    $33,000
     Services LLC
     600 Corporate
     Pointe, Suite 150
     Culver City

32   Administaff Inc.          119          $69,019    $38,690
     1440 S. Bridgegate
     Drive, Suite 100
     Diamond Bar

33   Gursey Schneider          114          $77,350    $55,715
     & Co. LLP
     10351 Santa Monica
     Blvd., Suite 300
     Los Angeles

34   Liner Yankelevitz         161         $150,000    $60,000
     Sunshine &
     Regenstreif LLP
     1100 Glendon
     Ave.,14th Floor
     Los Angeles

35   Health Advocates          166          $75,000    $32,700
     13412 Ventura
     Blvd., Suite 300
     Sherman Oaks

36   Bovis Lend Lease          118              ND         ND
     Inc.
     800 W. Sixth
     St., 16th Floor
     Los Angeles

37   1st Century Bank           35         $113,182    $44,130
     1875 Century Park
     East, Suite 1400
     Los Angeles

38   Solid Concepts Inc.       138          $77,000    $27,000
     28309 Avenue
     Crocker, Valencia

39   CH2M Hill                  66         $109,898    $50,390
     1000 Wilshire
     Blvd., 21st Floor
     Los Angeles

40   DMI Music &                67          $80,000    $32,000
     Media Solutions
     35 W. Dayton
     St., Pasadena

Rank Company                Perks/Best Practices

 1   PCL Construction       Matching college/university
     Services Inc.          contributions, flexible work hours,
     700 N. Central         no limit on sick days
     Avenue, Suite 700,
     Glendale

 2   Insomniac Games        100% employer paid health and
     2255 North Ontario     insurance benefits, fully stocked
     St., Suite 550,        kitchen, catered lunches on Friday
     Burbank

 3   Business.com           Employee input in workplace redesign,
     2120 Colorado Ave.,    including recreation room; internal
     3rd Floor. Santa       education program promoted by
     Monica                 meals, gift certificates

 4   Murphy O'Brien Inc.    Workshops to enhance employee
     1630 Stewart St.,      communication, pays to help
     Suite 140,             employees reach professional
     Santa Monica           goals in personal development plan

 5   Capital Network        Cash, other incentives for
     Leasing Corp.          reaching quotas, six-month new
     15260 Ventura          employee training program
     Blvd., Suite 665,
     Sherman Oaks

 6   Phelps Group           Flextime, lunch provided twice
     901 Wilshire Blvd.,    weekly, pay advances, personal
     Santa Monica           leave, on-site shower, tuition
                            reimbursement up to $5,250 annually

 7   Fraser                 Wellness program, including
     Communications         weekly massages and $400 expense
     2811 Wilshire          account for wellness-related
     Blvd., Suite 600,      services; matching charitable
     Santa Monica           contributions

 8   Singer Lewak           Training/mentoring program to
     Greenbaum &            groom firm leadership, employee
     Goldstein LLP 10960    lunches with managing partner
     Wilshire Blvd.,
     Suite 1100, Los
     Angeles

 9   CresaPartners          Children allowed at work when
     11726 San Vincente     childcare falls through, flexible
     Blvd., No. 500         work schedules if needed
     Los Angeles

10   Rothstein Kass         Alumni employee program, extensive
     9171 Wilshire Blvd.,   new hire orientation, emphasis
     Fifth Floor            on work/life balance
     Beverly Hills

11   On-Site Laser-         $1,000 bonus for employee
     Medic Corp.            referrals, commissions available
     21540 Prairie St.,     to all employees, weekly massages,
     Unit D                 cruise for those who meet annual
     Chatsworth             goals

12   Prosum Technology      Annual bowling event emphasizing
     Services               creative team work, scary movies
     2321 Rosecrans         and dinner on Halloween, weekly
     Ave., No. 4225         lunch, breakfast and dinner on
     El Segundo             Thursday

13   Barkley Court          Monthly lunch with guest speakers,
     Reporters              eco-friendly practices
     1875 Century Park
     East, Suite 1300
     Los Angeles

14   Nsbn LLP               Free lunch food, weekly massages,
     9454 Wilshire Blvd.,   dinners, river rafting, volleyball
     Fourth Floor,          teams, annual Dodgers night
     Beverly Hills

15   Grant Thornton LLP     Career-long employee development
     1000 Wilshire Blvd.,   program, specially prepared
     Suite 300              business book reviews, employee
     Los Angeles            concierge to help meet professional
                            and personal requests

16   Oversee.net            Free snacks and drinks, Friday
     818 West Seventh St.   catered lunches, free mail
     Los Angeles            service,  personal travel
                            service, legal assistance to
                            foreign national employees

17   Caruso Affiliated      100% reimbursement for profes-
     101 Grove Drive,       sional association fees, matching
     Los Angeles            charitable contributions

18   Wongdoody              Three-month sabbatical after 10
     8500 Steller Drive,    years service, half-day Fridays
     No. 5, Culver City     during summer

19   Aspen Education        Continual customer service
     Group                  training; discounts at company's
     17777 Center Court     therapeutic, educational and
     Drive, Suite 300       weight-loss programs
     Cerritos

20   Lowe Enterprises       Match 100 percent of contributions
     Inc.                   to United Way and specific
     11777 San Vicente      disaster funds, matching 401; (k)
     Blvd., Suite 900       contributions21
     Los Angeles

21   Bryan Cave LLP         Wednesday "healthy" breakfasts,
     120 Broadway, Suite    quarterly parties, incentives
     300 Santa Monica       for not commuting alone by car,
                            discounted movie tickets,
                            annual Sam's Club membership,
                            walks on beach

22   M. David Paul &        All-expense paid foreign vacation
     Associates             annually for employee and guest
     233 Wilshire           chosen through lottery, employees
     Blvd., Suite 990       encouraged to end work day
     Santa Monica           on time, take full hour lunch and
                            use all vacation benefits

23   Jones Lang LaSalle     Annual employee Town Hall
     355 S. Grand           information sessions, customized
     Ave., 31st Floor       training programs with 120 courses
     Los Angeles

24   Psomas                 Monthly internal newsletter,
     11444 W Olympic        employee stock ownership plan
     Blvd. Suite 750,
     Los Angeles

25   Kforce Professional    Employee appreciation week,
     Staffing               including breakfast and lunch,
     11300 Olympic          and carnival; team-based cash
     Blvd., Suite 730       incentives to meet goals; 90-day
     Los Angeles            new employee training program

26   Swinerton Builders     100% employee owned,
     865 S. Figueroa        matching 401 (k) contributions
     St., Suite 3000
     Los Angeles

27   CaseStack Inc.         Monthly birthday cake celebration,
     2850 Ocean Park        tuition fees reimbursed 100
     Blvd., Suite 100       percent after first year
     Santa Monica

28   Faye Pollack &         FPA University provides profes-
     Associates Inc.        sional, communication, leadership
     16000 Ventura          instruction to managers and
     Blvd., Suite 702       supervisors; end of week e-mail
     Encino                 update on firm's accomplishments,
                            staff changes, etc.

29   Brown & Riding         Business casual dress, flexible work
     Insurance              hours
     Services Inc. 777
     S. Figueroa St.
     Suite 2550, Los
     Angeles

30   Nelson & Associates    Employees assigned key performance
     12816 Leffingwell      measurements that track movement
     Ave. Santa Fe          toward goals and bonuses, formal
     Springs                employee and managerial coaching
                            program to improve performance

31   Creative Channel       Massages twice a month, free car
     Services LLC           wash coupons, monthly breakfast or
     600 Corporate          lunch, discounted company stock
     Pointe, Suite 150
     Culver City

32   Administaff Inc.       Employee financial assistance
     1440 S. Bridgegate     through employee/company funded
     Drive, Suite 100       program, employees can ask
     Diamond Bar            management questions anonymously
                            through intranet, employee
                            leadership team

33   Gursey Schneider       Flexible work hours, off-site
     & Co. LLP              work program, Friday breakfast,
     10351 Santa Monica     lunch with in-house training,
     Blvd., Suite 300       dinners during tax season
     Los Angeles

34   Liner Yankelevitz      Chiropractic therapy and massages,
     Sunshine &             employee access to corporate
     Regenstreif LLP        travel services, company picnic,
     1100 Glendon           holiday parry, monthly cocktail
     Ave.,14th Floor        parties, discount entertainment
     Los Angeles            tickets

35   Health Advocates       Companywide lunch when a
     13412 Ventura          department reaches monthly goal,
     Blvd., Suite 300       softball team, Dragon Boat race
     Sherman Oaks           team, new hires closely tracked by
                            human resources director

36   Bovis Lend Lease       Emerging Leader Program for
     Inc.                   employees; three-day boot camp
     800 W. Sixth           for new hires; safety academy;
     St., 16th Floor        80 percent funding for fitness
     Los Angeles            activities, league sports,
                            charity races, Weight Watchers,
                            smoking-cessation programs

37   1st Century Bank       Employee of month receives $100
     1875 Century Park      gift certificate or four hours
     East, Suite 1400       paid time off, employees encouraged
     Los Angeles            to participate in community
                            organizations

38   Solid Concepts Inc.    New employees receive free shirts,
     28309 Avenue           local community college provides
     Crocker, Valencia      work-related classes

39   CH2M Hill              Diversity office promotes employee
     1000 Wilshire          groups, such as Gay/Lesbian/
     Blvd., 21st Floor      Bisexual/Transgender Network;
     Los Angeles            extensive online professional
                            course library

40   DMI Music &            Summer, outdoor employee lunches;
     Media Solutions        multiple parties; employee freebies
     35 W. Dayton           and discounts; pets allowed at work
     St., Pasadena

SMALL COMPANIES

Rank Company               Headquarters    Business

 1   Aquent LLC 6100       Boston          Staffing agency
     Wilshire Blvd.                        for marketing
     Suite 500, Los                        and creative personnel
     Angeles

 2   Maternal and Child    Los Angeles     Low-income health
     Health Access                         care outreach,
     1111 W. Sixth St.,                    community agency
     Fourth Floor                          staff training,
     Los Angeles                           perinatal case
                                           management

 3   Ballpark 1630         Santa Monica    Full service
     Stewart St., Suite                    advertising agency
     110 Santa Monica

 4   Mansour Travel Co.    Beverly Hills   Upscale business
     345 N. Maple Drive,                   and entertainment
     Suite 210, Beverly                    industry travel agency
     Hills

 5   Harris Group/Marcus   El Segundo      Commercial real estate
     & Millichap                           brokerage
     2141 Rosecrans
     Ave., Suite 5100
     El Segundo

                           Local       Exempt     Non-Exempt
Rank Company               Employees   Salaries   Salaries

 1   Aquent LLC 6100              23    $60,000      $35,000
     Wilshire Blvd.
     Suite 500, Los
     Angeles

 2   Maternal and Child           18    $39,553      $24,960
     Health Access
     1111 W. Sixth St.,
     Fourth Floor
     Los Angeles

 3   Ballpark 1630                15   $101,600           ND
     Stewart St., Suite
     110 Santa Monica

 4   Mansour Travel Co.           19    $77,000      $47,500
     345 N. Maple Drive,
     Suite 210, Beverly
     Hills

 5   Harris Group/Marcus          21    $78,000      $28,000
     & Millichap
     2141 Rosecrans
     Ave., Suite 5100
     El Segundo

Rank Company               Perks/Best Practices

 1   Aquent LLC 6100       Corporate training team; open-
     Wilshire Blvd.        ended vacation policy aimed
     Suite 500, Los        at helping employees volunteer,
     Angeles               reach personal goals

 2   Maternal and Child    Employees gather daily over brown
     Health Access         bag lunches, 100 percent employer-
     1111 W. Sixth St.,    paid group health plan for
     Fourth Floor          employees and dependents
     Los Angeles

 3   Ballpark 1630         Allows pets at work as needed,
     Stewart St., Suite    generous 401 (k) policy
     110 Santa Monica

 4   Mansour Travel Co.    Fully paid "familiarization"
     345 N. Maple Drive,   trips to destinations popular
     Suite 210, Beverly    with clients, 100 percent
     Hills                 paid HMO health benefit

 5   Harris Group/Marcus   Annual team building vacation,
     & Millichap           mentoring program for junior
     2141 Rosecrans        brokers
     Ave., Suite 5100
     El Segundo