What Makes For A Great Place To Work?

As a trade journalist for more than a quarter-century, I've visited hundreds of manufacturers, wholesalers, reps, contractors, engineering firms, associations and other types of organizations at their place of business. Usually I can sense within a few minutes of the visit whether this is an organization that's good to work for. You can tell by nuances in employee behavior whether they feel comfortable and enjoy their job.

Good organizations come in all shapes, sizes and cultures. Good jobs can be found in big and small firms alike. Some operate with a very formal business-like structure, and some so loosely it seems the inmates are running the asylum. Some have dress codes and a lot of other rules governing employee behavior, some don't. Some bosses/owners have a hands-on management style, others are aloof.