At a time when the rollercoaster economy has thrown the business world for a loop, 10 award-winning companies have sought balance using a simple formula for success: strong benefits can build a strong workforce which helps support a strong bottom line.

“Great benefits are one of the keys to happy, productive employees. In our business, happy employees are the key to sustained growth in any economic environment,” said Bill Roark, CEO of Torch Technologies, one of The Principal 10 Best—2008.

Financial security is a critical element in employers' success in recruiting, retaining and motivating their employees. Growing businesses that provide for their employees financial futures deserve to be recognized.

“In a challenging environment like this, it is refreshing to showcase the good things happening in companies today,” said Renee Schaaf, vice president, the Principal Financial Group®, sponsor of the national recognition program. “The Principal 10 Best Companies are working hard to stand by their employees. They understand how they treat their employees during tough times will impact their ability to keep and attract great employees when the economy turns around.”

So what is the formula for success in achieving great benefits and becoming a Principal company?

It all comes down to meeting certain criteria, such as the breadth of financial benefits offered; the depth of financial benefits offered; and the level of commitment by the company to its employees' financial security.
And what companies are meeting those criteria?

To read more about the top ten, check out The Principal 10 Best—2008 report at www.principal.com/bestguide

Who knows what benefits it will bring your company?