Winners:

Most family-friendly

• Premera Blue Cross
• Allyis
• Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES)

These days, local companies are well-aware of the need for flexible, family-friendly schedules and health plans. According to one Premera Blue Cross voter, "from interview to new-hire orientation to department leader, it is fully expressed that Premera desires their employees to have a balanced personal/family and professional life. Overtime is discouraged and spending time with one's family is strongly encouraged." The same sentiment is shared by staffing agency Allyis. In addition to hosting family-friendly events, the company has even been known to acknowledge new four-legged family additions. "As a single woman with no children, my dog is my 'baby,'" says one employee. "Allyis recognized this by surprising me with a 'New Baby' basket full of fun dog supplies. It meant so much!" At Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, employees can choose their work hours, including four 10-hour days, so that they can spend more quality time with their loved ones.

Honorable mention:

ZymoGenetics
One ZymoGenetics employee shared this heart-warming tale about the biotech company: "They allowed me to take off six months for the birth of each of my two kids. They throw a family picnic and family holiday party every year. I feel so fortunate!"