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NWjobs People's Picks 2007

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Most laid-back atmosphere

Astronics AES

PHOTO Astronics Corporation workers enjoy an Argosy Cruises excursion. We think it's the best idea since the siesta. The work week at Astronics Corporation ends at noon on Friday. Most employees at the Redmond aerospace manufacturer take the option of working nine-hour days Monday through Thursday and cutting out by lunchtime once Friday comes. This is why they tell us they work at the most laid-back place in the area. Plus they can wear jeans to work and don't have to worry about bureaucracy when they want to walk into the head honcho's office to talk. One employee says there's no game-playing within the company: "The environment is such that one can focus on the job and not worry about politics." But another begs to differ. "We have a ping-pong table for employees to chill out. We hold tournaments, and one manager even had her staff meeting at the ping-pong table!"

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Talk about feeling at home at work. Big Fish Games employees told us about the game room with Wii, Xbox, PS2, Atari and a massive flat-panel TV -- all that and a nice-sized kitchen and bar. And apparently, workers scooter around the office in their stocking feet (we assume shirts are still required).

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