People who are still working, it is presumed, are supposed to feel grateful for their jobs. This might not be the case - and it points to the continued importance of what some contractors are doing to make their workplaces attractive to employees. The winners of our Best Contractor to Work For contest, like trained magicians, make it look easy, but we took a look behind the scenes.

According to a report released in early January by The Conference Board, U.S. job satisfaction is at its lowest level in two decades.

At Halco Heating and Air Conditioning, Phelps, N.Y., employees can advance quickly thanks to ample education. Doctor Cool & Professor Heat, League City, Texas, prizes honesty and integrity among its employees. At Island Temperature Controls Ltd., Victoria, B.C., Canada, the family feeling runs so deep, the company was nominated by a person who no longer works there.

Thompson Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Cincinnati, works at finding and retaining the right combination of the right people, which requires training and investing in each individual. And at Poudre Valley Air, Fort Collins, Colo., brothers Jim and Bob Weisser work hard to make sure the business is not only well respected by customers, but is loved by employees as well.

In any business environment, these types of qualities help companies hang on to valued employees. In this market, they are more important than ever.

For more on our Best Contractor to Work For winners, see the following feature articles in this issue:

• Contractor Provides Stability, Consistency

• Living Up To a Name

• Promoting Ethics, Honesty, and Friendship

• Winner Trains All, Gets Employees Young

• Cool, Calm, Collected Makes for Great Work

Publication date: 01/25/2010