September 13, 2004

Chicago magazine, the largest city monthly magazine in the United States, has named Schiff Hardin #7 among the 25 best companies to work for in the Chicago metropolitan area — businesses that offer their employees an exceptional array of compensation, benefits, and perks — in its October 2004 issue.

"These standout companies are doing everything in their power to make life better — more convenient, more flexible, more rewarding — for their employees, both inside and outside the office," said Shane Tritsch, managing editor of Chicago magazine. "They truly are great places to work."

The in-depth cover story is the result of a partnership between Chicago magazine and MRA — The Management Association, a non-profit employers' group that advises clients on human resources issues.  MRA developed two surveys to provide the criteria for judging.  The first, available through the Chicago magazine Web site, was an extensive questionnaire designed to measure company policies and practices in pay, benefits, perks, turnover, training and opportunity for advancement, diversity, work-life balance, employee voice in the workplace, and community involvement.  After determining a group of top-scoring semifinalists, MRA then conducted a confidential survey of a random sampling of employees at those companies.  This survey measured workers' satisfaction with their pay, benefits, and overall workplace culture.  The company score and the employee score were weighted equally and added together to determine a final total score and ranking.

"Companies that recognize it's not just about the money, that look at things like training, employee development, continuous improvement — fully engaging all employees so they feel challenged and stimulated about their work each day — are the ones that come out on top," said Susan Fronk, president and chief executive officer of MRA. "Studies show that there is a high correlation between employee satisfaction and productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.  It's just good business."

The magazine last named the 25 best places to work in Chicago in October 2000, a story that received a silver medal from the City and Regional Magazine Association for reader service.

Chicago reaches more than 186,000 readers each month.  In May 2004, the publication received the National Magazine Award for general excellence in its circulation category.  Chicago is operated by Chicagoland Publishing Co., a subsidiary of Tribune Company.