Christian Retailing

Christian publishers among 'Best Companies' Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Thursday, 12 November 2009 03:40 PM America/New_York
Two Christian publishers have been named among Book Business magazine's Ten Best Book Publishing Companies to Work For.

The third annual listing--based on employee satisfaction and taking into account factors such as employee turnover, benefits and special programs--includes InterVarsity Press (IVP), Liguori Publications and FaithWords' parent company, Hachette Book Group.

Ranked seventh, IVP's best features were found to be $5,000 adoption assistance per child, tuition reimbursement, in-house training seminars for supervisors held several times a year, an annual two-day retreat held off-site and an "open management style regarding finances and company business."

The Downers Grove, Ill.-based publisher offers a telecommuting option for staff and allows paid time off for community service. It hired five new people in the last year and had a voluntary turnover rate of 3%. "This is a great place to work because we are all part of a mission," said one staff member. "We publish books that change people's lives."

Coming in at number nine was Liguori Publications in Liguori, Mo. The Catholic publisher's best features were found to be a "complete transparency" program with a monthly company meeting and quarterly review of financials with all staff and more than 300 classes offered for career and skill development.

With a voluntary turnover rate of 2%, the company took on four new staff in the last year. "As part of the Catholic Order of Redemptorists, we have a common cause at all levels of the company to succeed, not only for ourselves, but for the greater Redemptorist Mission," said one employee.

Employees at Hachette--which ranked second--benefit from tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance and telecommuting options.

Placing first in the Book Business listing was F.A. Davis Co., in Philadelphia. The health science publisher produces titles for students and clinicians.