Book Business recently did a survey of the best publishing companies to work for, and Random House takes the #1 slot for, as the article puts it, striking "a balance between employee support and autonomy, overall corporate vision and individual contributions." Also, there's "healthy work-life balance" and "a spirit of entrepreneurship." I'm looking at the article, and I see quotes from Random's deputy chairman, director of production planning, director of human resources, children's book publisher, and director of children's production...what's missing is feedback from the rank-and-file. You might argue that their perspective is covered in the results themselves or in the detailed breakdown of the survey, but that only has catchphrases like "staff autonomy." I would've liked to hear real voices from below the executive level talking about what makes their office so great.

DISCUSS: So, how about it—if you're at Random, or any of the other 19 companies on the list, let us know what you think about the rankings, and what your office life is really like.