Balance. The point at which a harmonious equilibrium is achieved between two or more forces.

Work/life balance. The point when family responsibilities and employment duties don’t interfere with one another.

Finding optimal work/life balance can be difficult, but some companies help their employees reach and maintain balance through comprehensive and creative benefits packages and programs. These companies understand the importance of their workers’ lives outside of the company. In return, there is a high degree of company loyalty and less employee turnover. Workers seek out companies that treat them well and help them achieve their goals at work as well as at home.

For companies to stand out from the crowd, they must go above and beyond providing standard health benefits. They must be imaginative and inventive by offering solutions to make workers’ lives less hectic. Some companies in Central Florida do just that.

Each year, the Orlando Sentinel seeks to highlight these companies with its annual Top 100 Companies for Working Families program. The Top 100 program is a chance for companies to tell the local community how they are providing for the needs of their employees.

The Orlando Sentinel produced this Top 100 Companies for Working Families special section to recognize those companies and individuals in the community that stand out from the rest.

This year, Jennifer Lesher was asked to return as a local independent HR expert to help determine the 2009 winners.

For more information, click here read the final results of the contest!