Yes, there are some good companies out there
A friend of mine works for SAS which is based out of Cary, North Carolina. It's a privately held corporation because the owner, Jim Goodnight (richest man in NC, featured in 60 minutes), doesn't want to have to answer to shareholders. He's no saint (let's just say I've seen him have a 'good night' or two) but he believes in his product (he's one of the creators of SAS), his company, and his people.
Among the benefits my friend gets
-100% paid Blue Cross/Blue Shield
-The week between Christmas & New Year's Day off -- with pay, not charged against vacation time (some skeleton crew is on, mostly newbies)
-No sick days -- you're sick, you stay home. However many.
If you work on-campus in Cary, North Carolina:
-On-site daycare (and if you bring your kid to day care you're expected to visit them during the day and have lunch with them)
-On-campus work-out facility (the employees wanted a pool so he added a pool)
-No work past 5pm
Are you a problem worker? Then they deal with YOU - - they don't change the rules to protect the guilty.
The expectations are high and the loyalty is amazing (definitely cult-like). Turn-over rate is only about 2%.
So yes Virginia, there are good companies out there. They're rare, but they're out there. I think the secret is PRIVATELY OWNED. . .
(note: I'm a big SAS user and I love the products. They do listen to their customers).