Americans spend on average half of their waking lives at work, but how many are working for the weekend as opposed to being able to say this:

“The people I work with are awesome. We are all dedicated to doing the best we can and support each other to succeed. Everyone is a team player and goes out of their way to help others. We all want to make everyone be successful. My group is super nice, our boss is all around great, and it's a fun place to work. Everyone has a really great attitude and everyone really cares about the work we are doing.”

Or this:

“I feel as though I am a part of a place with a strong mission. I feel valued and supported as a professional and as a person. [This] is a warm and caring environment that expects the best of all...”

Or this:

“I love coming to work every single day knowing that I am making a difference for the company. I feel appreciated for what I do and am comfortable expressing myself to all levels of management. There is always a sense of teamwork in the office and all opinions are valued. “

Those comments came from employees of last year's winning large, midsize and small companies in The Baltimore Sun Media Group's Top Workplaces — the engineering firm KCI Technologies, McDonogh School and cybersecurity outfit Fortego LLC.

The Sun is now seeking nominations for its eighth annual list of the region's top workplaces.

For the past seven years, The Sun's has showcased the region's Top Workplaces each December, based on surveys of their employees by our partner, WorkplaceDynamics, which has conducted Top Workplace surveys for more than 30 news organizations across the country.

Last year, 125 companies were recognized as Top Workplaces in the Baltimore region, encompassing the city and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.

Research shows that companies deemed top workplaces attract more highly qualified job applicants and experience reduced employee turnover.

Anyone can suggest a company — employees, customers, executives. It doesn't matter whether the workplace is profit or nonprofit, privately owned or publicly held. Companies must employ at least 35 people to qualify.

Employees of nominated firms that choose to participate will be asked to respond to a short survey this summer by WorkplaceDynamics. The surveys will be used to rank the top companies. Winners will be announced at an event and featured in a special magazine in early December.

To nominate a company, go to baltimoresun.com/nominate or call 410-779-9337.

Nominations are due July 13. Does your company have what it takes to make the list or even top it this year?

— Christopher Dinsmore, senior editor for business and health, The Baltimore Sun