Giant tech companies like Google and Facebook get a lot of attention for their killer perks.
But small businesses have been stepping it up with competitive benefits and great work culture.
"Strong cultures are important for small businesses because prospective employees are often comparing them to their larger, more well-known competitors," Susan Lucas-Conwell, global CEO of Great Place to Work, told us.
Based on surveys from nearly 40,000 employees at 331 companies, Great Place to Work recently published its ranking on the best small businesses — less than 250 employees — to work for in 2012.
The survey asked questions related to workers' attitudes about their workplace, including the pay and benefit programs, hiring practices, recognition programs and overall satisfaction.
25. Insomniac Games
CEO: Ted Price
Why it's great:
Aside from having access to unreleased video games, employees at Insomniac Games have 55 days of paid time off and breaks "for massage therapy, a quick happy hour or a silly celebration," Lucas-Conwell told us.
Other benefits include company-wide royalty bonuses and “movie days,” where the company pays for tickets and popcorn.
An employee posted on Glassdoor that the company has a gym, stocked kitchen and provides free lunch on Fridays.
And there's ample opportunity to play video games. The employee writes: "Everybody, including contract workers, have a say in the gameplay and design. Weekly play tests give opportunity for feedback and adjustments to the project."
Source: Great Place to Work
24. Conductor, Inc.
CEO: Seth Besmertnik
Why it's great:
Employees at Conductor, Inc., an SEO technology company, gets free food at regular gatherings on Tuesdays and Fridays and on Hack Day, they're able to "flesh out an idea that makes their product, office, or workplace better," Lucas-Conwell said.
An employee posted on Glassdoor that "Conductor is a place where everyone's opinion, contributions, and work truly matters to the leadership team."
Source: Great Place to Work
23. Professional Placement Resources, LLC
CEO: Dwight Cooper
Why it's great:
If you work at Professional Placement Resources, you'll likely have a lot of meetings on Jacksonville's beach in Florida since upper management prefers to conduct Monday "8:31 meetings" and leads workouts here, Lucas-Conwell told us.
Source: Great Place to Work
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