We’ve all heard about the insane perks offered by tech companies with sprawling Silicon Valley campuses, but it’s not just the big guys that go above and beyond to ensure their employees’ happiness. To gain some insight into which businesses put the most smiles on workers’ faces, we teamed up with Glassdoor.com to pore through their data and reviews for companies with fewer than 5,000 employees.
Glassdoor regularly reports on the best U.S. companies to work for and has knowledge to drop when helping jobseekers find the perfect position. Turns out, the biggest contributing factor to workplace happiness isn’t what you might think.
“Our research shows that a big paycheck isn’t necessarily tied to long-term satisfaction in your job,” says Jessica Jaffe, community expert at Glassdoor. “We find that culture and values, career opportunities, and trust in senior leadership are the biggest drivers of employee satisfaction.”
Whether you’re on the hunt for your first job, or simply looking to shift gears, here’s a selection of Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work 2016” winners, chosen by those who know a company best – employees.
Airbnb – Excellent All-Around Employer
Founded: 2008
Industry: Travel & Tourism
Number of Employees: 1,001 – 5,000
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Disruptive real-estate rental service Airbnb offers outstanding perks and benefits, including $2,000 of Airbnb credit, three organic meals a day, dog-friendly office and plenty of maternity/paternity leave (10 weeks for all parents, 22 weeks for pregnant mothers).
Here’s what employees have to say about working at Airbnb:
“Free food, yoga, health programs, fully paid disability leave, paid time off, unlimited sick days, flexible schedules, great insurance, easy to learn new skills.” (Great Benefits)
“Open-minded workplace with a deep sense of humility and passion. Strong set of core values that promote a generally positive work atmosphere. Upper management is very mindful of long-term growth and development.” (One of the most exciting, innovative…)
Asana – Epic Empowerment
Founded: 2009
Industry: Information Technology
Number of Employees: 201 – 500
Headquartered: San Francisco, California
Asana’s productivity app helps teams work together seamlessly, and their outstanding benefits, including life coaching, on-site yoga classes and meals prepared by an in-house culinary staff, keeps employees coming back.
Here’s what employees have to say about working at Asana:
“From top to bottom, there is a strong focus on keeping employees engaged and empowered. Employees are treated with a level of trust that I haven’t seen at any other company.” (Great culture, lots of freedom…)
“Really creative happy hours and company outings; not an excessive drinking culture like at other startups I’ve been in.” (Absolutely the best place to work)
Madwire – Incredible Culture
Founded: 2009
Industry: Business Services
Number of Employees: 201 – 500
Headquartered: Fort Collins, Colorado
According to many employees, it’s the atmosphere and quality of the culture at software company Madwire that led it to rank first among Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Award in 2016.
Here’s what employees have to say about Madwire:
“CEOs honestly care and want their employees to succeed. … You always have a team around you that is willing to help you grow, troubleshoot or learn something new.” (Madwire is amazing!)
“I shouldn’t call it work as the environment makes it so you don’t “feel” like you’re working… Instead you feel as if you were productive, yet had fun in the process…” (So grateful)
MediaMath – Unlimited PTO
Founded: 2007
Industry: Business Services
Number of Employees: 501 – 1,000
Headquartered: New York, New York
Among other benefits, marketing firm MediaMath grants employees free chair massages, a $250 smartphone allowance and unlimited paid time off.
Here’s what employees have to say about MediaMath:
“Great work life balance and unlimited PTO. Surrounded by top talent and management that fosters career growth and technical skills. … Highly collaborative teams, very little bureaucracy and politics” (Fantastic experience and great people)
“Beautiful offices, smart/friendly people, a stimulating/challenging work environment and unlimited food/snacks/drinks? Sign me up!” (Best company for a reason!)
Power Home Remodeling – Unforgettable Experiences
Founded: 1992
Industry: Construction
Number of Employees: 1,001 – 5,000
Headquartered: Chester, Pennsylvania
A construction company might seem a bit out of place on this list, but Power Home Remodeling’s growth potential and commitment to making employees’ dreams come true helped it earn Fortune Magazine’s #1 Workplace for Millennials in 2016.
Here’s what employees have to say about working at Power Home Remodeling:
“The one thing that was made clear to me early on was how much money, time and resources Power allocates to creating the most memorable events for all employees. From picnics, golf outings, conferences and charity events, to the most incredible trip to Mexico at the end of the year, every experience is planned with the intentions of making it unforgettable.” (A company that understands the value of employees)
“Firstly, you will never work with a more awesome group of people! Power is also so much more than a remodeling company; It’s truly a leadership development company.” (At Power, it’s all about the people)
Quantcast – Fun, Supportive Staff
Founded: 2006
Industry: Information Technology
Number of Employees: 501 – 1,000
Headquartered: San Francisco, California
Data-intelligence platform Quantcast helps businesses deliver personalized marketing experiences on any size screen, and benefits such as stock options, scooter races and a killer referral program keep employees pleased.
Here’s what employees have to say about Quantcast:
“Quantcast has a very collaborative, fun, and supportive environment. I love the culture here and that you’re given opportunities to make a difference to improve both the product and culture. … Management is very transparent and continually make strategic decisions that are ultimately best for the future of the company.” (Great Culture)
“There are no off-limit people and everyone is sociable, particularly every Friday during Beer Cart. …” (Super collaborative and intelligent workers)
Now that you know why some workers can’t wait to start their days, maybe it’s time to explore your own employment options. But whether you already have the job of your dreams, or if you’re working toward a career with one of these companies, count on Mint to make managing your paycheck a piece of cake.
WillowTree – Stay Healthy and Hydrated
Founded: 2007
Industry: Information Technology
Number of Employees: 52 – 200
Headquartered: Charlottesville, Virginia
By having a fully stocked kitchen, covering 100% of healthcare costs and offering kombucha, nitro-coffee and beer on tap, digital development agency WillowTree’s benefits make it one of the best companies to work for in Virginia.
Here’s what employees have to say about WillowTree:
“Working at WillowTree is a constant lesson in how to love your job. Whether it is bussing everyone to the CEO’s in-laws’ house for launching pumpkins on the day before Thanksgiving or surprising everyone with boozy brunch the day after a company-wide party, this company knows how to live by the work-hard, play-hard attitude.” (Loving your job 101)
“I wake up each morning excited to work on my projects. … As a benefit, each employee can attend a relevant conference each year, supported by the company. … Compensation that’s more or less unmatched in Charlottesville” (A high-functioning company that respects its employees)