Best Companies: to Work For.

• Author: Lewis, Di

What makes a business a Best Company to Work For? Is it by offering a robust healthcare insurance plan? Is it by throwing parties and keeping a fully stocked fridge? What about providing training opportunities that open doors for employees to rise up the ranks?

Our 2011 Best Companies to Work For program honors 25 companies that are committed to their employees' success on and off the job. From lavish vacations to flexible schedules to inclusive wellness plans, these companies put their employees first

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BRAINSTORM, INC.

The office space at BrainStorm emphasizes collaboration and stress-relieving play. A foosball table complements the gaming room, which boasts multiple Xboxes for group Halo competitions. Out of the office, the company organizes monthly activities like sporting events, theme parks and service opportunities. And during the holiday season, each employee is given money to donate to the charity of his or her choice.

"Even on the most stressful day, I will always laugh and have positive interactions with management and other employees. BrainStorm is fiercely dedicated to keeping their employees happy through spur-of-the-moment activities, company parties and all sorts of other fun things to keep spirits up," says an employee.

Several BrainStorm employees say the company feels more like a family than a workplace. "Ethical business and personal practices are paramount to our management team--above all else. They also encourage feedback and treat each and every employee as a valued member of the BrainStorm family."

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GPS CAPITAL MARKETS

At GPS Capital Markets, there are no cubicle walls or offices--it is a completely open environment. "It is easy to develop a good relationship with management because they are out on the floor with us, and part of the team" says one happy employee. Other content workers praise the flexible schedules, gym membership and fully stocked break room.

The company seeks to accommodate the personal and medical needs of employees, and unless an employee will be away from the office for more than four hours, they are not required to use paid-time off for appointments or school events.

Last year, during the holiday season, GPS Capital Markets encouraged employees to donate gifts to the Angel Tree program; the company then matched the number of children helped by employees. A recognition program gives annual awards to the top salesperson and the employee of the year.

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PRINCE PERELSON & ASSOCIATES

Recognizing that employee growth and achievement is directly related to the success of the firm, Prince, Perelson & Associates empowers employees with the flexibility to work around their private lives, a merit-based compensation plan and a robust recognition program that provides incentives to top performers each month.

"When I was hired as an employee at PPA, it was clear that I was hired as a person with potential and ability, not just as a person that would be a good fit for the very specific role that was open at the time," offers an employee.

The company has an incredibly low turnover rate-currently at less than 1 percent--which employees attribute to its "work hard, play hard" culture. The firm sponsors twice-yearly retreats for every member of the team, and often their significant other as well. Employees have gathered for retreats at Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, Las Vegas and Zion National Park, among other regional getaways.

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CEMENTATION USA

Cementation USA employees are more than employees--they are fans. From benefits to accessible management and a comfortable culture, Cementation creates a place where people want to work.

When asked about the culture and environment, the response from an employee was, "One word. Awesome" That seems to be the consensus. Employees report a comfortable, friendly environment that spills over into work with the community. They also enjoy little surprises like an unexpected ice cream truck in the parking lot.

That respect for each other starts with how the company treats employees. The company offers a generous benefits package--nearly 30 percent of employees pay no premium at all, while the others have very low costs. And employees consistently say the management of the company is approachable, caring and personable.

Support to do their job and have a life through flexible scheduling is appreciated. Employees also receive generous tuition reimbursement to continue education and improve their skills.

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Every year, each DigiCert employee gets to take a "DigiTrip," a week-long vacation that is paid for by the company and doesn't count against allotted vacation hours. As if that isn't enough, the company also brings employees and their families to Disneyland for the office Christmas party.

"I don't usually tell neighbor friends some of that stuff," says an employee. "It's too good and might make people feel bummed about their own jobs."

While these perks are deeply appreciated, many employees mention feeling empowered to provide truly superior customer care. "They treat employees with respect and in turn the employees treat the customer with the greatest care I have ever seen ... you know that you can actually help the customers without worrying about getting in trouble."

DigiCert also reaches out to the community with a yearly Habitat for Humanity service project. For the holidays, employees receive two bonuses: one for themselves and one to donate to those in need.

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DOBA

A dynamic tech firm, Doba invests in its employees through internal training and external professional development opportunities. "The company seems to be growing at an incredible rate, but with the planning they've had it has been expanding smoothly. All of this adds to the opportunities that arise almost on a weekly basis. I started this year and have already been made an integral part of their growth" explains an employee.

Many employees are enthusiastic about Doha's flexible scheduling opportunities, which help both fulltime students and those with young children. Additionally, the casual dress code creates a fun, creative atmosphere. Throw in monthly breakfast meetings and team lunches, frequent celebrations--including the legendary Doba Day--and the company pool table, and that adds up to an "encouraging and motivating" environment.

Doba also helps employees get involved in the community. This year, the company sponsored a Relay for Life team in support of employees who have been affected by cancer.

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