Perks at work.

• Position: BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA'S 2017 BEST EMPLOYERS in NORTH CAROLINA

Pingpong tables to paid sabbaticals--creative fringe benefits keep workers happy at this year's Best Employers in North Carolina. Even if your nap pod isn't on order, the businesses on our list offer employees the flexibility to work when and where they want, ways to fit in working out (often on the job) and paid time off to volunteer in their communities. In its annual survey. Best Companies Group polls employers on everything from average salary to hiring and promotion practices. Topping the list are Greensboro-based accounting firm Bernard Robinson & Co. and Davenport & Co., a financial services company based in Richmond, Va.

BEST EMPLOYERS SMALL TO MEDIUM COMPANIES (15-249 U.S. EMPLOYEES)

(1) BERNARD ROBINSON & CO. LLP

Greensboro, Accounting

NC EMPLOYEES: 113

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): $40,292

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From Fridays off in the summer to family trick-or-treating at Halloween, this year's top company offers some nice perks, especially during the busy tax season. That's when omelet stations and ice cream stands pop up at the office. Bonuses are awarded when employees pass their CPA exams, which are covered by the company Younger employees are matched with mentors who meet with them throughout the year. Every employee celebrating a first marriage or baby is thrown a shower.

(2) HILL, CHESSON & WOODY

Durham, Health care and insurance services

NC EMPLOYEES: 84

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): $40,721

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Think you should get paid to mentor new employees? HCW thinks so, too. Seasoned employees earn extra pay for training new workers. Other cool treats: Friday afternoons off in the summer, free fresh fruits and vegetables every day, extra cash for workers who provide their own health insurance, and group fitness classes. HCW also offers paid time off to volunteer.

(3) HIRENETWORKS INC.

Morrisville, Staffing

NC EMPLOYEES: 18

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): $32,000

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Wellness is a theme here, from a meditation room to nearby walking trails. Employees also have free access to fitness facilities in the office complex and virtual doctor's appointments through Teladoc. Bonus points for branding: HireNetworks encourages employees to use the company hashtag #hiredlife to share work-related activities on social media.

(4) VISIONPOINT MARKETING

Raleigh, Advertising/public relations/marketing

NC EMPLOYEES: 16

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): $49,920

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This woman-owned company has a new office including a "dorm" room with comfy seating for folks who want to work away from their desks, with Fido at their side--pets are welcome here. Twice-a-week yoga, time on certain Thursdays for play and professional development, and monthly awards are some of the other top perks.

(5) EPES LOGISTICS SERVICES INC.

Greensboro, Transportation

NC EMPLOYEES: 128

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): $33,500

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It may be hard to beat Epes Logistics' on-site gym, which offers personal training during and after work and locker rooms with showers, but the on-site clinic is a dose second. The clinic offers free lab work and vaccines, but virtual visits are offered, too, along with access to a health care advocate who helps employees with medical-bill disputes and booking appointments. We also wouldn't say no to the popcorn machine and food truck delivering homemade ice cream sandwiches.

(6) HEAT TRANSFER SALES OF THE CAROLINAS

Greensboro, Commercial HVAC

NC EMPLOYEES: 37

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): $50,000

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Heat Transfer is one of only a handful of companies on this list to offer paid sabbaticals, but it also offers bonuses throughout the year. Employees recognize co-workers by leaving "impressions" of good work on the company payroll system. Gift cards are awarded to those outstanding workers. Everyone in the company is eligible for biannual bonuses.

(7) JOHNSON PRICE SPRINKLE PA

Asheville, Accounting

NC EMPLOYEES: 51

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): $65,000

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From free Fitbit workout trackers to discounted rates at the local YMCA and Massage Envy, Johnson Price Sprinkle puts an emphasis on health. It contributes $600 annually to employees' health savings account and reimburses certain medical costs. JPS also offers a reduced work schedule April 15 through Dec. 31.

(8) WILDLANDS ENGINEERING INC.

Charlotte, Engineering

NC EMPLOYEES: 35

AVG. ANNUAL SALARY (NON-EXEMPT): N/R

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Wildlands Engineering has several parent-friendly perks, including no waiting period for health care benefits and orthodontic coverage. When the babysitter is sick, employees are welcome to bring their children into the office. Bonus points...