WORK WONDERS.

• Position: BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA'S: 2018 BEST EMPLOYERS in NORTH CAROLINA

While traditional benefits still matter, companies today look to perks such as on-site food trucks, rock-climbing outings, happy hours and bake-offs to foster camaraderie among staff. In BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA'S 2018 list of Best Employers in the state, several themes prevail: Many of the companies on the list emphasize team building, wellness, flexible work schedules and volunteering in the community. In its annual survey, Best Companies Croup polled employees and their employers on dozens of topics, from recruiting practices to recognition programs. Topping the list are Emerald Isle-based logistics firm Transportation Impact and Edward Jones, a financial-services company based in St. Louis that employs more than 1,300 people in North Carolina.

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

(1) TRANSPORTATION IMPACT

Emerald Isle, logistics consulting

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 50 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 50

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If you work for this year's top-rated employer, you can get your car detailed for free, have a stress-busting massage in the office and enjoy access to the company's beach condo. And in the summer, the office closes at noon on Fridays.

(2) THE BROOKS GROUP

Greensboro, sales and sales-management training

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 30 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 27

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"Relaxation breaks" include scheduled chair massages and on-site yoga classes. Brooks Group employees also enjoy a variety of outings, including bowling, pottery-painting and movie nights.

(3) VERSADO TRAINING

Durham, life-sciences and other training services

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 22 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 22

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The emphasis here is on both personal and professional growth: Working remotely is encouraged, and the company offers "sabbatical-style" flexibility for employees to pursue the arts and other callings.

(4) VISIONPOINT MARKETING

Raleigh, higher-education marketing

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 21 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 21

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Employees are encouraged to bring their pets to work and build flexible work schedules, including working remotely. VisionPoint's office is designed for collaboration, with a "dorm room" equipped with a futon and a "library" with comfy leather chairs and ottomans for employees who wish to work away from their desks.

(5) BERNARD ROBINSON & COMPANY LLP

Greensboro, accounting services

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 131 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 131

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From mid-May to mid-August, employees can choose to work 36-hour workweeks of 4 or 4 1/2 days. The staff donates $10 each month to wear jeans on "Jolly Jean Fridays," with the money donated to a community cause.

(6) HIRENETWORKS

Morrisville, staffing

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 15 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 15

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A wellness program offers employees subscriptions to wellness apps and gym memberships, along with a meditation room to get away from their desks. Employees who meet quarterly goals earn extra paid time off.

(7) SAMET CORP.

Greensboro, general contractor

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 179 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 169

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Fitness is a focus at this family-owned company--from exercise classes to fitness challenges with daily goals and group activities. To unwind, the employees gather at Topgolf, a bowling alley or a local bar for drinks and appetizers after work.

(8) CHAMPION CREDIT UNION

Canton, financial services

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 83 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 83

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This western N.C. credit union stresses work-life balance, offering employees paid time off for volunteering in the community. The firm has family-oriented corporate events and relaxes a bit with casual dress days.

(9) BAERING

Raleigh, strategic communications and brand marketing

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 17 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 17

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From scavenger hunts at the mall to team rock climbing, employees at this advertising and public-relations firm enjoy some fun perks. During the summer, they work half days every other Friday.

(10) RED MOON MARKETING

Charlotte, marketing and creative services

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 28 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 28

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Regular team outings and happy hours lift morale at this creative firm. Recognition programs include employee of the year and awards for customer service and displaying positive energy.

(11) FORREST FIRM PC

Durham, legal services

U.S. EMPLOYEES: 30 | N.C. EMPLOYEES: 30

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Employees at...