What makes a company cool? For customers, it’s mostly about cool products and services. But when it comes to employees, a cool company is one where people take pride in working. A company that expects excellence and gives back through perks and programs that appreciate, recognize, and reward their employees. Cool companies understand that by treating their employees right, the ROI will be greater employee retention, better performance, and higher profitability. These are the top ten coolest companies to work for in Boston. Find out which other companies have received the O.C. Tanner Cool Culture Award at www.octanner.com.

1. top 10 coolest companies to work for in boston

2. Raytheon offers flexible scheduling, weekly paychecks,
weekends off, 24 paid days off per year, and solid health and
retirement plans. Located just outside Boston in Waltham,
Raytheon also works with local retailers to offer employees
special discounts. Add that to a relaxed casual work atmosphere
free from micromanagement and a milestone program that
recognizes and rewards employees for their contributions and
you’ve got a pretty cool place to work.

3. In addition to offering a competitive benefits package, Thermo
Fisher Scientific prides itself in providing a work environment that
fosters teamwork, communication, and cooperation for its nearly
39,000 employees. Thermo Fisher Scientific has also instituted
milestone and performance rewards programs to celebrate the
individual career achievements of employees and further
acknowledge those whose efforts have made a difference for
customers, co-workers, and the company.

4. TripAdvisor allows its employees the opportunity to assume new roles,
rotating through teams and departments—even working from home—until
they find the best possible fit. In addition, TripAdvisor employees enjoy
excellent compensation and a decidedly cool benefits package which
includes comprehensive health insurance, 401K plan, pet insurance,
adoption assistance, generous vacation and sick days, free catered lunches,
an onsite gym, and discounts on travel.

5. Vistaprint was recognized by the Boston Globe for offering its employees a very
cool and popular perk—free lunch. Every other Wednesday, two catering trucks
show up in the parking lot and dish up an all you can eat buffet of hot dogs,
tacos, and Korean barbecue noodle bowls. This kind of tangible and tasty show
of appreciation is just one of the many ways Vistaprint helps its employees feel
appreciated and connected.

6. Analysis Group encourages and helps its employees to advance their
careers through higher education—helping them prepare and apply for
business schools while paying up to half of their tuition if they return to
work for the company. In addition to bonuses for workers who reach
their goals, the Boston based company also provides mentors and
advisors to help employees broaden their skills and work towards
promotions.

7. Boston Harbor Hotel offers VIP treatments to all of its employees,
making these “internal guests” feel as important and appreciated as the
clientele. And the free employee cafeteria overseen by the executive
chef and often frequented by the General Manager, creates a sense of
family and community. An integral part of Boston Harbor Hotel’s
recognition program is its monthly “Milkshake Moments” where the
company honors employees who go above and beyond to
accommodate a guest’s request.

8. In an interview with the Globe, Chris Crowell, President and CEO of
Enterasys Networks, explained employees are the company’s greatest
asset, and they are encouraged to “share ideas and collaborate at every
level.” Their philosophy of “happy employees means happy customers” has
made this Andover company a very cool place to work. No wonder the
company’s employee attrition rate is less than five percent.

9. Hill Holliday, an upscale advertising and marketing firm, has a family office
dynamic that makes it a cool and creative place to work. Eliminating
hierarchies and focusing on teamwork and the open exchange of ideas allows
all—including interns and juniors—to have their ideas heard in a relaxed and
friendly atmosphere. Plus, the free massages, manicures, and end of the
month parties do a lot to make employees feel valued and recognized for their
efforts at this Boston company.

10. HubSpot has garnered employee praise for providing an open and
transparent environment. A quick walk around the office and you’ll
see a fridge stocked with free beer and snacks, foosball tables, x-
box stations, and games galore. But the cool factor for this
Cambridge company? They don’t track their employees’ hours.
That means unlimited vacation. They simply ask their employees
to use good judgment.

11. ZeroTurnaround, an Estonian based company, sent several of its top
performers in the Boston office on a working vacation to Crete. Why?
Because the company’s founders had always wanted to go there.
They even got to sail on a pirate ship. This is the second Grecian go-
around for the company, and it’s set to become an annual way to
recognize and reward those employees who reach their goals. How
cool is that?

12. Visit our website to discover other companies that
have received the O.C. Tanner Cool Culture Award.
www.octanner.com