Seattle is not only one of the coolest cities in the country, it’s also home to some very cool companies—businesses that go one better in providing positive work environments, plus the perks and benefits that encourage, recognize, and reward outstanding performance. As any HR professional will tell you, this kind of corporate coolness is what enables companies to attract, motivate, and retain top talent for the long term. If you’re looking for ways to increase your company’s “cool factor”, take a look at these top 10. To find out what other companies have been award the O.C. Tanner Cool Culture Award visit www.octanner.com.

1. top 10 companies to work for in seattle

2. Expedia, Inc. of Bellevue, scores consistent coolness kudos for
having a corporate culture allowing employees to achieve a healthy
work/life balance. The company is also known for providing a
relaxed, casual work environment that encourages individuals to
take initiative and fosters collaboration.

3. At SEOmoz’s Pike Place headquarters in Seattle, SEO stands for “Seriously
Energized Office.” From indoor rock climbing to ping-pong tournaments to Wii dance
competitions, scavenger hunts, and more; SEOmoz is big on rewarding its hard
working employees with a myriad of health-minded perks. And when it comes to
benefits, such as salaries comparative to Microsoft and Google, three weeks paid
vacation, flex time, and a killer 401K plan, SEOmoz has it all. In fact one employee
describes the company’s benefits package as “almost embarrassingly generous.”

4. In terms of employee recognition programs, REI offers two types of peer nominated
awards. The first is the Leadership Award where the CEO, Sr. VP’s, and 12 other
leaders who receive the award, travel to New Mexico to connect as a group and talk
about what it means to be a leader. The second is the Anderson Award where 125
recipients below management level are recognized for their contributions with a trip to
the REI campus in Seattle. There they meet leaders and enjoy a true REI experience
through kayaking, boating, biking, and numerous other outdoor activities.

5. Nintendo of America offers its employees deep discounts on Nintendo games,
hardware, and merchandise, plus plenty of perks such as free corporate suite tickets
to Mariners, Sounders, and Seahawk games. In a relaxed, friendly work environment
with open communication, leaders make sure every department is dialed in to the
company’s goals and objectives. Performance is rewarded through an equitable
bonus package, and achievements are recognized at fun corporate events
throughout the year. The company also offers employees free classes for career
advancement along with opportunities to learn Japanese and work in Japan.

6. As a provider of integrated travel and expense solutions for corporations, Concur
scores consistently high employee marks in the areas of work/life balance,
corporate culture, management, compensation, and benefits. And with a reputation
for cultivating a family culture in which the role each employee plays in the
company’s success is continually recognized by a very accessible leadership team,
it’s no wonder Concur is considered a very cool and desirable place to work.

7. Apptio employees receive a generous healthcare and benefits package,
including paid time off and reimbursement for extra-curricular activities
designed for professional development. And when it comes to rewarding
and recognizing individual achievements, Apptio has implemented the
Superstar Award Program where two superstars are picked by their
peers every six weeks to receive a cash bonus award plus eligibility for
the yearly Superstar Award, part of which is an all-expense-paid vacation
for two. Apptio also offers many cool perks, including $2,500 referral
bonuses and events throughout the year featuring free food and drinks.

8. Synapse has a relaxed atmosphere that shuns cubicles and encourages open
communication and collaboration. An indoor rock-climbing wall, plus foosball,
and pool tables stand ready to provide interaction and healthy competition
during brief downtimes—not to mention a fleet of Razor scooters and an
arsenal of Lazer Tag guns. Aside from offering generous perks and benefits,
Synapse is committed to preserving a cool corporate culture that emphasizes
work/life balance and recognizes and rewards individual and team
achievements.

9. Groundspeak employees and founders alike enjoy working in an attractively
appointed corporate office with a relaxed and casual atmosphere. As for perks,
there are plenty, including 24 annual days off, free lift tickets for nearby skiing
and snowboarding, Xbox access, fully stocked fridges, Friday night poker games,
catered meals, generous bonuses, and great health benefits. For a company that
specializes in finding things, Groundspeak has found a winning formula for
attracting great employees.

10. Zillow prides itself in a casual work environment where employees have a
free voice in the collaborative process. Along with competitive
compensation and benefits, Zillow also provides its employees free
beverages, a casual dress code, on-site games, and regularly scheduled
social events. And the twice yearly “hack weeks”, during which
employees can work on whatever projects they can dream up are a huge
hit.

11. Amazon benefits are excellent, with individual performance being
rewarded with monetary bonuses. According to employee surveys
Amazon encourages career advancement and offers many
opportunities to succeed. Driven by innovation and creativity, the
company is flexible with its workforce and offers many the opportunity
to work from home. Amazon also shows appreciation for its employees
by hosting a number of special events and concerts throughout the
year.

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