The 50 Best Places to Work in 2023

Updated April 25, 2024 01:21PM

1. Rule4

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Cybersecurity and emerging-technology advisory services
Number of employees: 17
Average salary: $154,000
Vacation time: 21 days + 1 day for each year with the company, up to 31 days

Perks: Outdoor adventure retreats (two or three a year), 100 percent employer-paid healthcare, $1,000 annual outdoor pass stipend, four-day work weeks, five-week sabbatical every five years, dog-friendly office, free pet adoptions and “pet-ternity” leave

What makes it great: “Everyone here has tried at least one new hobby or outdoor activity because our benefits support that, and because the whole team is happy to share knowledge and expertise. There’s no way I would have gone fly-fishing or off-roading or rafting or ski touring on my own, or have had the confidence to try waxing my own skis or running a half marathon. It’s a culture of growth and adventure, and we have a lot of fun while doing some pretty intense but rewarding work for our clients.”

2. Global Citizen Year

Location: Oakland, California
Focus: Cultural immersion programs for young people
Number of employees: 26
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: A $750 annual stipend for professional and personal development courses, an international trip to one of our program countries after two years, one month paid sabbatical after three years

What makes it great: “Ours is a culture where authenticity triumphs and self-care prevails. We invest in our people personally and professionally with the tools, flexibility, and support to thrive. As a team, we bring our full selves to the work and have a lot of fun in the process.”

3. GFM|CenterTable

Location: Denver, Colorado
Focus: Integrated marketing and communications agency
Number of employees: 35
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO after one year

Perks: Paid sabbaticals after 10 years and every five thereafter; PTO to volunteer for our favorite organizations, plus $10 donated for each hour volunteered; dogs in the office; mandatory quarterly mental health days to unplug; agency holiday for Colorado Rockies home opener, and kombucha and beer on tap

What makes it great: “Culture and community are core to our foundation, and the leadership makes it easy to do good for others. With PTO to volunteer for our passion programs, and through cash contributions to those groups, matching the time we volunteer, the company ensures we have time and resources to be good citizens in our community. But what makes GFM|CenterTable truly special is knowing that in times of personal or professional need, the team acts more like family than ‘just a job’ and supports one another above and beyond expectations.”

4. Forum Phi Architecture

Location: Aspen and Carbondale, Colorado
Focus: Architecture, planning, and interior design
Number of employees: 39
Average salary: $111,500
Vacation time: 23 days of PTO to start

Perks: Quarterly paid “Forum Phriday” events like skiing, lake day, river rafting, park events, and hut trips; monthly cultural events such as the meatball competition or chili cook off; eight hours of volunteer time off per year of employment up to 40 hours of paid time to volunteer in the community for a non-profit of choice

What makes it great: “The people at Forum Phi are what makes this firm exceptional. We have an amazing, hard-working, super-talented team of diverse individuals who bring incredible energy and culture to the company. Our team is passionate about the outdoors and all the beauty that Colorado has to offer.”

5. Turner

Location: Denver, Colorado, with offices in New York, Chicago, and Miami
Focus: Public relations, social media, and digital communications
Number of employees: 50
Average salary: $109,350
Vacation time: 25 days of PTO to start, unlimited PTO after ten years

Perks: Paid volunteer days; client apparel, gear, and hotel discounts; flexible and hybrid work schedules; early Fridays to kick off weekend adventures; Monday meditations, Zen rooms, and Calm App paid by company; dog-friendly offices; stocked wine fridges and local-brew kegerator; 12 weeks of parental leave; a “recess committee” that organizes games, contests, outings, and happy hours; a professional development program; home office stipend; and individual stipends for additional development goals

What makes it great: “It’s easy to get excited and to speak authentically about the brands and destinations that we represent because each one of our team members lives that life—even off the clock. We are lucky to have a front-row seat for camping under dark skies in Wisconsin and New Hampshire, or waking up to sandhill cranes during the world’s largest migration in Nebraska. Our team has hiked through national and state parks, and climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia, and clung to rock faces on a via ferrata in Estes Park. We’ve celebrated milestones with brands we’ve admired for years and experienced the R&D for the gear that takes us further and keeps us outside longer.”

6. BridgeView

Location: Denver, Colorado
Focus: Technology consulting
Number of employees: 26
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start, unlimited PTO after five years

Perks: Flexible work schedules and fully remote work options; Fridays end at 2 P.M. with a “no-meetings” policy; inclusive paid parental leave; birthdays plus spontaneous time off to enjoy the great outdoors; paid volunteer days and quarterly team Karma Days (community outreach events); luxury anniversary gift at five years; recognition platform with cash rewards; annual Colorado Rockies opening-day celebration event; team building on trails and ropes courses; annual company trips and retreats; mediation and relaxation app; steps challenges; and self-care bonuses

What makes it great: “Colorado’s famed natural abundance and adventurous culture have not only shaped BridgeView’s identity but also influenced the way we empower our employees to live their lives. Our modern and cozy headquarters is strategically located near Denver’s picturesque 60-mile bike path connecting the city with the suburbs to provide our team with healthy multimodal commuting options.”

7. TDA_Boulder

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Full-service advertising
Number of employees: 30
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Annual fitness stipend toward ski passes, athletic wear, or gym equipment; year-round half-day Fridays; monthly data stipend; $200 for birthday dinners; $1,000 contribution to a charity of employee’s choice for every fourteener climbed; annual outdoor company adventure, a three-day weekend and $1,000 toward travel for five-year anniversary; 100 percent health care coverage

What makes it great: “If you prioritize your people, they will want to prioritize the company. Your people should value their lives over labor so they are happier humans, and they will likely contribute more at work.”

8. Fortnight Collective

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Advertising
Number of employees: 21
Average salary: $139,500
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Winter Fridays off; recognition program that provides wellness/fitness stipends, financial rewards towards client goods, ski passes, travel stipends, paid sabbaticals and custom swag; annual mountain retreat; and 14 weeks of paid family leave

What makes it great: “Fortnight Collective puts the ‘life’ back in work-life balance. We pride ourselves on our award-winning work, but we seek to provide many great benefits outside of work for our employees because we believe that balance lives create a better agency. The office closes at 1 P.M. on winter Fridays to allow employees to get a jumpstart on ski weekends. Plus we have mandatory mental health days and an annual ski retreat to Keystone Resort for the whole agency. And to cap it off, the whole agency flew to Mexico for a three-day trip for the five-year anniversary.”

9. Crestone Capital

Perks: Health and wellness stipend, arts and culture reimbursement, donation match opportunities, fully stocked kitchen, adventure experiences and employee appreciation gatherings throughout the year, custom-branded gear including branded bikes to check out, and four weeks each year to work from anywhere

What makes it great: “We have a culture of work-hard, play-hard(er), which is driven by our core values and creates a dynamic, inclusive environment. The firm prioritizes work-life integration, offering opportunities from getting outside to hike, bike with one of Crestone’s branded bikes, or to go backcountry skiing in Steamboat, or to volunteer in the community or get a donation match up to $500. There’s a fully stocked kitchen, a ‘Get Creative’ reimbursement, employee appreciation gatherings, and career and personal development.”

10. CampMinder

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Web platforms for summer-camp operators
Number of employees: 80
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Twelve weeks of paid parental leave, an annual wellness allowance, dog-friendly office, three gatherings each year in Boulder, flexibility to work from anywhere in the U.S., Friday barbecues, weekly catered lunches, and in-house wine tastings

What makes it great: “If you were to ask any employee what they like about the company, their answer would include some variation of ‘the smart/caring/authentic/fun people I get to work with.’ Many of our team members are former camp counselors or directors, and their experience enables them to empathize with our clients and to bring the spirit of camp into the workplace. Employee engagement is the company’s top priority, and we regularly review employee feedback and implement changes based on team members’ input.”

11. GetUWired, Inc.

Location: Dahlonega, Georgia
Focus: Advertising, marketing, public relations
Number of employees: 43
Average salary: $57,000
Vacation time: 10 days of PTO to start, 15 days of PTO after 2 years, and Unlimited PTO after 3 years

Perks: Personal and professional growth training opportunities, weekly guided meditations, anniversary and additional appreciation gifts, paid parental leave, flexible scheduling, 401(k) matching, and quarterly team building events that regularly take place outdoors (lake days, tubing, low ropes courses)

What makes it great: “We’re 100 percent remote, but we still try to make sure to create those watercooler-type moments in a virtual setting, so that we don’t lose that personal touch with one another. Our company’s mission, purpose, and core values are key to who we are and how we make decisions every day.”

12. Ergodyne

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Focus: Work and safety gear
Number of employees: 77
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Half-day Fridays in the summer, team 5K runs, a fully equipped gym with a Peloton machine, weekly workout classes including HIIT and Yoga classes, flex PTO, two work-from-home days per week, and an employee wellness program

What makes it great: “We are a high-performing, passionate bunch who take the work we do and our results seriously. We like to say: Come for the cause; stay for the people. Most folks who dig our vibe are passionate about helping workers and making a difference.”

13. Optera

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Climate technology
Number of employees: 54
Average salary: $133,500
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Every other Friday off to recharge; robust 401(k) plan with ESG options and up to a 4 percent match; annual $200 wellness budget to spend towards gym memberships, athletic gear, or massages; annual $300 home-office stipend; annual $500 professional development budget towards earning certifications and acquiring and refining desired skills.

What makes it great: “Optera is a place where thoughtful and brilliant minds get to solve one of the world’s biggest problems. We are a small-yet-mighty team that is driving a big impact for the planet and future generations, while staying true to building a collaborative environment, fun professionalism, and open and respectful communication. We’re not just about work; it’s about the entire experience. We revel in a work environment that embraces flexibility, and we cherish the equilibrium between professional and personal life.”

14. GoPro

Perks: Hybrid remote work options; offices close to beaches, trails, and world-class cycling, skating, and water sports; office gym, showers, and lockers; access to nearby college athletic facility with a track and aquatic center; onsite and remote fitness classes like bootcamp, yoga, and meditation; monthly reimbursement toward wellness expenses; access to coaching and therapy sessions; outdoor experience awards that can include new equipment or experiences; Fireside Chats with world-class GoPro athletes and ambassadors; the latest camera and accessories (along with company challenges) with each launch

What makes it great: “GoPro attracts some very special people who are zealous about life. This ethos is echoed by GoPro’s vision of being a force for positivity, celebrating all things awesome while inspiring people to pursue their passions. And GoPro’s work philosophy carries that same message, enabling and encouraging employees to live their desired lifestyle while being able to show up to work as the best versions of themselves—whether in a GoPro office, their remote workspace of choice, or a bit of both.”

15. Inntopia

Location: Stowe, Vermont
Focus: Marketing and e-commerce
Number of employees: 71
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start

Perks: Flexible work schedule; paid volunteer time; breaks for ski, bike, hike, run, yoga, meditation; ski pass and gym reimbursements; nutrition plan and personal trainer reimbursement; travel credits at partner resorts; work from home hybrid options; dog-friendly office; pet insurance plans; employee engagement committee; company BBQs including competitive sports; group trips to sporting events; and random days off for powder days, end-of-summer enjoyment, or mental health awareness

What makes it great: “If you mashed together your local coffee shop and a software company, you’d have something close to Inntopia. Tech companies are infamous for working their teams to the bone and asking them to sacrifice personal time for profits, but we do the opposite. Whether it’s young children, aging parents, beloved pets, or community involvement, we embrace the joys (and challenges) of life outside of work.”

16. BSW Wealth Partners

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Financial advisory services
Number of employees: 27
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start, up to 27 days PTO after 10 years

Perks: Paid volunteer days, work from home and hybrid work schedules, stipends for home office and work stations, early Fridays for weekend adventures, annual cat-skiing trips, paid sabbatical after a decade, summer and winter fun days, custom-branded gear, dinner and babysitter stipend to celebrate work anniversary, matching 401(k), paid parental leave, a fully stocked break room, Thursday catered lunches, craft beer and unlimited seltzer, and an office located near a local mountain with easy access to trails

What makes it great: “We prioritize work-life balance and flexibility, allowing our team members the freedom to work independently while fostering trust and accountability. Meaningful work is at the heart of what we do; we solve impactful problems, genuinely help people, and continuously evolve to make life better for our clients. Additionally, our vibrant culture of fun and connectivity sets us apart. We believe that a workplace should inspire, support, and uplift its employees, and at BSW Wealth Partners, we do just that.”

17. Creative Alignments

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Recruiting
Number of employees: 21
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Ten days of PTO to start

Perks: Flexible work schedule, supportive and collaborative team and leadership, an annual retreat, virtual and in-person events throughout the year, versatile health coverage options that are 75 percent employer-paid, reproductive healthcare, employer-sponsored long-term disability, employer 401(k) match, and access to a free financial advisor available

What makes it great: “We are a B Corp-certified, women-founded and led company that believes work should be additive to people’s lives, and that happiness created through work makes the world a better place. This is core to everything we do, including our recruiting work for companies that also put their people first. Our purpose is to perpetuate a cycle of good, starting with work that inspires a sense of purpose, belonging and positivity. The result is an outstanding company culture and work we are proud of.”

18. Duft Watterson

Location: Boise, Idaho
Focus: Full-service branding and advertising agency
Number of employees: 21
Average salary: $65,000
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start, 20 days after five years

Perks: Work-from-home Wednesdays and half-day Fridays, annual funds to environmental and social equity charities of employees’ choice, annual weekend mountain retreats for entire team and families, and a commuter bike for new employees

What makes it great: “As an agency that celebrates being 180 degrees from Madison Avenue, our entire team embraces excellence, agility and empowerment, without the layers typically found at publicly held agencies. While clients range from CPG, outdoor recreation, tech, healthcare, banking and non profits, all of them support social and gender equity and limiting outsized negative environmental impacts. And we’ve done this while being one of the most awarded agencies in the region.”

19. Western Environmental Law Center

Perks: Annual retreats with “play days” in the outdoors in places like Mount Hood, Bandelier National Monument, and Cannon Beach; “Flex Fridays” in the summer to head outside; and three months of paid sabbatical plus a $1,000 stipend every five years

What makes it great: “WELC is a powerhouse of environmental advocacy, and each staff member is a high-performing luminary in their own way. We challenge one another, help one another, and camaraderie is through the roof in part because we’re all rowing hard in the same direction—helping protect the places, communities, and creatures we love in the West. Management embraces that we are all human beings, and provides us the autonomy, trust, and flexibility to do our jobs in the way that works best for us.”

20. Obviouslee

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Focus: Full service marketing agency
Number of employees: 30
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO (15 days mandatory)

Perks: Early Fridays to get a head start on weekend adventures, an annual wellness day, end-of-year office closure, volunteer days, office SUPs so team members can hit the water, client gear on hand and gear discounts, a dog-friendly office, fully stocked snacks, a sustainability committee, and a “no asshole” policy

What makes it great: “With a solid commitment to putting people first, leading with values, and the environment, Obviouslee has created a space where employees feel valued, motivated, fulfilled, and eager to to do good. Obviouslee understands how important well-being, happiness, and growth are and we live the values of ‘Team First,’ ‘Always Evolving,’ ‘You’re Not Just Your Job,’ and ‘Enjoy the Ride,’ which are central to every decision being made.”

21. Geographic Expeditions

Location: San Francisco, California
Focus: Adventure travel
Number of employees: 45
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start

Perks: Annual stipend for international familiarization trips; work abroad program allowing you to live, work, and immerse yourself in a specific location for up to three weeks; virtual yoga classes with one of the most sought-after instructors in San Francisco; access to online fitness classes; flexible schedules; support for full-time remote work; company outings including beach picnics, baseball games, and happy hours; in-person gatherings twice a year to connect, strategize, and share ideas

What makes it great: “At GeoEx, the opportunity to work is an opportunity to explore, with our dedicated team of travel experts continually embarking on adventures to far-flung destinations. With a rich history, we have cultivated a culture that celebrates exploration, fosters camaraderie, and values the collective pursuit of discovering the world’s most remarkable corners. Our Culture Committee is consistently innovating to ensure we remain connected by actively organizing events and initiatives that bring us together and reinforce our sense of community while dispersed across the globe.”

22. Koru Ltd

Location: Carbondale, Colorado
Focus: Construction
Number of employees: 60
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start, unlimited PTO after five years

Perks: Flexible work days to get outside (especially on powder days); a movement benefit option; Aspen Snowmass ski pass; pet-friendly workplace; company vehicles for work and personal use; comprehensive 401(k) and health insurance packages; cell phone expense coverage; fully stocked kitchen with snacks, drinks, and espresso; office located near hiking and biking trails; paid parental leave; routine team-building activities such as rafting, skiing, camping, kickball tournaments, and scavenger hunts; access to unlimited ping pong; Koru Hockey Team (2021 + 2022 Rec League champions); quarterly company gatherings; standing desks; and ample professional growth opportunities.

What makes it great: “At Koru, our people-first philosophy guides our mission to redefine the building experience by consistently providing unparalleled service, uncompromising quality, and an extraordinary journey for all those involved. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing the needs, desires, and well-being of clients, employees, and partners in every aspect of the home building process.”

23. Workstand (formally SmartEtailing)

Perks: Flexible hours, the ability to work anywhere in the U.S. for up to six months, outdoor industry discounts, silly contests, and a monthly game day

What makes it great: “Each of us at Workstand is dedicated to supporting and uplifting one another. Our leadership team listens to and respects all team members and believes in the benefits of bottom-up decision making. We’re proud to foster an environment that empowers employees to share their opinions and push for what they believe.”

24. Evotek

Location: San Diego, California
Focus: Technology solutions for digital businesses
Number of employees: 192
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: A benefits package including medical, dental, vision coverage; 401(k) with employer matching; a remote-first workplace; quarterly company-wide team-building meetings at various locations; annual community service day for a cause of choice; company events like taco trucks, happy hours, and Padres games; and an annual private company retreat (spouses included) to destinations like Napa Valley, Austin, or a private yacht in Miami

What makes it great: “Evotek has built a diverse culture that values doing our best and building valuable connections, both internally and externally. As an example of this, all Evotek employees are invited to attend an annual, offsite sales summit with the express purpose of team building and celebrating our successes. Evotek employees value being challenged, working hard, and having fun!”

25. Swarovski Optik North America

Perks: Outdoor products via a company loaner program; an annual training day including team contests on product use; educational reimbursement benefit; business trainings and seminars; a wellness program with walking challenges and healthy eating incentives; an Activities Committee that holds a monthly cake day to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries; and an onsite employee game room with team tournaments

What makes it great: “What truly sets Swarovski Optik North America apart is the company’s commitment to inclusion and our desire to engage employees on multiple levels with celebrations and recognition activities. The company holds many events and development opportunities throughout the year, the favorite being “training day” where all employees come together to learn about our new products while exploring different locations in Rhode Island, followed by a company outing with games and a lobster bake.”

26. rygr

Perks: Liberal flex time policy and an open hybrid/remote format; $120/month wellness stipend; generous healthcare stipend; 401(k) match; free parking and public transit use for commuters; funding and time off for professional development; a month-long sabbatical program for long-term employees; $500 gear shopping spree after 3 years of service; beer and kombucha on tap and a stocked snack drawer; loaner bikes; rooftop happy hours and regular group mountain bike rides, sunrise uphill skiing, and fitness classes; discounts on yoga classes; twice-annual offsite cultural gatherings; and screen-free days

What makes it great: “Rygr is a special place to work, one that offers challenging and rewarding careers, places supreme value on work/life harmony, and seeks to retain long-term team members who grow and learn every day. We practice the growth mindset and reward risk-taking and results. Our team cares deeply for one other and forms a tight-knit community, despite our hybrid format spread across the U.S. with offices in Denver and Carbondale, Colorado.”

27. Polar Field Services

Perks: Employee-owned; dog-friendly offices; annual employee surveys that motivate company change; employees vote on charitable giving; each employee is granted $1000 annually for personal development (on top of professional development budget) for a gym membership, massages, horseback riding classes, or sommelier training

What makes it great: “Our work is intrinsically exciting as we support logistics in some of the world’s most remote and beautiful locations, such as Alaska and Greenland. The employee ownership mentality and family feel of a small company make everyone similarly motivated.’”

28. Wild Montana

Location: Helena, Montana
Focus: Conservation organization
Number of employees: 30
Average salary: $67,000
Vacation time: 20 days of PTO

Perks: 32-hour workweeks with Fridays off; 15 paid holidays and 12 paid sick days a year; fully paid three-month sabbatical after five years; remote, in-person, and combo work opportunities; fully paid health and dental insurance; and an annual three-day paid staff trip to hike, camp, float, fish, and hang at one of Montana’s coolest locations

What makes it great: “Since 1958, Wild Montana has protected millions of acres of public lands, and our people are the reason for every one of our wins. Non-profit work can be tough, and attracting and keeping rock stars—which we’d say we have, but we’re biased—means taking care of them. We’re built around balancing work and play and making sure we’re always able to enjoy the places we’re working to protect.”

29. Shine United

Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Focus: Advertising, public relations, and marketing
Number of employees: 46
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Ten days of PTO to start, 15 days PTO after five years

Perks: Full healthcare and dental benefits, summer Fridays, weekly company-wide gatherings, outdoor adventure stipend, flexible work environment, company sponsored community activities, quarterly Re-Energize Days (days off), and unlimited family/personal/sick PTO

What makes it great: “Spending each day with collaborative coworkers who rely on each other, who are passionate about the outdoors, conservationism and creating a creative environment means both working and playing hard. Every workday is a fun challenge and the play—sponsored outdoor activities, a company triathlon team, weekly beer-30, book club, catered lunches, company picnics, concerts and golf outings—can’t be beat.”

30. First Descents

Perks: A paid weeklong First Descents program each year, a healthcare plan with 100 percent employer-paid coverage, one floating holiday and one personal day for last-minute adventures, dog-friendly office, and a flexible work-remote policy

What makes it great: “First Descents is a tight-knit community of individuals who have been brought together by the opportunity to help others experiencing hardships, along with a shared devotion to service, gratitude and living life to the fullest. Creating opportunities for healing through community and the outdoors is at the heart of what we do, and at the heart of every staff member involved. The many perks are only a small part of what makes our organization special. It’s the ‘Out Living It’ mantra that makes First Descents feel like more than just a job, but a well-balanced and inspiring way of life.”

31. C1S Group, Inc.

Perks: A pond behind the office with a walking trail, a company running team, summer hours with three-day weekends, a flexible work-from-home policy, a pet-friendly office, catered Monday lunches, and an annual charity golf tournament

What makes it great: “Designing and building great projects is hard work, so we balance it out with a regular dose of fun. Golf, kickball, sporting clays, fantasy football, washers, billiards—you name it, we’ll play it. We thrive on friendly competition and trash talk.”

32. TeamSnap

Perks: A monthly wellness stipend, flex time to be active, sponsorship of sports teams, in-person meetings for the remote workforce, sponsored wellness breaks and activities, parental leave with a phase-back program to support return to work, paid volunteer time, and a $1,500 annual education and training allowance

What makes it great: “We live our values inside and outside the virtual walls of TeamSnap. We are wildly committed to ensuring everyone (and we mean everyone) has access to sports. We have a dedicated community impact team, provide on-site volunteering days with community sports organizations, and even spend dedicated time connecting our employees to customers in underrepresented groups to ensure we are doing our part to expand the transformative power of sports to all.”

33. The Brand Leader, Inc.

Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Focus: Creative branding
Number of employees: 38
Average salary: $60,000
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Bagel Thursdays, spot bonuses, summer picnics, subsidized mental health care, office bikes, and an office book club

What makes it great: “Since the beginning, we’ve prided ourselves on a balance of work-hard, play-hard mentality. We provide air cover for one another when we need time away, and we honor family and at-home time by urging staff to leave at 5:30 P.M. to take ample time with family. We often hang out together for happy hours, tailgating, and Clemson games, and work with our outdoor brands to continue to push the boundaries outside.”

34. Workshop Digital

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Focus: Digital marketing
Number of employees: 30
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: No-meeting Fridays to focus on deep work and professional development, remote and hybrid work options, twice-annual company-wide get-togethers, and paid time off for volunteering

What makes it great: “Workshop finds creative ways to keep team members connected in our remote/hybrid-first work environment. This includes team fun budgets, ‘friend times,’ virtual (and in-person) coffee chats, fun fact Fridays, Worksgiving (for the in-town team) a pickleball meetup, multiple social Slack threads celebrating everything from travel to team pets to dishes we’ve cooked, and two all-company offsites every year.”

35. WhippleWood CPAs

Location: Littleton, Colorado
Focus: Accounting, business consulting, and tax services
Number of employees: 34
Average salary: $85,000
Vacation time: 16 days of PTO to start, unlimited PTO after five years

Perks: Half-day summer Fridays, monthly professional massages during tax season, Zen room for meditation and napping, employee-led lunchtime yoga, outdoor conference space, board meetings (skateboarding around parking lots in business park), onsite shower and locker facilities, a basketball hoop and customized cornhole sets, annual stay interviews to give all employees the opportunity to share feedback anonymously with the executive team, and a mental health supplementation package

What makes it great: “We take mental and physical health seriously, which is unique in our industry. We play, work, and grow as a team, improving the lives of our employees as well as our clients. Every employee’s voice matters, and we’ve grown our firm leaps and bounds because of all the creativity and efforts of our entire team.”

36. Buzz Franchise Brands

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Focus: Multi-brand franchising of home services
Number of employees: 70
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Ten days of PTO to start

Perks: Gym membership discount; standing desks, ping pong, and pool table in the office for breaks; half-day summer Fridays; weekly happy hours; monthly social events; annual trip to Mexico for a convention; annual company off-site for team building in various locations in Virginia; annual credit to spend in company shop; an employee volunteer and charity matching program; professional development opportunities; 401(k) matching, and FSA

What makes it great: “Buzz Franchise Brands empowers employees to make decisions as subject-matter experts in their roles. Just as importantly, there’s a strong emphasis on work-life balance, exemplified by half-day summer Fridays and a designated Sanity Control Committee that plans monthly social events. Based in Virginia Beach, employees are rewarded for their contributions with time away from the office to recharge, connect with colleagues, and enjoy the perks of living in a coastal area.”

37. StoneAge Tools

Location: Durango, Colorado
Focus: Tools and equipment for industrial cleaning
Number of employees: 188
Average salary: $86,000
Vacation time: 10 to 20 days of PTO

Perks: Paid volunteer time off; quarterly local charity donations decided on by employees; onsite gym; wellness opportunities like yoga classes, onsite massage, and onsite health fair; leadership coaching; hybrid work from home options; sponsored recreation events like mountain biking, golf tournaments, paintball, and softball; extra earned days off when teams meet goals; team building events like sheep herding, rafting, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and snow sports; and sponsored learning opportunities

What makes it great: “The employee-owned structure of our company creates an unparalleled synergy and unique work environment. It ensures that every individual within our organization holds a stake in our collective success, which nurtures a sense of ownership, commitment, and dedication to our shared objectives. Our pride lies in the tenure of our team members, with many boasting over two decades of invaluable experience and dedication.”

38. Stio

Location: Jackson, Wyoming
Focus: Outdoor apparel
Number of employees: 182
Average salary: $87,220
Vacation time: Accrued vacation time or flexible PTO

Perks: Flexible remote work policy; best-in-class medical, dental, and vision plans (with zero premiums for employee coverage); expanded medical coverage for reproductive care; ten paid holidays; paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave up to 12 weeks; paid medical leave; annual gear testing stipend; annual Stio Summit; and 401(k) match

What makes it great: “Stio was founded in a mountain town by people who are passionate about the mountain life. This perspective serves as the foundation for our company culture. It’s a place where living our values is important. We want balance, we want to do the right thing, we want superior products to get us out into the mountains, and we want to be a part of a community that shares in that vision. When you can start there, good things will come.”

39. Geocaching HQ

Location: Seattle, Washington
Focus: A geocaching-adventure app
Number of employees: 94
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start, up to 20 days of PTO after four years

Perks: Free unlimited ski/snowboard tickets to anywhere in the world; up to $300 a year towards outdoor activities; onsite gear closet; paid sabbatical every seven years; individual budget tailored to learning and growth; catered in-office lunches; and company geocaching adventures

What makes it great: “Here at Geocaching HQ, we are lucky to work for a game that inspires outdoor adventure, exploration, and community. In many ways, we embody the spirit of our game within HQ. Whether it’s going on monthly geocaching outings with your team, giving recognition awards to colleagues who went the extra mile, or just sitting down in our cafe and knowing you’re welcome there.”

40. WorkBright

Perks: Work from anywhere policy; monthly wellness challenges with cash prizes; fitness reimbursement program; home office stipend; employer sponsored health insurance with generous dental and vision benefits; employer FSA contribution; sabbatical that includes two airfare tickets; team building budget for monthly virtual connections; meal perk system and paid company lunch at least once per month; annual professional development stipend for all employees; personal development grant awarded to one employee per year; annual company-wide retreat every October; and annual department offsite retreats to anywhere in the world

What makes it great: “Employees have a deep appreciation for our ingrained rituals that foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Company meetings open with positive focus and conclude with expressions of gratitude. We have a flexible culture where employees can work from anywhere but still really try and cultivate the closeness of an in-office environment. We lead in the remote workforce with creative ways to connect on a monthly basis. For example, every other week our all-company meeting devotes half the time to strengthening bonds among colleagues.”

41. Toad&Co

Location: Santa Barbara, California
Focus: Eco-friendly apparel
Number of employees: 45
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 20 days of PTO to start

Perks: Every other Friday off and flexible hours; hybrid work-from home; paid parental leave; $1,000 in Toad&Co clothes annually; free healthcare; monthly team lunches; disabilities awareness training; quarterly DEI training and volunteering; birthday donations to a non-profit of employee’s choice; dog-friendly office with music, beer in a company fridge, and outdoor wifi; team events such as an annual campout on the Channel Islands and volunteering in Yosemite; adventure days for time outside; a themed holiday costume party at historical Cold Springs Tavern; and community events like the Grilled Cheese Smackdown

What makes it great: “Our culture is rooted in doing good for people and the environment, and we strive to spread joy to our customers, partners, and extended community every day. We’re committed to making the outdoors more accessible to everyone and make it a priority to give back to—and volunteer with—organizations that align with our values. We love any excuse for big and small moments of fun, from our annual campout to celebrating our team’s contributions to a happy hour or BBQ to toast a recent win, wedding, or baby (aka Tadpole) on the way.”

42. Gunpowder, Inc

Location: Delafield, Wisconsin
Focus: Public relations and marketing
Number of employees: 28
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Work from home and flexible schedules, comprehensive health benefits and 401(k) match, an annual team summit, professional development opportunities, company paid cell phone and internet, paid parental leave, a dog-friendly office, holiday and anniversary gifts, winter break between Christmas and New Years Day, and annual performance bonuses

What makes it great: “Gunpowder is built on the passions of its people. From anglers and hunters to runners, horseback riders and everything in between, everyone gets to work on businesses they love while doing what they love. The agency not only allows, but encourages, its team members to pursue their passions, chase their dreams, and raise their families to embrace the activities and places that make them happy.”

43. East West Partners, LLC

Location: Avon and Denver, Colorado
Focus: Real estate development
Number of employees: 60
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: A four-week sabbatical after ten years, and every seven years thereafter; a four-day ski weekend in February; a four-day company weekend in autumn; ski markets with free ski passes, ski-in/ski-out offices, lunchtime ski/bike laps, and fitness center access; access to a private boat for Charleston employees; and tickets to Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games

What makes it great: “We not only enjoy the outdoors, we actually develop to enjoy the outdoor world. And we strive to be known as trusted partners and one of the best places in which to build a career. Our founder, Harry Frampton, instilled entrepreneurial spirit into our company that empowers our team to make decisions and have ownership and pride in our work. Our CEO, Chris Frampton, has carried that legacy on and has created a fun and rewarding work environment where everyone learns from one another making our work and time at East West Partners fulfilling.”

44. H/L

Location: Oakland, California + satellite offices in Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, and St. Louis
Focus: Advertising, marketing + media agency
Number of employees: 170
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 10 to 20 days of PTO

Perks: Half-days ahead of any company holiday for longer adventures; complimentary Palisades Tahoe lift tickets; an agency-hosted monthly speaker series that’s featured FIFA’s head of women refereeing and two Olympic champions; access to great urban outdoor areas like Atlanta’s BeltLine, Miami’s Key Biscayne, St. Louis’ Greenway, and Oakland’s Jack London Square; an annual day of giving that empowers every employee to choose the effort they’d like to support

What makes it great: “H/L is committed to making momentum for our client partners, for each other, and in the communities we call home. Our Productivity Work Model allows people to work wherever in the country they’ll produce their best output. We bring people into our five dog-friendly offices with monthly lunches and gatherings. And outdoor enthusiasts regularly share their adventures, tips, GPX tracks, and even campsites via a #camping_and_outdoors Slack channel.”

45. Cactus

Location: Denver, Colorado
Focus: Full-service marketing agency
Number of employees: 60
Average salary: $115,000
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: Ski passes, lift tickets, and an all-agency ski day at Arapahoe Basin, as well as a 40 percent season-long ski equipment rental discounts from Christy Sports; “Cactus Adventure Club,” an employee group that enjoys outdoor activities like camping, hiking and indoor rock climbing; a monthly fitness benefit, plus funding for group registrations to run in timed events around Denver; two outdoor environmental team cleanups; monthly team happy hours; a Calm premium membership, plus a customized well-being portal the agency built for employees to help them set priorities and take personal assessments

What makes it great: “We’re an agency filled with people who want to do the best creative work of their careers, people who believe in the power of small agency creativity and innovation to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Together we’ve created a workplace driven by a set of bedrock values like respect, belonging, passion, courage, tenacity, collaboration, well-being, and critical thought. When you get to come into a mission-driven place like that every day, with dedicated advertising pros who care so much it hurts, who truly have each other’s backs, and who work shoulder to shoulder to create meaningful work that makes an impact in the world—that’s when work stops feeling like ‘work.’”

46. Karsh Hagan

Location: Denver, Colorado
Focus: Full-service advertising agency
Number of employees: 62
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: Unlimited PTO

Perks: 401(k) match and health insurance, annual wellness days, hybrid work schedule, free coffee, snacks, dog-friendly office, sponsored community service initiatives, and voluntary puppy yoga

What makes it great: “We know that if you want to do smart, dynamic, interesting work, it’s best to work with smart, dynamic, interesting people. Any company can have a great office, a foosball table, and unlimited PTO, but those benefits don’t matter when you haven’t created a culture that fosters creativity. Creativity comes from spending time outside of the office. And culture comes from employees supporting and celebrating each other taking time for themselves.”

47. PeopleForBikes

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Focus: Bicycle advocacy organization
Number of employees: 35
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 22 days of PTO

Perks: Financial rewards for riding bikes for recreation, transportation, or leisure; a six-week sabbatical every five years; pet-friendly office locations in Boulder, CO, and Bentonville, AR; remote work options; birthdays off; eight weeks of paid family leave; team bike rides; weekly yoga classes; and all-staff weeks for the team to work together and play outdoors

What makes it great: “Our team is passionate about our goal to make America the best place in the world to ride a bike! To support our team’s efforts, we have an internal #PeopleForParties committee focused on making 100 percent of the staff know they belong, and celebrating and recognizing team members for living out our core values and advancing our mission. We also have DEI and sustainability committees working to progress corporate social responsibility goals for our staff as well as for the bicycle industry.”

48. Aspenware

Location: Denver, Colorado
Focus: Software platforms for mountain resorts
Number of employees: 44
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 20 days of PTO to start

Perks: $1,000 annual reimbursement for goods and services that contribute to health and well-being; annual National Parks Pass; Ikon Pass; paid volunteer day; and a $1,500 annual training reimbursement for professional development

What makes it great: “Our collaborative culture thrives on a range of engaging activities. From our regular online coffee chats to virtual walks with colleagues, company-wide activity challenges, and an annual in-person gathering in Denver, we create an environment where everyone feels connected. When our dedicated employees aren’t busy crafting the next groundbreaking e-commerce products to entice visitors to mountain resorts, they’re seizing the opportunity to make the most of Aspenware’s perks, such as the health activity stipend, complimentary ski passes, and free National Parks access available to all team members.”

49. Arts & Letters Creative Co.

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Focus: Advertising, public relations, marketing
Number of employees: 150
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 25 days of PTO

Perks: 24 paid holidays; a collective weeklong break in summer; 401(k) and a 4 percent company match that is 100 percent vested from day one; suite of wellbeing resources, including an annual wellness reimbursement, two EAPs, and a concierge approach to helping employees find therapists (as needed)

What makes it great: “A&L has always been known for radical support and care along the way—not just for the opportunity to make things that change things. In a sea of agencies that are calling employees back to the office, we’re doubling down on our ‘Work Together Anywhere’ philosophy, so that ‘Letterheads’ have the freedom to work from anywhere that works for them, at any given time (including their favorite outdoor spaces!) Our wide network of talent comes together several times a year for tentpole events that surprise and delight, ensuring connection and community for those based in and outside of Richmond, VA.”

50. Backbone

Location: Carbondale, Colorado
Focus: Brand marketing and PR
Number of employees: 145
Average salary: Unspecified
Vacation time: 15 days of PTO to start

Perks: Annual company campouts and ski days, $500 in Backbone Bucks to spend with client brands after three years, $120 per month wellness benefit; hybrid work environment, flexible hours, a powder day clause, gear discounts, paid volunteer hours, continuing education, home office stipend, and a monthlong sabbatical after ten years

What makes it great: “In annual surveys, ‘the people’ is always the primary answer for what employees like best about Backbone (followed closely by ‘dogs.’) Backbone represents more than 100 of the best brands and non-profits in the outdoor industry, and it gives employees the opportunity to work with companies and causes that they are truly passionate about.”

Honorable Mentions

85Sixty

Avid4 Adventure

Backpacker’s Pantry

Big Agnes, Inc

Charles Cunniffe Architects

commonFont

Decked

Falling Creek Camp

Go Ape USA

HydraPak

Idea Ranch

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma; Wichita, Kansas; Durango, Colorado
Focus: Advertising and PR