F5 Networks

To take a peek into F5's little bag of tricks, you first have to look some distance away. After 10 years of service at the Seattle-based provider of IT systems (which also won our "Favorite Technology Company" category), employees receive $3,000 for a vacation trip of their choice. A peer-recognition award called the High-Five program honors employees who make a difference in the company by sending them on week-long vacations to Mexico. And for those that get excited about the practical stuff, there's fully paid medical coverage, two weeks of paid paternity leave and free towel service for bike commuters.

For the rest, look no further than the refrigerator inside their lovely Elliott Bay offices. It's stocked with all kinds of free, unique and healthy treats: Peach Fresca, vanilla soy milk for coffee, two different varieties of V8, and of course, beer Fridays (just try telling them beer isn't healthy).

Other top finalists*

• Aegis Living
• Astronics AES
• DaVita
• Evergreen Healthcare
• Expedia
• Moneytree
• Premera
• Starbucks
• University Mechanical Contractors

*Listed in alphabetical order