Scott, Cherie, Zoë and Dylan Roberts enjoy an F5 Halloween party for kids.

F5 Networks

"F5 understands fundamentally that its employees have families and personal lives that they care about," says one employee of this year's family-friendly winner. This large Seattle tech firm makes sure to include the families of its staff in everything it can: Family members pay low insurance premiums, kids can come in for free on-site flu shots and all family benefits are extended to domestic partners and children of domestic partners as well. Employees say the company allows them to work their schedules around kids' games or recitals. And other family-friendly resources, like help with adoptions or counseling services, are offered through the company's Employee Assistance Program. Parents say they have made great use of an e-mail network that F5 has set up for non-business-related affairs, where they can connect with other parents on everything from education issues and children's health to raising money for school basketball uniforms.

Other top finalists*

• A Place For Mom
• Astronics AES
• DaVita
• Emeritus
• Evergreen Hospital Medical Center
• Northwest Hospital & Medical Center
• Premera Blue Cross
• Puget Sound Energy
• University Mechanical Contractors

*Listed in alphabetical order