We believe work should make you happy every second of every day. OK, maybe that’s a stretch, but we do think it’s possible to have a career you enjoy, a job that inspires you, and an office that encourages and positively challenges you.

Which is why we’ve found 18 workplaces where employees can’t get enough of what they do. Plus, they know how to have a lot of fun along the way.

If that sounds like your kind of place (though, let’s be real, who doesn’t like the sound of it?), check out who’s hiring now!

Credit Karma

Launched in 2007, Credit Karma provides free credit scores and reports along with tools, tips, and education to help its members understand their finances and feel confident about their options.

“Happy is Healthy,” Credit Karma’s wellness and culture program, includes committees, clubs, company social events, rewards, perks, and a health and wellness platform to promote improved mental and physical health.

Programs and benefits include monthly social events, volunteer days, unlimited paid sick days, flex work hours, on-site bike racks, showers, meditation and mommy rooms, mental health workshops, personalized wellness coaches and nutritionists, subsidized gym memberships, and on-site yoga, Pilates, and boot camp exercise classes.

Target

Target is obsessed with making well-designed products affordable—and that’s changed little since the company’s founding.

Because of its progressive company culture, some employees describe Target as a startup masquerading as a Fortune 500 company. There’s a lot of enthusiasm, an open management style, and plenty of fun in and around the office.

“There are definitely Nerf battles. Even the office drone participates,” adds Ashley Montgomery, who’s part of Target’s Technology Leadership Program.

Symphony

Symphony’s varied and advanced technologies allow for the safe exchange of high-value content and information on the internet through cloud-based SaaS subscription programs.

At Symphony, each employee is encouraged to take ownership of their particular vertical, giving every team the freedom to work in an entrepreneurial environment. And employees take pride in knowing each and every one of their contributions is key to reaching the office and company-wide goal.

“The amount of faith Symphony has put in me makes me feel that this is a place where I can grow into what I want to become,” says Thibaud Duprat, Product Manager.

L2

With members that include Google, Procter and Gamble, and Sofitel, L2 caters to a diverse array of brands looking to understand and bolster their digital footprints—giving brands a thorough understanding of their digital strengths and weaknesses.

“L2 is growing rapidly, but the startup culture permeates throughout. There’s freedom to take real responsibility for projects that will have a direct impact on the company and our clients. And there’s always plenty of support from talented colleagues,” says engineer Raj Das.

Inspirato

Launched in 2011, Inspirato offers its club members the ultimate access to a luxurious collection of financially flexible hotel, home, or vacation accommodations.

“Inspirato’s a culture full of vibrant, happy people, all excited to come to work every day,” says Brianna Huber, Regional Supervisor.

The Inspirato culture values teamwork and practices true transparency across the organization. Every January, the management team convenes a company-wide meeting to review and celebrate achieved goals, and the event brings all departments together for friendly meet-and-greets, ping-pong competitions, and team-to-team bonding.

TomTom

Since 1991, millions of people worldwide have trusted TomTom’s navigation and mapping products to lead the way.

TomTom employees encourage each other to stay on the move—whether it’s getting down and dirty for the company race series, engaging consumers face-to-face during local marathons, or partnering with Spartan Race to sell and promote TomTom’s fitness gadgets to fire-jumping, wall-climbing weekend warriors.

“As a brand, we are breaking into fitness. Seeing the growth and new products that we’re developing really gets me excited to be here,” says Ilana Cohen, Digital Community Specialist.

Lytx

Lytx is a market-leading innovator that develops technologies to change driver behavior and make roadways safer.

“We can save more lives, and that’s something to hang your hat on. That’s an awesome thing,” says Julie Stevens, Senior Program Manager.

Lytx HQ offers lots of amenities to support a happy, productive work environment. Employees have access to a spacious on-site cafe, daily food truck service, a game room, a meditation room, a private nursing mother’s space, dry cleaning services, and more—delivering a comfortable, relaxed environment.

Phoenix Energy

Since 2010, Phoenix Energy has made it a mission to advance a sustainable energy future by supplying 100% renewable energy and helping clients increase energy efficiency.

“I love that Phoenix Energy is a young and inspiring culture. I’m surrounded by motivated people who just want to be successful,” says Jad Cherbaka, Energy Consultant.

Lunchtime is a beloved tradition at Phoenix Energy, a chance to bring its tight-knit teams together on a regular basis. Additionally, quarterly sales competitions create constant collegial motivation and support.

VMware

A leader in cloud infrastructure, business mobility, and virtualization software, VMware entered the tech industry in 1998—offering game-changing IT solutions and simplified automated delivery systems.

VMware fosters a culture where dynamic and diverse people thrive in all aspects of their lives. VMware’s shared values, EPIC₂—execution, passion, integrity, customers, and community—empower its community toward its goal of architecting what’s next for the company, the industry, and each other.

“It’s really rewarding to have leadership that cares about the individual as well as the team. VMware’s culture provides training opportunities and amazing career growth opportunities for all employees,” says Pam Wolters, Sales Director.

Take-Two Interactive Software

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The company develops and publishes products through its two wholly-owned labels—Rockstar Games and 2K.

The learning development team hosts an “Energizer Series” as a way for employees to bond, to blow off steam, and to flex some creative muscles. Whether it’s yoga, Zumba, coloring on the roof, or—a summer favorite—the ice cream social, these events encourage employees to tap into what keeps them going.

Ultimate Software

Ultimate Software is a leading cloud provider of human capital management solutions, delivering HR, payroll, talent, compensation, and time and labor management solutions that connect people with the information and resources they need to work more effectively.

“We take pride in what we do at Ultimate Software, and we feel like we’re part of the company’s growth,” says Mariana Sabogal, Iteration Manager.

According to Mariana, being able to share her passions and favorite activities with colleagues—such as fun yoga classes or weekend group scuba-diving outings—really fosters a strong and special personal bond between herself and co-workers outside of the office.

Placemeter

Placemeter ingests any kind of video to analyze pedestrian and vehicular movement, revealing hidden patterns and strategic opportunities. The company’s mission is to help build stronger businesses, more efficient cities, and more innovative neighborhoods around the world.

At Placemeter, new hire welcoming rituals consist of celebratory happy hours, friendly team lunches, and spontaneous all-team ice cream breaks. The company’s employees are enthusiastically welcomed into its close-knit teams in grand style, and through fun group socializing, Placemeter’s new hires report being pleasantly introduced to its transparent “we” lifestyle.

Good Apple Digital

Good Apple Digital is a nimble, boutique media agency focused on targeted digital media planning and buying in the independent media marketplace.

At Good Apple Digital, employees have the unique opportunity to show off their individual talents and have them noticed by their managers. As opposed to other companies—where people might wait two or more years to be promoted—the company bases a Good Apple’s growth on merit and performance, not time.

“Just coming into the office, the vibe is so amazing, and I feel like I’m actually making a valuable contribution,” says Erik Hamilton, Search Supervisor.

Bozzuto

Bozzuto is a private real estate services company with four operating divisions—development, construction, property management, and home building—and leads the industry by delivering residential living experiences that embolden communities.

Each Bozzuto community boasts a unique atmosphere that celebrates the local neighborhood and caters to the individuality of the residents. Bozzuto employees enhance the customer experience by making each home a sanctuary, a place of comfort, and a place in which both employees and residents can be proud.

“I get to provide finished products to owners. It’s something I’m very proud of because, at the end of the day, being able to stand back and look at a project succeed from the ground up is a great feeling,” says Nick Fratino, Construction Field Engineer.

Esri

Esri is the market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software development. The company’s technology shows people how to use geography and technology—think high-tech maps—to make the world work better.

“People here are motivated. They have a desire to discover new things, to explore—to continue learning,” says Whitney Kotlewski, User Experience Architect.

At Esri, employees know how to take a break from working hard to have some fun. From employee sports leagues—like cricket and ice hockey—to a quick game of foosball or a walk around campus, setting aside time for exercise is important to the team.

When I Work

When I Work is a software company that is transforming the way businesses and industries manage their workforces—it creates mobile apps that make it easy for businesses to schedule, track time, and communicate with employees.

The When I Work team enjoys an open office layout with vibrant walls, lots of workspace, and comfy couches and chairs. Most computers are laptops, so employees can easily change where they operate, making collaboration with co-workers a breeze.

“For me, the power of an organization is the creativity and passion of its people. I get to see these on a daily basis at When I Work. If you don’t believe me, I’ve got the data to show you how awesome a place it is to work,” says Dennis Still, Head of Analytics.

DataSift

Founded in 2010, DataSift is a human data intelligence provider that enables app developers to maximize the value of human‐generated data—on social networks, blogs, news articles, and more—in real time.

“I love the culture at DataSift. It’s a great opportunity to work with ambitious colleagues and to work in a fast-paced environment. And we still find time to have fun!” says Molly O’Shea, Demand Generation Manager.

And fun is never in short supply at DataSift, which boasts a playground of pool tables and tech gadgets, as well as entertaining pub nights, go karting, dune bugging, and drone piloting off-site.

RepEquity

Launched in 2007, RepEquity develops high-performance digital tools, programs, products, and services to improve brand visibility, online reputation, community reach, and inspired targeted audience action.

At RepEquity, lunch is a special occasion shared among colleagues. Every weekday—at noon, like clockwork—employees come together to eat, chat, and spend quality time—sharing personal stories, weekends plans, the latest tech trends, interesting client projects, and lots and lots of laughs.

About The Author
Alyse is a blogger, freelance writer, and creative writing major at Colgate University. Her love for reading and writing has brought her all over the world, from tutoring locals in Venice, Italy to travel writing in London. At school, she is a Writing and Speaking Center consultant, choreographer for two dance clubs, and Admissions presenter. In her free time, she enjoys watching How I Met Your Mother for the millionth time, online window shopping, and listening to Spotify on full blast.

Source: themuse.com, Alyse Kalish