Quirky Perks

Sun 'n' Fun: Edward Jones (No. 57) employees can earn $100 in the Good Idea Contest and are entered to win a one-week, all-expenses-paid trip for two to exotic destinations such as Hawaii or the Cayman Islands (plus an extra week of paid vacation). A satellite broadcast announces the winners at the moment they are surprised in person. In 2001, eight associates won Caribbean cruises.

Living Healthy: Hilton Hotels Corp. (No. 42) offers the Miavita Health Program, a personalized service to help manage weight, improve cholesterol levels, boost metabolism and reduce risk of disease.

Fast Track: IT leaders at Allstate Insurance Co. (No. 26) recently went to a luge run to learn about the sport and practice risk-taking and team-building in an unconventional setting.

Staying Fit: Avon Products Inc. (No. 18) offers on-site yoga classes and massages and subsidizes an on-site Weight Watchers program, fitness centers and cafeteria.

Getting Involved: Intuit Inc. (No. 37) offers employees 32 hours of paid time off per year for company-sponsored volunteer activities.

One-Stop Shopping: Marriott International Inc.'s (No. 51) building amenities include on-site child care, dry cleaning, a bank, gas pumps, a cafeteria, a health club, a convenience store, a nurse, a photo processing service, a gift shop, Starbucks coffee, security, free parking, massage, a post office and a copy center.

Source: 2003 Best Places to Work company surveys