2014 Top Places to Work

Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

“The magic is in the people who work for you,” said Aron Ain, 56, chief executive of Kronos, based in Chelmsford.

Executives get back in the trenches at the companies they run

Officials shared secrets to making workers happy at the highest-ranked companies in this year’s Top Places to Work survey. By Katie Johnston

You can quote me....

Employees recount moments that made them appreciate where they work.

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Globe Staff

ZeroTurnaround, a software firm in Boston, has taken workers on overseas retreats.

Employers increasingly strive to keep workers happy

The happiest industry in Massachusetts? Real estate

John Pepper chatted with Boloco line cook Aracelly Haque.

Above and beyond minimum wage

Shirley Leung

After Artie T., CEOs wonder if employees are in their corner

The standouts

Here are the companies that scored the highest in terms of appreciation, ethics, management, and motivation.

Appreciation

Legacy Marketing gives workers incentive to succeed

Employees are recognized for sales as well as accomplishments like dressing well and having a good attitude.

Ethics

Hammond Residential Real Estate committed to ‘what is right’

“It’s setting the standard of taking the high road and to always do what is right,” said cofounder Saul Cohen.

Management

Roche Bros. builds long-term relationships

The supermarket chain has 4,700 workers, and the average job tenure of a full-time employee is more than 11 years.

Motivation

At BBS, nobody gets a head start

BBS gives new hires a welcome packet that clearly defines the sales goals and skills they must demonstrate to progress.

Corporate philanthropy gets strategic

Employees want more authenticity, involvement and control, and they expect higher-ups to roll up their sleeves.

Payday: How does your salary stack up?

We polled area residents on their annual salaries, and threw in a few local notables and celebrities, too.

Fearless fashionistas crack the corporate dress code

What does a punchy yellow tie or a pair of leopard-print Jimmy Choos say about an executive? You’d be surprised.

Top Places to Work

It’s all about the perks

Some employees let workers take naps, some give out treats, and some help employees brew their own beer.

These workers love their jobs

Some love to help others, some relish the intellectial stimulation, and some want to help their companies grow.

Miss Conduct

Questions on business etiquette

The advice columnist weighs in on nitpicky potluck organizers, passive-aggressive co-workers, and career hopping.

Methodology

How we chose the top places to work

Every year, the Boston Globe partners with WorkplaceDynamics of Exton, Pa. to survey workers around the state.