Google

Success can be a game with many players.One of the side effects of the free food for Google staff is what is known as the "Google 15"-the number of pounds that employees typically gain after joining the internet company. 

One way the company does this is to hold competitions in everything from office decorating is dancing and football, with prizes for the winners.

The Best Workplaces survey indicates that such initiatives have a powerful effect.

"What makes Google a great workplace is that the nature of the work itself is very Manger and interesting," says Nick Creswell.

Even when it comes to learning and development, many programmes are voluntary and informal. Often it may be a case of inviting the university faculty in to discuss their latest research. Google also invites prominent writers to give lunchtime talks about their books.