The 21 tech companies where employees are happiest

Red Hat is a software maker best known for its commercial version of the Linux operating system and for offering "open source" software that can be modified and shared to anyone by anyone.

“Some of the smartest people in the biz. Folks have the highest respect for technical and field resources. A family-like culture.” – Red Hat Sales Representative (location n/a)

Workday offers human resources software to businesses via the cloud.

“Great management which has a vision and direction for the company. Work/Life balance is excellent; the company is very family focused. If you're a high contributor, near unlimited potential for opportunities and promotions.” – Workday Technology Management Employee (Pleasanton, CA)

F5 Networks manufacturers equipment for building and securing computer networks.

“Great company culture, people who care about each other and get great stuff done for customers. Great benefits and rewards. Company that cares about the local community.” – F5 Networks Project Manager (Seattle, WA)

Salesforce offers a business software as a cloud service that helps companies manage their sales, marketing, and application programming projects.

“Amazing corporate culture: work hard but have fun doing it. Unbelievable benefits that are constantly increasing. A meritocracy where employees are handsomely rewarded for hard work. You’ll never get bored!” – Salesforce Commercial Account Executive(San Francisco, CA)

Akamai offers a "content content delivery network" that helps large websites and media sites run faster.

“This is the best place I've ever worked, bar none. People are dauntingly smart, friendly, and helpful, the work is challenging but interesting, the benefits are very good, and the pace — while certainly subject to the occasional flurry of long hours — is remarkably life- and family-friendly.” – Akamai Senior User Experience Designer (Cambridge, MA)

Paycom is an online payroll and human resource software provider.

“Leaders are always encouraging us to provide constructive feedback. Catered lunches and on-site gym. Being surrounded by some of the most amazing professionals that inspire me daily.” – Paycom Talent Acquisition Specialist (Oklahoma City, OK)

Twitter is a social media company where people tweet their thoughts to the world in 140 characters or less.

“The people that work here are amazing! Our environment thrives on reciprocation of employees teaching and learning from each other. I am empowered to make the decisions needed to help make an impact on the company.” – Twitter Recruiter (San Francisco, CA)

Apple is the company that makes iPhones, iPads, and Macintosh computers, in addition to selling music and movies (iTunes) and offering other devices and software.

“Benefits, team is amazing, management is wonderful, constantly learning on a daily basis. You work with people who are as passionate about what they do as you are- who are determined and destined for great things. Vacation, stocks, health benefits, etc. are wonderful!” – Apple Operations Employee (Cupertino, CA)

Adobe is a software maker best known for its design and photo-editing software.

“Outstanding company benefits--the Employee Stock Purchase Plan is second to none. Extremely progressive company that values employees. I truly feel needed and wanted with freedom to make decisions and have support at all levels.” – Adobe Employee(Lehi, UT)

Riot Games is a video game publisher that makes the popular "League of Legends" game.

“Riot treats all of its employees incredibly well, from top tier benefits across the board, to the state of the art campus, free gourmet lunch and dinner. I really can't imagine a better place to work in games (or in tech around the greater LA area).” – Riot Games Senior Staff (Los Angeles, CA)

Expedia is an online travel site.

“The atmosphere is positive, energetic and entrepreneurial. The combination of travel and technology creates a fast-paced and exciting place to be. Join us!” – Expedia Director (Bellevue, WA)

Mindbody is a software firm for class- and appointment-based businesses.

“It's a culture of happiness! I've never been in such a positive environment. Management encourages you not only professionally, but in personal aspects of life too.” – Mindbody Technical Support Employee (Pismo Beach, CA)

World Wide Technology is a technology consulting company.

“Flexible Hours along with Telecommute Days. Family Environment, Fun and never bored, always work to be done! Benefits are excellent!” – World Wide Technology Employee (Saint Louis, MO)

Zillow is an online real estate site.

“The views are amazing, the free food/snacks/drinks are great, and the benefits are great. I'm surrounded by smart people, and am constantly learning. Little red-tape and no business politics allow for us to immediately benefit the company and have a huge impact.” – Zillow Data Scientist (Seattle, WA)

Google is the world's largest internet search site that also offers email and office software and has its fingers in all sorts of tech projects from self-driving cars to internet kites and balloons.

“Everyone works together to achieve big and have fun while doing it. The perks are unbelievable (food, massage, gyms, discounts, etc.) but the best part is being surrounded by such amazing talent. It's truly inspiring.” – Google Interaction Designer(Mountain View, CA)

LinkedIn is a job-hunting site and social network for business professionals.

“Our culture is about transformation, integrity, collaboration, humor, and of course results. This culture drives everything we do and is supported by the company's core values that every employee knows and lives each day. Our values are grounded in our members who come first always.” – LinkedIn Senior Manager (San Francisco, CA)

Facebook is the world's largest social network.

“The culture is really amazing and in my opinion even better than the media portrays it. The perks are wonderful, but the professional experience is even better! I feel the energy everyday working here.” – Facebook Product Specialist (Menlo Park, CA)

Hubspot makes sales and marketing software.

“Leadership places a heavy emphasis on employee growth across all divisions, from tuition reimbursement to offering opportunities to take on challenges outside your core responsibilities. Transparent culture from top to bottom. Management actually listens to employees, and makes quick changes to structure if/when needed.” – Hubspot Employee (Boston, MA)

Guidewire makes software for the insurance industry.

“Guidewire hits the sweet spot between ‘startup culture’ and ‘big corporate culture.’ There is the small company vibe, wherein you can talk to everyone and get things done. And there is enough room for flexibility in processes for individuals and teams to choose what works best for them, while having the support of the larger organization.” –Guidewire Employee (Foster City, CA)

Airbnb is the travel company phenom that helped invent a new market, matching those with spare rooms/condos/homes to rent with travelers wanting to rent them.

“The people that work here are some of the best I've met in my professional career. The culture is good. The founders are great people and I believe they have the best intentions for the company, the employees, and our community. There is a lot of opportunity to learn from different teams and possibly switch roles as departments grow and new team form.” – Airbnb Employee (location n/a)