Giant tech companies like Google and Facebook get a lot of attention for their killer perks.

But small businesses have been stepping it up with competitive benefits and great work culture.

"Strong cultures are important for small businesses because prospective employees are often comparing them to their larger, more well-known competitors," Susan Lucas-Conwell, global CEO of Great Place to Work, told us.

Based on surveys from nearly 40,000 employees at 331 companies, Great Place to Work recently published its ranking on the best small businesses — less than 250 employees — to work for in 2012.

The survey asked questions related to workers' attitudes about their workplace, including the pay and benefit programs, hiring practices, recognition programs and overall satisfaction.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-25-best-small-companies-to-work-for-right-now-2012-10?op=1#ixzz2BYkO2JWD