You've probably seen businesses in your community earn the coveted “best place to work” awards. What makes these types of awards especially prestigious is that many of them are based on employee surveys of their own workplaces.

Over the years, numerous clients of mine have received these types of awards. Here are five initiatives, programs and ideas they’ve all shared that contribute to becoming a “best place to work.”

1) Support of good health and well-being. Studies show that employees who are both physically and emotionally fit are happier—and also boast fewer absences, produce higher-quality work and contribute to positive morale.

Employer-funded initiatives that generate improved health and well-being include:

• Complimentary healthy food in the break room.
• On-site fitness programs or access to a local health club.
• Breaks to use fitness facilities.
• Quiet rooms for meditation and recharging.
• Flexible work schedules to accommodate family and personal needs.

Top employers recognize the influence of employees’ families in creating a positive work environment. They give special attention to the family in activities like picnics and holiday parties, office trick-or-treating, bring your child to work day and other celebratory occasions at the office. These employers may also send company newsletters to the home, along with restaurant gift cards as a family thank-you.

One company owner I know assists with financial well-being by offering his staff a complimentary meeting with a financial adviser to learn about retirement plans, college saving plans, budgeting and eliminating debt. He also gives his employees a personal subscription to the Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine.

2) Continuous learning and career development. What employees learn on the job is theirs to keep forever. That's why top performers are passionate about furthering their knowledge to advance their earning potential and careers.

Consider establishing a company university and asking each employee to create a personalized education curriculum. Options abound: Self-study, in-house training, industry association classes, complimentary vendor programs, co-worker instruction and formal mentor programs could all be part of your in-house education offerings.

“Best place to work” businesses also encourage employee participation outside the office in Toastmasters, Dale Carnegie programs and Fred Pryor and Skillpath seminars. Spend time working with each employee to create a development plan that benefits the individual, your company and your clients.

3) Personalized workstations. While standards and procedures must be consistent to ensure quality work and outstanding service, individuals have unique preferences that suit their best thinking, creativity, physical comfort and productivity. Ergonomic experts can help by recommending an appropriate office setup. Standing workstations are becoming very popular. Choice of chair, desk height, keyboard and monitor position, and foot stools are just a few things that can make a huge difference in avoiding discomfort and injury.

Personalization can also go one step further: Award-winning workplaces give office-based employees the option to work from home one or more times a week, an option that also helps promote good health and well-being. 

4) Commitment to a cause. Participating in something for the greater good improves morale and encourages teamwork. Popular volunteer activities your business may want to consider include tutoring children, participating in Meals on Wheels, helping out at senior care centers and fundraising for walks or races. Consider offering each employee four hours a month to volunteer as they choose.

5) Time for fun. I have several clients who excel in this area. Pool and ping-pong tables that double as meeting tables make for spirited Friday afternoon competitions. Employees can use a well-equipped kitchen to make meals together or participate in cooking classes. Put an oversized crossword puzzle on the wall for all to work on. Designate a table for jigsaw puzzles. Host a talent contest. Start seasonal traditions such as an Easter egg hunt, a Halloween costume contest or a chili competition. Ask employees for their ideas for fun and amusing activities—you'll get dozens of suggestions.

Emily Huling helps the insurance industry create top-performing sales, service and leadership organizations. She is the author of “Selling from the Inside," "Great Service Sells” and the audio program Service Selling Supercharge.