Six Georgia companies were recently recognized among Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces 2018, an annual ranking of private companies with exceptional culture, benefits and employee engagement.

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More than 1,800 companies and 81,365 employees participated in the workplace survey created by Inc. and its software firm, Quantum Workplace to determine how employees feel about levels of trust in senior leadership, benefits, career development and more.

Thousands of firms across a diverse array of industries were nominated at the start of 2018 before employees completed 30-question surveys. Fewer than 300 companies made the cut.

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"By including an employee survey into this year's Best Workplaces selection process, we've really raised the bar. Companies that don't score at the very top of their peer group don't make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, that's not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves," James Ledbetter, Inc. editor-in-chief, said in a news release.

California, New York and Texas had the most companies recognized on the list.

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In Georgia, the following six companies earned the honors:

CallRail

  • Industry: Software
  • Size: Medium-large

Client Command

  • Industry: Advertising and marketing
  • Size: Medium

Kabbage

  • Industry: Financial services
  • Size: Large

MiLEND

  • Industry: Financial services
  • Size: Medium-large

Techwood Consulting

  • Industry: Advertising and marketing
  • Size: Micro

Terminus

  • Industry: Advertising and marketing
  • Size: Medium-large

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All but one, Techwood Consulting, also made it to AJC's Top Workplaces 2018.

Inc.’s analysis found some common themes among the top workplaces, such as a company culture’s role in individual and team performance.

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The best companies are also those that view employers as more than a source of income.

And when employees do feel valued, they’re much more likely to be engaged.

Explore Inc.'s 2018 Best Workplaces list at inc.com.