The rest of the best large companies

The next four: These workplaces round out the top five in the large-company division.

2. Woodward Academy

The private school for grades pre-K to 12 is runner-up for the second straight year following a pair of firsts in the division. An inviting workplace for the 600-plus employees has helped lift Woodward to the largest independent day school in the continental U.S., with nearly 2,700 students. Employee medical, dental and vision coverage, along with life insurance, are paid in full by the academy. Other benefits include employee assistance, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts and a credit union. It partnered with a company to enhance fitness and health, with yoga, a run/walk challenge, rock-climbing outing and stress management seminar.

3. Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southeastern Regional Medical Center

The network of hospitals for complex and advanced-stage cancer care, with some 560 employees, has moved up from the midsize division, where it placed second last year. Surveys indicate more than 90 percent of patients would be willing to refer others to CTCA, the highest rate in its field. Employees and spouses receive annual biometric screenings gratis, plus free or discounted supplements from approved sources. Programs include tuition assistance and work/life balance. The company contributes to health savings accounts.

4. Alston & Bird

Make it four straight in the top five for the law firm with some 800 Atlanta-based attorneys and administrative staff that serve an international client base. The firm has been named to Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Places to Work” list 14 years in a row. It has dedicated more than 50,000 hours of community and pro bono legal work to the city. In-house communication is a major emphasis. Events for employees include a health and fitness fair, professional training, personal improvement and support groups. For fun, there is an “idol” show, family picnic, boss’ day celebration, spa day and casino night. Funds are provided to workers for adoptions and fertility treatments.

5. IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)

The global organization with nine hotel brands maintains corporate offices in Atlanta, manned by a staff of about 1,300. IHG attracts and retains employees by maintaining an online environmental management program that reduces energy costs, operates an academy that connects it with local education providers to develop skills with youngsters and offers disaster relief support to the community. On top of standard benefits, staffers’ perks range from adoption assistance and paid preventative health care to reimbursement for WeightWatchers and onsite mammograms and flu shots. Scholarships are available for children of employees.