You don't have to be big to be the best.

This week BRW released their annual Best Places to Work list and unlike previous years the list was split into two groups: 'Over 100 employees' and ‘Under 100 employees'.

Atlassian, a software development company, took top honours in the Over 100 employees, but some of the benefits and conditions offered to employees could translate to a smaller organisation. Atlassian employees enjoy a drinks fridge, boutique beer on tap, a pick 'n' mix station, table tennis, a pool table, video games and board games.

But BRW editor Michael Bailey says their success really lies in the management style of the organisation: “BRW identified Atlassian as one of the most transparent companies we have worked with and they have approachable management."

Interestingly the 'Over 100' list revealed happy employees are most likely to be found in companies where the executive team is dominated by females, with 7 of this year's top 22 workplaces run by female execs.

In the 'Under 100 employees' category health care provider, The Physio Co took out number one spot followed by Coleman Brands, a global manufacturer of outdoor recreation equipment.

Founder of The Physio Co, Tristan White subscribes to the 'pizza team' concept made famous by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Bezos uses pizza as a metric for choosing the size of his teams: Basically, if a team can't be fed by two pizzas alone that team is too large. Idea being the brain can't handle a lot of people, so it's not a surprise that smaller teams tend to work better.

Tristan White breaks down his workforce into teams of seven, keeping them empowered and also avoiding 'groupthink'. “I’ve got two physiotherapists that joined us in 2005, they’re now two of my seven team leaders, all running teams of their own and evolving into culture champions,” says White.

General Manager of Coleman Brands, Justin Casey argues a great workplace is created by having the right people. The organisation has an involved recruitment process, with recruiters spending up to a week in training just to participate. Then candidates must go through a 5 step process including a minimum 60 minute 'on the job' with the hiring manager and their potential co-workers.

It's a process that is time-consuming and not as cheap, initially, says Casey: “But you pay twice as much if you get it wrong.” he says. “The more people are the right cultural fit, the more they enjoy themselves and the more discretionary effort they give you beyond the 9-to-5.”

Even the smallest of companies can use simple incentives and hire techniques to create the best culture and increase employer brand. If you don't have the time to put candidates through a rigorous process, then it's time to engage McDougall HR for your next recruitment drive and allow us to drive that process for you.