US fast-food chain McDonald's strode atop of the 2010 list of Best Employers in Bulgaria among large-scale companies, while software firm Telerik scooped up the gold for small and medium-sized companies.

The nationwide survey, carried out for a fifth consecutive year by human resources specialists Hewitt Associates and their Bulgarian partner Monday Insight, was grounded on employees' opinion and management's assessment of HR policies and practices.

The research shows that the difference between the best employers and the other firms is not remuneration, but their attitude towards staff, management efficiency and capacity for preserving the most talented employees.

The consulting companies also registered an improvement in commitment among employees of 57% against 53% a year earlier, stating that the 2010 level was the highest rate measured since the launch of the survey.

In addition, the number of companies with staff commitment of over 60% has increased, which hints at the success of local employers to encourage the majority of its employees to give their best to fulfill the company's objectives.

The lower number of rated companies this year, 32 versus 93 in 2009, came as a result of the smaller number of firms to take part in the survey. The majority of entities which refused to participate in the study stated they were undergoing or had gone through severe restructuring and it was not the right time to inquire employees.

The results of the study also displayed a 5% increase in employees' commitment to 91%, prompted by their willingness to work for their companies over the long term and the confidence that inspire people to achieve greater results.

The top 5 of large-scale companies was rounded off by electrical equipment maker Schneider Electric, water bottler Devin, logistics firm DHL Bulgaria and industrial automation technology supplier Festo.

Small and medium-sized entities ranked in Bulgaria's best employers list were also engineering firm Hilti Bulgaria, Novartis Pharma Services, chewing gum manufacturer Wrigley and pharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca.