2025 Best Places to Work Program – Now Accepting Applications!

The Best Places to Work Survey is back for 2025!

The 2025 Best Places to Work Survey is officially LIVE for 2025 in Southeast Minnesota!

About the Program:

The Best Places to Work is a national program that recognizes outstanding employers in local communities. Workforce Development, Inc. has sponsored the program in Southeast Minnesota for 15 years and will again survey companies across Freeborn, Mower, Rice, Steele, Goodhue, Olmsted, Houston, Dodge, Fillmore, Wabasha, and Winona counties to identify the ‘cream of the crop’ employers in Southeast Minnesota. Winners are recognized in three categories: small, mid-size, and large businesses.

Designed for organizations striving to position themselves as leaders in workforce solutions, this survey is an easy-to-implement tool that not only supports a thriving community but also demonstrates a commitment to employee retention and well-being. Celebrate your organization’s culture, people, and success while gaining valuable tools to grow and attract top talent.

The free survey consists of 40 questions covering 37 key measurements, broken down as follows:
• 50%: Turnover, Growth, Training, Promotion
• 15%: Benefits
• 15%: Written Response to Questions
• 10%: Profit Sharing, Bonus, and Pay
• 5%: Working Environment
• 5%: Retirement Programs

The winners will be recognized at our annual Workforce Development Forum taking place on April 3rd, 2025. At the event, participants will also have the chance to listen to our keynote presentation, share insights and learn best practices from leading employers in Southeast Minnesota. Winners will also be given access to marketing resources to showcase their achievements, such as banners to display at their business and optional branded items like t-shirts for employees.

 

Apply now and take the first step toward recognition.

The survey deadline is February 7, 2025!




How does it work?
  • Participants complete a 40-question online survey, conducted by Personnel Dynamics Consulting Group, covering metrics like turnover, training, benefits, and work environment.
  • Survey results are then analyzed to identify the best practices in each category and determine the winners.
  • Categories include Small, Medium, and Large Businesses, so organizations of all sizes have an equal chance to shine.
  • There’s no cost to participate, and you’ll walk away with powerful data to inform your strategies for talent attraction and retention.
What’s in it for you?
  • Gain Recognition: Businesses emerging in the Small, Medium, and Large Business categories as the “cream-of-the-crop” in SE Minnesota can use the official logo in their marketing and recruitment efforts and will receive other promotional tools to highlight this honor to employees and applicants.
  • Invaluable Insights: Every participating business receives a FREE, personalized, and confidential report with key data on benefits, training, growth, and other workplace practices. Identify your strengths, uncover areas for improvement, and see just how well your business compares to others in the region.
  • Celebrate Success: Winning businesses will be honored at the 2025 Workforce Development Forum in April! This energizing event features a keynote speaker, employer panel, and of course – the Best Places to Work celebration! Winning businesses have the opportunity to showcase their workplace culture at the event through a short, creative video for a fun way to highlight what makes your team special and engage employees in the process!

 

Apply now: Southeast Minnesota Best Places to Work Survey 2025

PRESS RELEASE: 2024 Best Places to Work WINNERS!

Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is thrilled to announce the unveiling of the “Best Places to Work” in Southeast Minnesota for the year 2024, and our 14th year bringing the survey to the area. As the region’s leading advocate for workforce development and engagement, WDI takes pride in spotlighting organizations that prioritize employee satisfaction, well-being, and professional growth.

After a rigorous evaluation process, seventeen outstanding companies have emerged as the cream-of-the-crop, representing the counties of Winona, Freeborn, Mower, Rice, Steele, Goodhue, Olmsted, Houston, Dodge, Fillmore, and Wabasha. These companies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering positive work environments, nurturing talent, and driving innovation. The 2024 Best Places to Work Winners include:

Small Employer
(Under 50 Employees)
Southeast Service Cooperative
Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.
IBI Data
Southern MN Municipal Power Agency
Arcadian Bank
Mid-Size Employer
(50-150 employees)
Albert Lea Seed House
People’s Energy Cooperative
Custom Alarm
K&G Manufacturing
Cooperative Response Center, Inc.
Large Employer
(Over 150 employees)
Gemini, Inc.
Knutson Construction
Olmsted County
Riverland Community College
Benike Construction

To celebrate their achievements and the collective dedication to workforce development in Southeast Minnesota, Workforce Development Inc. invites the community to join us at the 2024 Workforce Development Forum celebration scheduled for Thursday, April 25th at the Rochester International Event Center. This event promises to be an inspiring gathering of industry leaders, stakeholders, and professionals committed to shaping the future of the region’s workforce and sharing their best practices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence and be part of the conversation that drives innovation, growth, and prosperity in Southeast Minnesota. For questions about the 2024 Workforce Development Forum, contact Samantha Draisey at sdraisey@wdimn.org or register through this link!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 FORUM SPONSORS:

Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is an independent, non-profit agency with a long history of serving the needs of career seekers and employers in Southeast Minnesota. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities provided, upon request, by calling 507.292.5152 or by using your preferred relay service. Workforce Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Provider and a proud partner of the American Job Center Network.
 

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