MINNEAPOLIS – June 25, 2018 – Star Tribune Media Co., Minnesota’s largest media company, today announced the winners of its ninth annual “Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota” program, as determined by in-depth surveys of more than 72,000 workers statewide.
The winners were selected following independent research and analysis from Energage (formerly WorkplaceDynamics) Star Tribune’s longtime partner in the Top Workplaces program, using detailed questionnaires to analyze employee opinions at more than 360 companies. The surveys elicited opinions and perspectives on numerous facets of employers and workplaces, covering such factors as leadership, company values, organizational culture, compensation, benefits, and employee engagement.
These 150 companies – ranging from innovative 50-person firms and small nonprofit agencies to major corporations with thousands of employees – have demonstrated a commitment to progressive, employee-friendly environments that have earned the confidence, approval, and loyalty of Minnesota workers.
In the large-company category (500-plus employees), top honors went to Keller Williams Realty, which has earned a Top Workplaces ranking in each of the nine years since the program began in 2010. sdg, a design/consulting firm, took the No. 1 spot among midsized organizations (150-499 employees). Kipsu, a digital-messaging software leader, claimed the top spot among firms of fewer than 150 employees. These are the first appearances in the Top 150 Workplace rankings for both sdg and Kipsu.
“In today’s environment of exceptionally low unemployment, attracting and retaining talented people is more challenging than ever for Minnesota employers,” said Mike Klingensmith, publisher and chief executive officer of Star Tribune Media Co. “Through the Top 150 Workplaces program, we take time to salute these organizations that are setting the standard for supportive, engaged, and healthy working environments. All of them are sending a message to job-seekers nationwide: Minnesota is a great place to work and live.”
The ninth annual Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota also features awards in several special categories where organizations earned distinction:
Leadership – Dave Larson, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Leadership – Chris Heim, HelpSystems
Leadership – Dale Nitschke, Ovative/group
On Track – Cole’s Salon and Spa
Outstanding Managers – DRCC
Innovation Encouragement – Jacobs Marketing
Efficiency and Professionalism – Right at Home
Meaningful Work – Gentle Transitions
Ethics and Values – ACR Homes
Senior Manager Awareness – sdg
Communication Excellence – Kipsu, Inc.
Employee Appreciation – Serenity Coutoure Salon & Spa
Workplace Flexibility – Bridge Realty LLC
Training Opportunities – Keller Williams Realty
Outstanding Benefits – Object Partners, Inc.
The Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces special section was published in the June 24, 2018, edition of The Star Tribune. The complete rankings, as well as features on many of the Top Workplaces, are available at www.StarTribune.com/topworkplaces.
About the Top 150 Workplaces Survey Methodology
For the ninth consecutive year, Star Tribune and Energage (formerly WorkplaceDynamics) set out to identify the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota. Company participation was voluntary. Energage contacted 2,412 employers in Minnesota. To qualify, companies had to have a minimum of 50 employees and agree to allow their employees to take confidential surveys. A total of 361 companies participated and more than 72,000 employees completed the survey. Energage ranked employers within size bands based solely on employee survey responses. The top employers in each size band were selected for inclusion. There was no charge to companies or employees nor was any compensation paid to them.
About Star Tribune Media Company
Star Tribune Media Company LLC is a locally owned, award-winning media company serving Minnesota and the upper Midwest. With the fifth-largest Sunday and sixth-largest daily circulation newspaper in the U.S., the most-visited local website, a range of home-delivered advertising solutions, and a popular arts/entertainment brand, Star Tribune reaches more consumers than any other Minnesota media brand.