Workforce Development Inc. is once again going to identify the Best Places to Work in Southeast Minnesota.

“There are some great employers in our community. This survey becomes a tool to help them recruit and retain the best employees. We want to recognize our best employers and provide valuable data to help all of our employers identify what they do well and where they have room for improvement”, said Randy Johnson, Executive Director, Workforce Development, Inc.

The Best Places to Work is a national program that recognizes the best employers in local communities.

Workforce Development Inc. will survey companies within Freeborn, Mower, Rice, Steele, Goodhue, Olmsted, Houston, Dodge, Fillmore and Wabasha counties to identify the Best Places to work in Southeast Minnesota. This is the seventh year in a row that Workforce Development Inc. has sponsored this program.

The company will be recognizing employers in multiple size categories, based on the number of employees at a company. Each local organization participating in the survey will be asked to complete a 40 question, online survey. Personnel Dynamics Consulting Group of Florida will collect the information, analyze the data and provide the results. Every organization participating in the survey will receive a confidential report detailing the results of the survey and identifying what employers are offering in the areas of benefits, training and development, paid time off, performance management programs, growth, advancement and many more areas. The survey reports on information all business leaders should know.  The report is free for every company that participates in the survey.

According to a press release, Freeborn County has a proud history of active participation in the program, and has had local businesses recognized every year since 2008.  Kellie Jordahl, Human Resources Generalist with Alerus Retirement and Benefits (formerly Alliance Benefit Group), has participated in the survey since 2011.

“The survey is a great recruiting tool for us; applicants tell us they saw the “Best Places to Work” logos for several years in a row on our site and wanted to be on our team. The reports you receive are also great; it is good to see how you compare to other businesses in your region and to see if you are competitive in your offerings,” she said. “Attending the recognition banquet was a great networking event, creating a chance to meet people and learn about their businesses. We gathered a lot of ideas for wellness and appreciation programs from other companies that I probably wouldn’t have heard otherwise.”

“Businesses today are competing for employees, not only locally but across the region. This survey can assist you in recruiting new talent; you will have the report data to support the fact that you are one of the best places to work”, states Valerie Kvale, placement specialist, Workforce Development Inc. – Freeborn County.

The Best Places to Work survey will be available until March 4, 2016. Those wishing to participate may go directly to www.personneldynamics.net/survey.asp. You can also contact Kvale at 507-369-1472 or Jakki Trihey, special projects coordinator, Workforce Development, Inc. at jakkitrihey@workforcedevelopmentinc.org.