The Star Tribune is again teaming with Pennsylvania research firm WorkplaceDynamics to identify Minnesota's Top Workplaces. Nominations are now open for our sixth annual issue.
Nearly 59,000 employees at 314 organizations participated in last year's survey. They were asked to respond to 22 survey statements aimed at measuring three critical elements of the workplace: organizational health, the employee's job and engagement.
Last year's survey identified 155 companies where responses generated scores that exceeded a national standard established by WorkplaceDynamics based on survey efforts in more than 40 metro areas, including Chicago, Boston and Atlanta. From that, 100 top companies were ranked.
The upshot from last year's survey results: Employees at the top workplaces in Minnesota were more positive about where they work than employees at top workplaces around the country. Will that stand this year? It's time to find out.
If you know of a company or nonprofit organization with 50 or more employees that deserves to be considered for this year's Top Workplaces ranking, submit your nomination at www.startribune.com/nominate. The nominations must be submitted by Feb. 20. Employees at participating companies will be surveyed between January and April by WorkplaceDynamics.
In June, results will be published online at StarTribune.com and in a special print section. Last year's section is available at www.startribune.com/topworkplaces.
Veteran donates home to vet in need
Bob Karlstrand, a Vietnam-era veteran, has a heart as big as his house.
Karlstrand, 65, is dying of cancer. And he recently concluded a legal agreement with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity that will transfer ownership of the Maple Grove house he bought in 1976 to the nonprofit. The Habitat housing group plans to renovate it and sell it a discounted price to the family of a qualified veteran under a recent Habitat veterans initiative.