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Southeast Minnesota Employers Recognized as 'Best Places to Work'
Workforce Development, Inc.'s annual program highlights companies investing in people and using data to build supportive, growth-focused workplaces.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Workforce Development, Inc.'s Southeast Minnesota Best Places to Work program is now in its 16th year, recognizing employers across the region who understand that investing in people is essential to long-term success. The program uses a comprehensive, data-driven process to measure key indicators like benefits, training, advancement opportunities, and employee retention practices, providing a clear picture of what today's workforce values and how organizations are responding.
Why it matters
The 'Best Places to Work' recognition offers an important signal for job seekers, highlighting employers that are intentional about creating supportive environments where people can build skills, pursue advancement, and find real stability. For employers, the program serves as both recognition and a strategic tool, affirming their commitment to their workforce while strengthening their ability to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.
The details
Participating employers complete a detailed survey capturing key indicators such as benefits, training and development opportunities, advancement pathways, and employee retention practices. Employers also share the employee-centered programs they are most proud of, offering direct insight into how they support engagement, growth, and connection within their teams. All participating businesses receive a personalized, confidential, and complimentary report highlighting strengths and opportunities, along with benchmarking that shows how they compare to similar employers across every survey category.
- The Best Places to Work program is now in its 16th year.
- The 2026 Workforce Development Forum will be held on April 9 at the Rochester Event Center.
The players
Workforce Development, Inc.
A regional organization that runs the Southeast Minnesota Best Places to Work program to highlight employers who invest in their people and use data to build supportive, growth-focused workplaces.
Joe Schmit
A 30-year major market sports broadcaster, entrepreneur, author, and 19-time Emmy Award winner who will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 Workforce Development Forum.
What’s next
The 2026 Workforce Development Forum on April 9 at the Rochester Event Center will feature keynote speaker Joe Schmit, who will share practical insights on building workplaces where people want to show up, contribute, and grow.
The takeaway
The Southeast Minnesota Best Places to Work program demonstrates that strong workplace culture can thrive across a wide range of industries, highlighting employers who understand that investing in people is essential to long-term success and using data-driven insights to create supportive, growth-focused work environments.
