The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has named Badger Mining Corp. of Berlin, Wis., the Best Small Company to Work for in America.
The Wisconsin firm was named the top company in the nation among firms with 50 to 250 employees at the SHRM's SHRM 58th Annual Conference & Exposition in Washington, D.C.
The companies were selected and ranked by the Great Place to Work Institute Inc. (GPTW).
"Open, clear communication is essential. Tell your employees what you expect, and-this is critical-listen to what they have to say," said SHRM president and chief executive officer Susan Meisinger. "That's not always easy, but the companies that made this list understand that it's the best way to tap the talent of their workforce."
Badger Mining is family-owned and privately held and produces a million and a half tons of specialized sand each year for industrial use. All employees can participate in a profit-sharing arrangement; they are not charged any premiums for standard health coverage or basic long-term-care coverage; and everyone receives $200 in personal finance advice each year. Badger Mining dedicates 10 percent of its budget to safety training and, as a result, has the lowest incident rate in its industry.
Other Wisconsin companies that ranked among the top 25 Best Small Companies to Work for in America were: Kahler Slater Architects Inc., Milwaukee (18th); and Runzheimer International Ltd., Rochester (23rd).
Acuity Insurance of Sheboygan ranked fifth among the top 25 Medium Companies to Work for in America.
The lists and related stories appear in the July 2006 HR Magazine and online at www.shrm.org/hrmagazine.