FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Minnesota Work-Life Champions Awards
We have more than one worksite in Minnesota and they're all very small. So when you say "number of Minnesota employees," are we supposed to base it on number of Minnesota employees per worksite or per company?
Count all of your Minnesota employees, even if they're scattered around the state. You'll only compete with other employers your own size.
We're a tiny organization. Will we be competing with huge Fortune 500 companies?
There are five size categories of employers: 5 to 49 total employees, 50 to 249 total employees, 250 to 999 total employees, 1,000 to 2,9099 total employees, and 3,000 or more total employees. You'll only be competing with employers your own size.
Note: small employers in the 5-49 category have the option of using a simplified essay application.
What is the deadline for submitting an application?
You can submit your application, either by mail or online, through October 31st.
Why is this year’s Award structure different from last year?
We have made it easier for very small employers to apply and be recognized.
Is this award connected to Great Place to Work Institute or any other national awards?
No, although we relied on the help of a great variety of work-life and work-family awards around the country as we planned the project.
What do we get if we win (and do we get anything if we don't)?
First, all applicatants will receive “A Work-Life History: Reports on Work-Life Trends from 1999 to 2006.” This is collection of Trend Reports covers a wide variety of critical work-life topics and issues. It was prepared and published by WFC Resources, Inc., one of the nation’s notable work-life consulting businesses and one that is located right here in Minnesota. Brought together as a collection, the Trend Reports provide a unique “history” of developments and changes that will be useful to all employers. The report will be sent to you electronically by WFC Resources, Inc. after we receive your application.
In addition, on this website there are a host of tools, tips and suggestions for making your organization more flexible and supportive, and valuable information to share with your employees; all is yours for the taking.
And as an award winner you'll get a beautiful plaque to display at your workplace along with public recognition, both in your local community and statewide. Your customers, your neighbors, your employees and their families will know that you are a Minnesota Work-Life Champion.
It's called Minnesota Work-Life Champions. Does that mean it's connected with the State in some way?
No.
Is my association, chamber of commerce or trade group participating as a partner?
Click here to check our list of current partners and see if your local group is on the list. We welcome new partners. E-mail us if your group is interested in joining us, or if you know of a group that may be interested. Please include a contact name, e-mail and phone if possible and we'll do the rest.
Will the answers we put on the application be made available to others?
We may ask for your permission to share something you said, or tell others about your successes, but never will we use anything you've said without your written permission!
How long will it take us to complete the application?
That's a tough question to answer because it depends on how long it takes you to complete the essay sections. We estimate only two to three hours in most cases. Then, if you're a finalist, you'll administer our short climate survey to a group of employees that should take about 15 minutes for them to complete.
Will this competition happen next year as well? Can we compete several years in a row?
We hope to offer it again next year but don't know for sure at this point. You're welcome to compete as long as the project keeps going.
Will you need to make a site visit?
We may call you to clarify some information or ask a question, but we will not visit your worksite.
Why is a survey employees necessary?
We spent several months exploring other award processes and discussing the pros and cons of surveying employees. In the end, we were convinced by those with experience that employee feedback provides critical information when you're asking organizations about how their employees are treated. Hearing from those in the trenches offers an important piece of the puzzle.
Prior applicants have found the survey easy to administer.
Does it cost anything to enter?
No.
Who will be judging the applications?
We are currently in the process of choosing our panel of judges. We can promise that they will represent both small employers and large, and will be knowledgeable about what it takes to turn an organization into a work-life champion.
When will the awards be announced?
On January 30, 2008 there will be luncheon to announce and celebrate the Minnesota Work-Life Champions Awards winners. The event will be at the DoubleTree Hotel in St. Louis Park.
