Snow equipment manufacturer Western Products, a division of Douglas Dynamics Inc., has been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee-feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement.
“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits,” says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”
Western Products is one of only a handful of organizations to make the list of Top 100 Workplaces in Southeastern Wisconsin every year since it was first published in 2010. Western Products maintains one of the highest employee retention rates in the industry, an accomplishment the company attributes to employee empowerment and ongoing skill development initiatives. The company employs 280 people in the Milwaukee area. Parent company Douglas Dynamics employs approximately 1,100 people and has four manufacturing facilities and six truck equipment centers in the United States, and an office in Beijing, China. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection.
“We’re extraordinarily honored to be once again included among this exclusive group of companies that understand the value of creating a healthy and robust workplace culture,” said Linda Evans, vice president of human resources. “Throughout our organization, we create a collaborative environment and encourage employees to take ownership in the company’s success. It is through their hard work, dedication and team spirit that we are able to continue being one of the best places to work in Southeastern Wisconsin.”
