Ft. Collins, Colo. (May 22, 2015) – WorldBlu, a company specializing in freedom-centered, democratic organizational design and leadership, has named New Belgium Brewing to its ninth annual WorldBlu List of Most Freedom-Centered Workplaces™. The 2015 list, which is published every year on “Freedom at Work Day”, certified 26 organizations around the world.
“At New Belgium, it’s incredibly important to us that people not only love what they do, but that they love coming into work,” said Kim Jordan, CEO of Fort Collins-based New Belgium Brewery, which has 620 co-workers and boasts a 97 percent retention rate. “Through our open-book management and 100% employee-owned culture we strive to create an environment where respect, integrity, having fun and accountability are all key elements of our success.”
The standards to get on the WorldBlu List of Most Freedom-Centered Workplaces are high and required New Belgium employees to complete the WorldBlu Freedom at Work™ Assessment. The survey evaluated how New Belgium practices the WorldBlu 10 Principles of Organizational Democracy™, such as transparency, dialogue and listening, integrity and accountability. WorldBlu developed the survey tool based on a decade of research into what makes a successful freedom-centered company.
Organizations making the list ranged in size from five to 65,000 employees and represent more than $15 billion in combined annual revenue. For-profit and non-profit organizations from across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, Denmark, Malaysia, Haiti, New Zealand, and Romania made the WorldBlu List. Industries represented include technology, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, agriculture and services. Companies can apply after at least one full year in operation and if they have five or more employees.
About New Belgium Brewing Company New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee-owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most freedom-centered businesses, and a Certified B Corp. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews ten year-round beers; Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Slow Ride Session IPA, Snapshot Wheat, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel. Learn more at NewBelgium.com.
About WorldBlu Founded in 1997, WorldBlu is a community of individuals and organizations from over 80 countries committed to practicing freedom and democracy in the workplace. WorldBlu’s vision is to see one billion people working in freedom.
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