CEBC IN THE NEWS

Press Release

For Immediate Release
July 20, 2005

Minnesota companies can visit www.worklifechampions.org to apply.

Contact: 

Ron James

President and CEO
Center for Ethical Business Cultures
Phone: (651) 962-4123
Email: rjames@cebcglobal.org

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In September 2003, the U.S. Senate declared October National Work and Family Month, affirming the idea that “supporting a balance between work and personal life is in the best interest of national worker productivity” and that “reducing the conflict between work and family life should be a national priority.”

A new business award shows that Minnesota is a forerunner in that effort. Today, the Center for Ethical Business Cultures announced that it has joined The Minnesota Work-Life Champions Partnership to create The Minnesota Work-Life Champions™ Awards, acknowledging and rewarding employers who create a work environment that encourages employees to meet business goals as well as their personal goals and family needs.

The Minnesota Work-Life Champions Partnership is a group of organizations committed to making Minnesota the nation’s employer of choice. “Employers who implement effective work-life practices have a competitive edge. This award applauds employers who recognize the value of supporting the well-being of employees (and their families) as a means to achieve business goals,” explained David Rodbourne, vice president of the Center for Ethical Business Cultures.

Award applications will be available at www.worklifechampions.org beginning July 20, 2005 with applications due on Oct. 21, 2005. Applicants in four size categories, based on number of employees, will be evaluated on their: organizational culture and leadership; work practices and flexibility; health, wellness and benefits; leave options; help with personal and family issues; and community involvement. In each category, Gold, Silver and Bronze Champions will be honored. Companies that meet baseline standards for work-life programs within their organizations will receive Minnesota Work-Life Advocate awards. Winners of Advocate and Champion awards will be announced on Jan. 26, 2005.

Each organization that completes the employer application will receive as a gift a PDF package containing a 14-page booklet of instructions for conducting work-life focus groups (including questions to ask), a 30-question childcare needs assessment and a 20-question climate survey for employees. By applying for the Minnesota Work-Life Champions Awards, employers signal that they are committed to serving employee interests as they also strive to achieve business goals. “It makes sense that people want to work for flexible and supportive leaders,” explains Ron James, president and CEO of the Center for Ethical Business Cultures.  “The Work-Life Champions Awards spotlight Minnesota employers who exemplify the best management practices.”

The 2006 Minnesota Work-Life Champions Awards have a framework similar to that outlined by the National Alliance for Work-Life Progress (AWLP). The award was initiated by a grant from The McKnight Foundation and is managed by the Center for Ethical Business Cultures. Work & Family Connection Inc, a nationally recognized publisher and consultant on work-life practices, provides content expertise to the project. For more information about the 2006 Minnesota Work-Life Champions Awards, contact David Rodbourne at the Center for Ethical Business Cultures at (651) 962-4122.

About The Center for Ethical Business Cultures:

The Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC) at the University of St. Thomas assists business leaders in creating ethical and profitable business cultures at the enterprise, community and global levels. CEBC, an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit, was founded in 1978 by Minnesota business leaders and is supported primarily by its member companies.

Center for Ethical Business Cultures

1000 LaSalle Avenue, TMH 331 ▪ Minneapolis, MN 55403-2005 ▪ USA

Phone: 651 962 4120 or 800 328 6819 Ext. 2-4120 ▪ Facsimile: 651 962 4042

Email: mail@cebcglobal.org

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