-
Achievers (formerly I Love Rewards)
Toronto, Canada achievers.com
Industry: Software Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Achievers is a social recognition and rewards platform.Achievers practices the democratic principle of Accountability by having a huge "Master Plan Board" in the office with each person's name by the task for which they are responsible. The Master Plan is for their fiscal year and is developed based on feedback from employees, clients and the entire senior leadership team. Each person knows what they are accountable for and how to achieve those goals is up to them.
-
AIESEC International
Rotterdam, Netherlands aiesec.org
Industry: Leadership Type: Not for Profit
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Located in over 110 countries with more than 60,000 members, AIESEC is the world's largest student-run organization providing a platform for youth leadership development.AIESEC practices the democratic principle of Decentralization by voting in an entirely new senior leadership team, including the executive director, each year. They have done this for over 60 years.
-
Axiom News
Ontario, Canada AxiomNews.ca
Industry: Media Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Axiom News is a news network supporting a "renewed and thriving world."Axiom News practices the democratic principle of Decentralization by making sure their newsroom is as non-hierarchical as possible. Journalists are free to make their own decisions regarding their role, topics, and writing techniques. All stories are peer reviewed for proofreading and the writer makes the final edits, as opposed to a traditional newsroom where this would be the editor's role.
-
Barrett Values Centre
Asheville, NC valuescentre.com
Industry: Professional Services Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
Barrett Values Centre develops metrics and culture assessments used in over 3,000 organizations in 50 countries.Barrett Values Centres practices the democratic principle of Choice by encouraging every employee to take a training course they feel would be beneficial to them. Every year, employees can choose from personal growth and development as well as professional growth and development training courses. In recent years employees have attended a yoga retreat, MBA program, Photoshop training, Matrix Energetic workshop, Vipassana Retreat, Blueprint of We facilitator training, and training about a decision-making process for cost benefit analysis. Each employee is also designated $500 annually for a charitable donation of their choice.
-
Beyond Borders
Washington DC beyondborders.net
Industry: Justice in Haiti Type: Not for Profit
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Beyond Borders is an international nonprofit assisting Haitians working to liberate themselves from oppression and isolation.Beyond Boarders practices the democratic principle of Choice by inviting staff members to make significant choices that impact the direction of the organization, including which programs and efforts to continue and expand, which to discontinue, and which to alter. These choices are made in the context of a collaborative decision-making approach.
-
Boost New Media
Wellington, New Zealand boost.co.nz
Industry: Media Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
Boost New Media designs websites, web applications and CD-ROMS for a variety of clients including ACC, the Families Commission, and Telecom.Boost New Media practices the democratic principle of Purpose + Vision through their year-end "Boost's Big Ideas". Staff members submit ideas for discussion and explore these ideas in a group setting. The whole team then votes on which ideas they then want to implement. Once a quarter's worth of progress is completed, they decide if the goal is still relevant or vote to determine if a new direction is needed.
-
Chaordix
Alberta, Canada chaordix.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Chaordix is the global standard in crowdsourced market intelligence.Chaordix practices the democratic principle of Dialogue + Listening by using their crowdsourcing technology internally as well as externally.
-
Chroma Technology Corp
Bellows Falls, VT chroma.com
Industry: Biotechnology Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Chroma Technology Corporation is an employee-owned company that produces the world's finest optical filters.Chroma practices the democratic principle of Decentralization through employee ownership. Each employee-owner receives equal numbers of shares annually. This is not dependent on title or job description. Profit sharing is also equally distributed irrespective of title or job description. This gives all Chroma employees an equal motivation for success.
-
DaVita
Denver, CO davita.com
Industry: Healthcare Type: Public
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
DaVita is a $6 billion Fortune 400® healthcare company with over 35,000 employees.DaVita practices the democratic principle of Dialogue + Listening by hosting regular "Voice of the Village" calls where all the teammates in their "village" are invited to call in and to receive company updates from their core senior leadership team. Anyone participating in these calls can ask the CEO and the core team any questions about the business, policies, etc. They also have daily 'Homeroom' meetings that are hosted in local clinics or office environments and regular company-wide Town Hall meetings as well.
-
DreamHost
Brea, CA dreamhost.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
DreamHost is a leading web hosting and cloud services provider with over 300,000 customers and 1.2 million domain names hosted worldwide.When it came time to select the company's first CEO, Dreamhost practiced the democratic principle of Choice by involving every employee at every level of the organization (over 100 of them!) to participate in the executive search process. An all-hands interview process and intense company-wide discussions culminated in a final vote in which every employee was encouraged to select their ideal candidate to lead the company.
-
Dyn
Manchester, NH dyn.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
Dyn (pronounced 'dine') is an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) leader with over 14 million users.DYN practiced the democratic principle of Individual + Collective by soliciting ideas from their employees through an internal version of Pinterest before moving into their new 25,000 square foot facility. In the last year since fine tuning their democratic management, they've increased annual revenue from $10 million to $17 million, opened offices on the West Coast and in Europe, and more than doubled their employee count.
-
Explore Communications
Denver, CO explorehq.com
Industry: Media Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Explore Communications is one of the largest full-service media planning and buying shops in the Rocky Mountain region.Explore Communications practices the democratic principle of Fairness + Dignity by not having official titles. Clients get the entire company devoted to helping them achieve their goals, and everyone is an equal part of that effort -- regardless of a title.
-
Frank
Minneapolis, MN areyoufrank.com
Industry: Media Agencies Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
Frank helps brands shine from the inside out by producing internal communications campaigns and external marketing campaigns.Frank practices the democratic principle of Purpose + Vision by putting human transformation at the heart of what they do. Their founding philosophy is based on "being frank," which they describe as "being in open, honest, and regular conversation with your customers, colleagues and yourself." This statement is a also nudge to their clients to be self-aware and to lead from that position -- as an individual and a brand.
-
Future Considerations
London, UK futureconsiderations.com
Industry: Consulting Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Future Considerations is a boutique management consultancy.Future Considerations practices the democratic principle of Transparency by practicing open-book management and open salary information as well.
-
Glassdoor
Sausalito, CA glassdoor.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through over 3 million employee-generated reviews.Glassdoor practices the democratic principle of Individual + Collective by making sure that each person is given responsibilities which can be tracked back to the company's overall goals. As they experience successes, each individual is celebrated for their work ethic and impact on the company's achievements. No matter how big or small the achievement by an individual, all members of the team, not just the CEO, recognize each milestone.
-
Great Harvest Franchising Inc
Dillon, MT greatharvest.com
Industry: Food Products Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Great Harvest Bread Company has over 230 "freedom franchise" retail stores across the US.Great Harvest Bread practices the democratic principle of Decentralization through "freedom franchising." There are only two rules franchisees must follow: only use wheat which has been approved by the company and build stores only in areas approved by the head office. All other decisions and choices are decentralized to the franchisee. The head office also uses an elected board of franchise owners to help set company policy and negotiate franchise agreements.
-
Greenleaf Book Group
Austin, TX greenleafbookgroup.com
Industry: Publishing Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Greenleaf Book Group is a publisher and distributor dedicated to independent authors and small presses.Greenleaf Book Group practices the democratic principle of Transparency by having a monthly meeting where employees are given financial updates on the company's health. Anyone can ask questions in this open forum.
-
Guayaki Yerba Mate
Sebastopol, CA guayaki.com
Industry: Food Products Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Guayaki is the maker of yerba mate teas and bottled drinks.Guayaki Yerba Mate practices the democratic principle of Reflection + Evaluation by reviewing the year's success as well as short-comings at their bi-annual meetings. They feel this process helps them focus as well as brings them closer together as a team. As a result, each year new product line innovations are launched enabling the "magic of the mate" to be shared with more people across the US.
-
Haiti Partners
Port au Prince, Haiti haitipartners.org
Industry: Education and Community Type: Not for Profit
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Haiti Partners is a non-profit organization building schools and training thousands of teachers, leaders and students in the principles of democracy, social enterprise and education.Haiti Partners practices the democratic principle of Dialogue + Listening through its Circle of Change program, which helps individuals learn democratic practices for classrooms, organizations and communities. USAID has provided funds for over 1,000 teachers and grassroots leaders to participate in their three-month program.
-
HCL Technologies
Noida, India hcltech.com
Industry: Computer Services Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2010, 2011, 2012About:
HCL Technologies is a $3 billion IT company with over 90,000 employees and operations in over 25 countries globally.HCL Technologies practices the democratic principle of Individual + Collective by inviting any employee at any time to create an electronic "ticket" to flag anything they think requires action in the company. It can be, "I have a problem with my bonus," or" 'My seat is not working," or "My boss stinks." The ticket is routed to a manager for resolution, but the ticket can only be "closed" by the employees themselves.
-
IkamvaYouth
Cape Town, South Africa ikamvayouth.org
Industry: Type: Non-Profit/NGO
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
IkamvaYouth empowers disadvantaged youth to lift themselves out of poverty into a university education or employment.IkamvaYouth practices the democratic principle of Fairness + Dignity by creating an environment in which each individual has an equal representative voice, regardless of rank or age. It is the "level of insight" on a particular issue that is valued above the position a person may hold. To uphold this value over a wide geographical spread, branches have online meetings, where a democratically-elected representative of each grade sits on the committee and is also involved in all decision-making. Minutes of meetings are sent to all participants and are available on Facebook groups for additional input. The youngest and newest members' votes hold as much weight and value as their branch coordinators.
-
Innovation Partners International
Washington DC InnovationPartners.com
Industry: Specialized Customer Services Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Innovation Partners International is a boutique consulting firm whose clients include Allstate, Sprint/Nextel and AE Staley.Innovation Partner's International practices the democratic principle of Individual + Collective by speaking in the language of "ME and WE", honoring individual strengths and contributions that, combined, deliver collective gain, a whole greater than the sum of its parts. One example of this is in biweekly partner calls, where they begin by inviting each individual to briefly share progress toward IPI's collective strategic goals, as well as requests for support, recognizing that no one achievement is possible in isolation.
-
Integritive
Asheville, NC integritive.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Integritive is a web design and web development company.Integritive practices the democratic principle of Purpose + Vision by having a weekly management team huddle and reading through their purpose, vision and values statements. Whenever someone can recite all three from memory they are applauded.
-
LEARN
Laval, Canada learnquebec.ca
Industry: Education Type: Not for Profit
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
LEARN is a non-profit foundation providing educational technology, learning materials and e-learning materials to the Quebec English education community.LEARN practices the democratic principle of Accountability though accounting mechanisms that track every dollar and every project in which they engage. Since LEARN relies heavily on the contributions of the general public, it is their moral responsibility to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity. They believe that it is not enough that they be accountable, it is essential that they appear to be as well.
-
Menlo Innovations
Ann Arbor, MI menloinnovations.com
Industry: Software Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Menlo Innovations is a software development company with a vision to end human suffering as it relates to technology.Menlo Innovations practices the democratic principle of Reflection + Evaluation by allowing employees to request their own "peer review" sessions. Their peers determine if an employee advances or not or gets a raise. They also have a large sign that reads, "Make Mistakes Faster", reminding employees to be bold and to not have fear of making mistakes. The result is a dynamic system that allows for quick feedback, reflection, and organizational learning.
-
Mindvalley
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia mindvalley.com
Industry: Publishing Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Mindvalley is an internet incubator that shares their management and business practices freely through an online university.Mindvalley practices the democratic principle of Choice by giving employees the opportunity to choose their own mentor from amongst the leadership team. They also have flexible work hours and no dress code.
-
Mojo Interactive
Orlando, FL mojointeractive.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Mojo Interactive provides user-friendly Internet technologies that connect people.Mojo Interactive practices the democratic principle of Integrity through every employee upholding the "Mojo Principles and Promises" agreement. They apply the pledge to their management team, employees, partners and even vendors.
-
Namaste Solar
Boulder, CO namastesolar.com
Industry: Solar Energy Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Namaste Solar is an employee-owned cooperative propagating solar energy.Namasté Solar practices the democratic principle of Fairness + Dignity through fair compensation practices whereby no co-owner earns more than twice what another co-owner earns. Nameste Solar has sustained a 100 percent compound annual growth rate over the past six years.
-
Nearsoft
San Jose, CA nearsoft.com
Industry: Software Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Nearsoft is a product software development service.Nearsoft practices the democratic principle of Accountability through their use of a 360-degree review system to gather information and give feedback to their self-managed client teams. The decision of what to do with this information is up to the team.
-
New Belgium Brewing Company
Fort Collins, CO newbelgium.com
Industry: Brewers Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
New Belgium Brewing brews artisan beers and is known for their popular "Fat Tire" beer.New Belgium Brewing practices the democratic principle of Transparency by practicing open-book management. They have ongoing training that teaches employees how to read the financials in order to teach people the business of running a business. New Belgium boasts a 97 percent retention rate.
-
NixonMcInnes
Brighton, UK nixonmcinnes.com
Industry: Social Technologies Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
NixonMcInnes is a social business consultancy whose clients include Virgin, The Body Shop, Cisco, and HSBC.NixonMcInnes practices the democratic principle of Reflection + Evaluation by having monthly 'Church of Fail' meetings where all employees are invited to share their failures - in a non-threatening and fun way and ultimately to resounding applause. They also have an employee-elected rewards team to scrutinize and approve all pay rises - right up to the CEO. The company is achieving double-digit revenue growth.
-
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
New York, NY orpheusnyc.org
Industry: Arts Type: Not for Profit
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is a Grammy® award-winning conductorless orchestra.For over 40 years, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra has practiced the democratic principle of Decentralization by having an entirely conductorless orchestra, no fixed leadership, rotation of chairs, and a different concertmaster for each piece played in performance.
-
Podio
Copenhagen, Denmark podio.com
Industry: Software Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Podio is an online work platform trusted by thousands of teams, companies and organizations worldwide.Podio practices the democratic principle of Decentralization through their Podio tool, which gives individuals the power to get their work done the way they want to, without it being prescribed by other people or limited by technology tools.
-
Productivity Associates
San Diego, CA gotopai.com
Industry: Computer Associates Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Productivity Associates, Inc., (PAI) provides contact center outsourcing.Productivity Associates practices the democratic principle of Purpose + Vision by constantly striving towards their vision, which is posted in their lobby. They do this through daily interactions on a business level, with the clients they support, and outside vendors. Not only does PAI have a vision to change the world, but they also discuss how they have changed the world each particular week. This helps make their vision meaningful and demonstrates how employees are working towards that vision over time.
-
Quick Left
Boulder, CO quickleft.com
Industry: Software Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
Quick Left is a software development consultancy, specializing in web development and design.Quick Left practices the democratic principle of Accountability by having everyone manage their own projects. Developers converse directly with clients through project leads, code reviews and weekly check-ins. By spreading out responsibility, there is a sense of accountability in all employees.
-
Rabbit
London, UK therabbitagency.com
Industry: Social Technologies Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Rabbit is a independent social media agency designing creative campaigns to elicit and promote positive online responses.Rabbit practices the democratic principle of Transparency through the "Rabbit Charter" which outlines the ways in which they treat one another and their clients, and the ways in which they protect and promote our employees individually. The charter has a strong commitment to transparency and openness, including encouraging contributions from all team members, evoking transparency on both financial and client affairs as well as an open ethos at all company meetings - where no subject is off the agenda.
-
Reserveage Organics
Gainesville, FL reserveage.com
Industry: Personal Products Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
Reserveage Organics is a supplier of high quality wellness products made from Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grape skins.Reserveage Organics practices the democratic principle of Transparency by encouraging discussion and the sharing of ideas for product innovation and development. The CEO has an open-door policy and all executives' offices are made of glass. Meetings are held in Reserveage's all-glass conference room.
-
Rypple
Toronto, Canada rypple.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Rypple is a real-time performance feedback software system used by hundreds of companies globally.Rypple practices the democratic principle of Reflection + Evaluation through their Rypple tool, which enables real-time performance feedback to employees.
-
SAYS
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia says.com
Industry: Internet Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
SAYS is a technology company with a growing community of over 300,000 Malaysian social media users.SAYS practices the democratic principle of Choice through "Level-Ups", where job descriptions of an individual are co-written with team members. Team members can also 'swap' roles to 'test it out'. This has resulted in micro-innovations within existing roles and the discovery of new individual talents.
-
STATSIT
Singapore statsit.com
Industry: Market Research Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
STATSIT is a pioneer in using naturally occurring online conversation for research.STATIST practices the democratic principle of Individual + Collective by placing importance on group success and each employee understanding their contribution to the whole. STATSIT has three pillars for individual development -- the ability to push beyond self-perceived limitations, diligence, and being a good person.
-
Sweetriot
New York, NY sweetriot.com
Industry: Food Products Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Sweetriot is a social enterprise producing chocolate-covered cacao nibs and bars.Sweetriot practices the democratic principle of Fairness + Dignity by not having an HR department and instead having a "Thumbprint Committee" which takes care of health care, vacations, and other HR policies.
-
TakingITGlobal
Toronto, Canada takingitglobal.org
Industry: Internet Type: Not for Profit
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012About:
TakingITGlobal is the world's largest online community of youth interested in global issues and creating positive change.TakingITGlobal practices the democratic principle of Purpose + Vision through a recently completed intensive and inclusive strategic planning process, which redefined the organization's direction and purpose. There were multiple avenues of participation and everyone was invited to continually provide feedback. The result was a renewed sense of intention and shared vision that reflected the new reality the organization faces now 10 years after its founding.
-
The Link School
Buena Vista, Co thelinkschool.org
Industry: Education Type: Not for Profit
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2010, 2011, 2012About:
The Link School is a private, experiential high school.The Link School practices the democratic principle of Transparency by operating the school based on community principles rather than rules. In terms of transparency, instead of focusing on what not to do, they focus on who to be - a trustworthy citizen. Nothing is locked - not doors, files, computers or anything. They are entirely open.
-
Tickled Media
Singapore tickledmedia.com.sg
Industry: Publishing Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2012About:
Tickled Media is a publishing company with millions of subscribers across Asia.Tickled Media practices the democratic principle of Dialogue + Listening by holding a team lunch every Friday. Employees get an hour off to bond with one another, relax, and enjoy good food. The company goes on holiday destination retreats to enhance the company's sense of unity and provide an opportunity for anyone to voice their opinions or suggest improvements. On a recent retreat to Malaysia, several employees were engaged in a casual conversation about ways to launch a new service, which resulted in the launch of one their most innovative and profitable initiatives. Since transitioning to a democratic workplace just a year ago, revenues have spiked 800 percent.
-
Valtech
Copenhagen, Denmark valtech.dk
Industry: Internet Type: Public
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Valtech A/S is a global digital marketing agency.Valtech practices the democratic principle of Choice by inviting all employees to pick their own "Personal Manager" on an annual basis. All employees are also invited to volunteer to be a Personal Manager for colleagues at any level in the company with the only prerequisite being that the manager must be elected by a minimum of two colleagues. With all Personal Managers elected each year, Valtech ensures choice and reduces (if not eliminates!) absenteeism and departures caused by poor manager-employee relations
-
WD-40 Company
San Diego, CA wd40company.com
Industry: Non-durable Household Products Type: Public
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
The WD-40 Company is the publicly-traded maker of the WD-40 lubricant, with over $330 million in annual sales.WD-40 practices the democratic principle of Accountability by having every employee take the "The Learning-Maniac Pledge." The pledge states: "I am responsible for taking action, asking questions, getting answers, and making decisions. I won't wait for someone to tell me. If I need to know, I'm responsible for asking. I have no right to be offended that I didn't 'get this sooner.' If I'm doing something others should know about, I'm responsible for telling them."
-
Woohoo Inc. (formerly The Happy at Work Project)
Frederiksberg, Denmark woohooinc.com
Industry: Consulting Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2011, 2012About:
Woohoo is a boutique training company specializing in happiness in the workplace.Woohoo practices the democratic principle of Choice by giving all employees the opportunity to pick the projects they want to work on rather than having them assigned to them. The rule is, if you don't want to work on something, you're not allowed to.
-
Zappos.com
Las Vegas, NV zappos.com
Industry: Retail Type: Private
Years on the WorldBlu List: 2010, 2011, 2012About:
Zappos.com is the #1 seller of shoes online by emphasizing customer service, with over $1 billion in annual sales.Zappos.com practices the democratic principle of Transparency by streaming their town hall meetings live for anyone in the world to watch, hosting free tours of their innovative workplace, and publishing an annual Culture Book in which all employees, both new and old, contribute a fresh essay. Every one of their employees also receives a daily report detailing how much Zappos.com has made, what the monthly goals are, how close the company is to reaching those goals, how much they're spending on shipping and other indicators.
WorldBlu - Freedom at Work
WorldBlu Awards
The WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ 2012 is comprised of 48 organizations from a diversity of industries including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, services and energy,
with a combined annual revenue of over $17 billion. These organizations include public, private, non-profit, and educational institutions. They range in size from five to 90,000 employees and are located in the US,
Canada, Mexico, the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Malaysia, Haiti, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Singapore.
Download the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ 2012 press release here.