Badger Mining Corp. named best small company to work for based on worker satisfaction.

Badger Mining Corp. (BMC), Berlin, Wis., was named the "Best Small Company to Work for in America," by the Society for Human Resource Management during the association's national conference in June. The companies included in the 25-spot list, which was based largely on the results of anonymous employee surveys, were selected and ranked by the Great Place to Work Institute.

BMC, a manufacturer of industrial silica sand, limestone and other aggregates, employs 208 associates throughout its operations in Fairwater, Wis., Taylor, Wis., Berlin, Wis., Pahrum, Nev., and Poland. In the surveys, employees pointed to strong lines of communication and a team culture as keys to keeping the company productive.

The firm uses self-directed work teams to give decision-making responsibility to everyone in the company. For instance, in the mining operations, everyone has the authority to shut down the process if they see a safety issue that might put someone in harm's way.

Rather than upper management mandating changes to the work life of the company, task forces also are used to research and discuss new issues or benefits before enactment. Twice a year, every associate attends team meetings that cover benefits, safety information, the direction the company is going, and any other issue that might be pertinent that year.

"Our books are open," said Beth Nighbor, head of human resources at BMC. "Every associate knows the company's financial situation."

Complete financial information, including income statements and balance sheets, are shared with all associates monthly.

Employees enjoy a work culture with a family-oriented atmosphere, as well. Community involvement is common, and plant celebrations, such as Christmas parties and summer picnics, are highly anticipated. Every year, BMC treats its employees to games, prizes and food during its annual Associates Recognition Week.

But the Great Place to Work ranking isn't based on warm-fuzzies alone. BMC also was recognized for its benefit offerings, which include full medical premium payments for associates and families, dental and vision coverage, profit sharing, achievement pay, 401(k) with a 3% match, long term care insurance and wellness programs.

Organizations with 50-499 employees were eligible for the "Best Small Company to Work For in America" award, with 25 companies earning rankings. Medium-sized companies, with 500-999 employees, were similarly ranked. This was the third year for the list.