WorldBlu has recognized New Belgium Brewing for its workplace practices by including it on the fifth annual “WorldBlu list of Most Democratic Workplaces 2011â€. New Belgium has made the list every year it has applied since 2008. Fifty-two organizations from around the world are recognized on the list created by WorldBlu, a company that specializes in organizational democracy.
The standards to get on the list required a large number of New Belgium employees to complete a survey evaluating how the brewery practices ten democratic principles such as transparency, dialogue and listening, integrity and accountability. Some major factors in New Belgium receiving the distinction were its open-book management practices, employee-ownership and high involvement culture. Not all organizations that apply receive certification.
“Businesses that are open to organizational democracy are usually nimble, resourceful and actively maximizing their human potential,†New Belgium CEO Kim Jordan said for a press release. “When people feel knowledgeable about the process and that their views are respected and heard, then you have created a community where good ideas and talent can flourish without restraint.”