Outside Magazine picks New Belgium Brewing as 5th-best place to work in the U.S.

New Belgium is coming to Asheville, building a new multimillion-dollar canning and brewing facility that will provide 150 jobs.

From Outside’s article, The 30 Best Places to Work:

Five years ago, we embarked on a mission to find American companies that truly believe in work-life balance. We sought out successful businesses that allow people to pursue ambitious careers but also spend time with their families, give back to their communities, and fulfill their passion for adventure. And we found them.

From Outside’s entry for New Belgium, it’s #5 pick:

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Number of Employees: 435
Digs: Brewing complex with fermentation tanks and a wood-and-steel office building.
Culture: Social (the staff collaborated on a hip-hop video to promote a new IPA). Active (cyclo-cross on the company track, climbing on the company wall, on-site yoga, Ping-Pong). Lubricated (complimentary “shift beers” at the end of the workday). The brewers that created the Tour de Fat costumed bike parades clearly enjoy themselves. “Our core value is fun,” says media-relations director Bryan Simpson.
Sweet Perk: After one year, new hires are included in a 44 percent employee stake in the company. After five, they’re taken to Belgium with cofounder Kim Jordan.
Now Hiring: Graphic designer, warehouse technicians
Newbelgium.com

Read the Outside Magazine article here.

Mountain Xpress shares New Belgium’s response to the selection in a press release:

“New Belgium fosters a high involvement culture where co-workers are encouraged to bring their best selves every day,” said New Belgium Spokesperson, Bryan Simpson. “Through employee ownership and open book management, we have a highly engaged work force working at top form. It’s an honor to receive this recognition.”

Some of the ways that New Belgium strives to fit folly into the day include offering on-site yoga, a volleyball court, climbing wall, indoor slide, foosball table and ping pong. A New Belgium cruiser bike is awarded to co-workers on their first anniversary of employment; after five years with the brewery, co-workers enjoy an all-expense paid pilgrimage to Belgium to learn more about beer culture. New Belgium also practices open-book management so all co-workers experience the rights and responsibilities of ownership.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate all 100 of these forward-thinking companies,” says Michael Roberts, Senior Executive Editor of Outside. “They believe success depends on helping their employees live more active and fulfilling lives. The kinds of benefits they’re providing—free fitness classes, flexible hours, subsidized healthy meals, lots of time out of the office—result in a more productive and engaged staff.”