Award presented by Printing Industries of America 

Minneapolis - SeaChange Print Innovations was recently recognized as one of the 2016 Best Workplaces in the Americas. The award, given by Printing Industries of America, highlights companies that excel in management practices, work environment, training and development, recognition and rewards, workplace health and safety, health and wellness, financial security, and work-life balance. 

Since its launch in March 2014, SeaChange has made establishing “a place where people love to work and an environment where people naturally work together” a priority, noted CEO/President Wendi Breuer. The company has achieved that culture with, among other things, employee celebrations, a beautiful workspace and constant communication.

From Halloween parties to companywide bowling celebrations when they finish printing millions of ballots, SeaChange manages to simultaneously hit its fast print deadlines and take time out for fun. And that level of excitement carries over to regular workdays too. VP of Operations Justin Sanders, who joined the company just three months ago, noticed the difference immediately. “The positivity actually resonates throughout the organization,” he said. “From the minute I came in for my first tour, I was convinced. I could feel a different energy – and it’s clear now that clients feel it when they visit too.”

For many employees, the physical space plays a big role in their excitement about coming to work each day. That’s because SeaChange made a large investment in making sure its internal spaces – lunchroom, employee restrooms and locker room – were every bit as nice as the areas created for clients. That decision to make clients and employees alike feel valued in the space has led to a first place award for commercial office space from the American Society of Interior Design and a third place award for best use of artisan material from the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

As she’s out on the floor every day, Breuer emphasizes the importance of communication as well – and not just from the top down. Quarterly town-hall style meetings are one way the company keeps discussion going strong. In addition, employees are invited to share their ideas to make the clients’ experience better by reducing waste, cutting costs and getting better results. Employee-driven task forces such as the Great Catch program and equal-amount employee bonuses recognize these successes. 

Seeing her vision come to life Breuer noted, “Every day we work together to take care of our customers and grow our business so we can give back to our employees. Out of all the awards we win along the way, being recognized for our culture is truly the best one yet.”