Looking for a company that fosters a progressive culture and a love of the great outdoors? You’re in luck: Five organizations in the Twin Cities made the cut in this year’s “Best Places to Work” by Outside magazine.
 
Among the benefits that earned these companies a top spot: company-sponsored sporting events, community gardens, and wellness programs that help employees offset equipment purchases or ski passes. Offering yoga classes, summer hours or bike-share access didn’t hurt, either.
 
Ergodyne, a St. Paul-based producer of protective work gear, came in second place nationally and ranked highest amongst Minnesota companies. Outside noted the company’s health program that offers cash incentives and twice weekly, company-wide walks as part of its decision to rank the company highly.
 

Three public relations and advertising firms in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood were among those named: Spong PR (ranked 21st), Colle+McVoy Inc. (29th) and Haberman (71st). Minnetonka-based Renter’s Warehouse, a rental management company, came in at 82nd on the list.
 
Outside uses a consulting firm to determine if companies are eligible to make the list. Companies must value “productivity in combination with an active, eco-conscious lifestyle.” Once eligibility is determined, employees are sent a survey that looks at benefits, engagement and satisfaction.
 
Seeley Lake Elementary School, about an hour outside of Missoula, Montana, topped the list for its easy access to the Rocky Mountains and focus on the outdoors for employees and students alike. The list was dominated by companies in Colorado and California, which made up nearly half of the list.
 
This summer, Duluth received the top spot on Outside magazine’s “Best Place to Live” after the city rallied around a social media campaign to win the bracket-style contest. Minneapolis placed third.
 
Outside’s full “Best Places to Work” list can be found here.