Want to know how your employees really feel about company policies and culture?

Wayne Schmidt, founder of the Indianapolis architectural firm Schmidt Associates, says there's no better way that participating in the Best Places to Work in Indiana program.  While a company could receive recognition as an outstanding employer, it's the process itself that matters most. With the deadline fast approaching to register for the 2009 assessment, Schmidt, whose business has participated the last two years, offers his encouragement to those yet to take the plunge.

"I would definitely say the most important part of the program is that it gives a really good evaluation of how you set with your staff - how you rank.  You go through all those questions and it's a very objective view of the office.  Getting that kind of (confidential) feedback is invaluable," he says.

The deadline to apply for the 2009 edition of the Best Places to Work in Indiana is Friday, December 5. Applications are available online.

The winners will be selected from two categories: small to medium-sized companies of between 25 and 249 employees, and large-sized companies consisting of 250 or more employees. (Out-of-state parent companies are eligible to participate if at least 25 full-time employees are in Indiana.)

The top companies will be honored on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Best Places to Work awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.

The fourth annual Best Places to Work in Indiana program is presented in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Additional sponsors are Ball State University, Mussett Nicholas + Associates, Tilson HR, Horseshoe Casino, Nucor Building Systems, Roche Diagnostics and Crowe. Additional sponsorship opportunities for the program are still available.  Please contact Jim Wagner at (317) 264-6876.