Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Chicago

Fortune research partner Great Place to Work has compiled the 2022 list of the 35 Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Chicago. Winning workplaces in Chicagoland earned high marks from employees for exemplary leadership. The successful leaders at the companies on this year's list make a point of involving employees in decisions that affect them, managing work well, and promoting the employees among their ranks who truly deserve it. (For large companies, also see: The 15 Best Large Workplaces in Chicago.)

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The Top Ten

Basis Technologies

NEW

Advertising & Marketing

Employees say: “I've never worked at a company that acted on the words they said as much as Basis. There is a lot of empathy and care in this workplace, and I think it's a rare find. For instance, last year I had a number of tragic events affect me and my family in a short timespan. Basis HR and management were 100% supportive in giving me room to take care of myself, and continue to support me by helping me evaluate my options (genuinely) to take the time I need to recover. Most companies I worked for would have tried to nudge me out the door for way less. It's a great feeling to know that you're safe and cared for by your employer.” Read the Great Place to Work review .

Balyasny Asset Management

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Financial Services & Insurance

Employees say: “The care for each individual makes this company unique. Very often, the management proactively takes steps to improve the well-being, safety and happiness of each employee. I was many times encouraged to take enough time off to spend with family and make sure that I maintain a good balance between work and fun!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

True Partners Consulting LLC

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Professional Services

Employees say: “Management is very open and willing to communicate large items to people, rather than just dropping news in an email. People feels pride and attachment to their work and are willing to go above and beyond to get things done and help each other out. We pride ourselves on our culture, and I look forward to getting back to the office and experiencing it with everyone again!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

Assurance

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Financial Services & Insurance

Employees say: “I have never been at a company where the highest-level executives take such an interest in the work we do, communicate changes with us, and involve themselves in situations in order to better our work environment. This excellent culture is not just words—you can really feel it when you work here!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

Engtal

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Professional Services

Employees say: “Every single person at this company is extremely selfless and will stop what they are doing to help others at any point in the workday. We all really care about each other's happiness and success. Senior leadership will also spend time ensuring everyone has the tools to see success in the role. Our CEO and co-founder encourages using all of our 21 days of PTO. We also are encouraged to use our monthly health and wellness stipend. Success is also recognized with gift cards, incentive trips, and lunch clubs!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

Sprout Social

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Information Technology

Employees say: “Management is incredibly empathetic and truly values work-life balance. They've given us extra time off for company-wide holidays and unlimited PTO, do not set expectations for unrealistic/unfair hours, pay overtime for salaried employees, and continually preach the importance of work-life balance!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

Burwood Group, Inc

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Information Technology

Employees say: “The company treats people with respect, and I feel more empowered to take a vacation here than anywhere I have been. The people who excel here are those that don't need a lot of direction due to the fact that leadership gives a lot of latitude to people to do what they feel is best for the company. There is also a very empowered environment to do what is right for the customer, as that has been a key goal of the company for 20 years!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

Bounteous

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Professional Services

Employees say: “Bounteous values its people so much. I have always felt supported when I've needed to take time off work for personal or medical issues. They truly value a healthy work-life balance, and I never work nights or weekends. I just feel like they care about me so much as a person, and make sure I'm healthy and happy with my work-life balance. I've never felt this way at any company I've ever worked at before!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

LaSalle Network

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Professional Services

Employees say: “Transparency from the top-down—quarterly kick-offs where the CEO opens up the books and informs the whole company of where we stand. Incentive trips, Rebirthdays (work anniversaries), Major and MINOR celebrations of accomplishments. Excellent benefits such as Brain, Health, and Wellness groups—optional FREE group therapy on topics such as parenthood, stress, and anxiety. An AMAZING training department that works to train not just on the job itself, but things like conflict resolution, persuasion, etc. that apply to everyone at the company, not just producers. Community Champions—a committee dedicated to community outreach. Diversity Equity and Belonging Committee—working to celebrate what makes each individual unique and educate!” Read the Great Place to Work review .

Inspire11

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Professional Services

Employees say: “Our focus on our employees is above and beyond. Inspire11 truly cares and focuses its efforts on those the employees depend on, their communities, and their clients. We have quarterly meetings, annual meetings, investor meetings, first Friday celebrations, etc. Our Thumbs Up Thursdays lead to great engagement on Slack, where people of all levels are recognized for their great work. We have a feeling that anyone can take on things that are important to them and they will have company backing. Our focus on the community and our Inspire Cares program, which allows all employees to donate $500 to a cause of their choice, funded by the company, is also unique. We have a strong DEI and women's empowerment group.” Read the Great Place to Work review .