In a labor market with low unemployment, changing demographics, and advances in technology, Minnesota employers are developing organizational initiatives to attract and retain the labor force they need to grow. By providing quality jobs that offer family sustaining wages, inclusive and respectful environments, benefits, predictable scheduling, solid training and opportunities to advance, employers can increase the number of qualified applicants to open positions and improve their retention rates. What used to be strategies are now foundational concepts with which businesses are finding success in during this next phase of work.
Start your journey reviewing the Job Quality Milemarkers on the Road to Good Jobs handout. Then explore the information and resources below for each category to guide your business into developing and maintaining positions that are that are meaningful, pay a living wage, provide career building pathways, and are inclusive of everyone’s needs.
CareerForce and DEED employer services staff are available to help Minnesota businesses assess and include job quality measures into their recruitment. Contact CareerForce@state.mn.us to be connected with someone or find a DEED employer services team member in your area at Meet Your Regional Team.
Resources
Recruitment and Hiring
- Become an Employer of Choice
- Minnesota's Drive for 5 Initiative report
- Minnesota Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator
- Work with an employer engagement specialist
Growth Opportunities
- Employee Development Plans
- DEED Training Grant programs for employers
- MN Department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship and Dual Training information for employers
Wages and Benefits
- Labor Market data tools directory
- Cost of Living tool sortable by county and region
- Minnesota's Paid Leave program starting January 1, 2026
- Job Quality blog series: LMI Tools for Employers
Working Conditions and Inclusion
- Workforce Wednesday monthly webinars and resources
- Employer Guide to Developing a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace (2020)
- Inclusive Workforce Employer Toolkit offers links to organizational assessments and DEI guides
- Inclusive Employer Toolkit from Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County
- DEED Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund
National organizations with Job Quality resources
- Aspen Institute Job Quality Tools Library
- Jobs For the Future Quality Jobs Framework
- Colorado Workforce Development Council Job Quality Resources
Questions? Contact Liz.Jennings@state.mn.us or 651-259-7570
