Siren, Wisconsin – Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) recently announced the certification of Burnett County as a gold-level Family Friendly Workplace, marking a significant milestone in the county's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees and their families.

"Burnett County is dedicated to creating an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally," stated Don Taylor, Chair of the Burnett County Board. "Being recognized as a gold-level Family Friendly Workplace reflects our ongoing efforts to prioritize the well-being of our workforce and their families."

To achieve this certification, Burnett County underwent a comprehensive evaluation of its human resources policies and practices, with a focus on criteria such as healthcare, time off, flexible work arrangements, childcare, early childhood support, and more. As a certified employer, Burnett County can proudly display the Family Friendly Workplaces logo in its marketing and recruitment efforts and gain access to a wide range of valuable resources.

“Burnett County is leading the region as the first northwestern Wisconsin county government (and 2nd in the entire state) to be certified, and we are excited to welcome them into the family," said Neil Kline, Executive Director of Family Friendly Workplaces. “Employers in both the public and private sectors face a challenging labor market, and Burnett County’s proactive approach to becoming an employer of choice is both strategic and beneficial for families.”

Addressing the human resources challenges in northwestern Wisconsin requires a strategic approach. The Family Friendly Workplaces Certification Program offers a roadmap for employers to compete for talent effectively while proactively addressing this long-term issue.

For more information about Family Friendly Workplaces and its certification program, please visit www.familyfriendlyworkplaces.org. 

The Burnett County Board was presented with a plaque recognizing the county’s certification as a gold-level Family Friendly Workplace on November 12th in Siren.

From left to right are: Don Taylor (County Board Chair), Stacy Gaffney (Sr. Human Resources Advisor), Neil Kline (Executive Director, Family Friendly Workplaces), and Nate Ehalt (County Administrator).