Top 3 Employers in North Dakota: What Makes Them Stand Out?

Why do people change jobs? A fatter paycheck often steals the spotlight - who doesn’t want more money?  

But go a little deeper, and it’s obvious that salary isn’t the only reason. Benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or even extras like free snacks can be just as important.  

The top-level positions with higher wages aren’t always available, so employers are left wondering: What else will convince workers to stick around? What makes a job feel less like a grind? 

Careerminds set out to identify the perks that matter, asking 3,023 workers to reveal the top companies nailing employee retention - and why.  

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North Dakotans' 3 Most Coveted Employers: 

Number Three is Bell Bank in Fargo, Wahpeton, Grand Forks and Moorhead. Their full-time employees are given $1,000 annually ($500 for part-timers) to donate via its Pay It Forward program. With strong 401(k) contributions and low-cost health insurance, Bell’s purpose-driven culture fosters pride in the workplace. 

Scheels, a 100% employee-owned retailer is at number two. The store has locations in Fargo, Minot, Grand Forks and Bismarck. The ownership culture motivates staff. They share wealth via an ESOP and profit-sharing. Plus Scheels offers excellent healthcare AND a discount on gear. Employees rave about the “family atmosphere” and the multi-million-dollar retirement payouts for long-timers.  

Number One is Bobcat in West Fargo, Gwinner, Wahpeton and Bismarck. They offer a 6% dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match with immediate vesting, annual profit-sharing, and 12 paid holidays. Bobcat’s collaborative, “people-centric” culture and growth opportunities shine in surveys.  

These companies prove that great benefits and a strong workplace culture matter just as much as salary.