Sourcewell Earns Remote Work Top Workplaces Award

Seven years ago, Sourcewell’s workforce could gather in a single conference room. For lunch at its Staples, Minnesota, headquarters, a dozen or so pizzas could feed everyone. 

Today, the organization has 520 employees living and working across 32 states. 

In a testament to the work that went into that shift, Sourcewell has earned its first Remote Work Top Workplaces Award from TopWorkplaces.com. It illustrates the organization’s focus on its employee experience, no matter where their desks may be. 

The award is based on employee feedback. The feedback is anonymous and is gathered by an independent third party. The award recognizes organizations that have created a standout employee experience in a remote work environment. 

To qualify, at least 50% of an organization’s surveyed employees must work primarily or entirely remotely. Sourcewell was one of 156 organizations recognized in its workforce size category. Approximately 250 organizations participated. 

From necessity to strategy 

Sourcewell’s shift to remote work began out of necessity. It’s since become an intentional, long-term workforce strategy. 

“Like many organizations, we had to quickly shift to fully remote work in March 2020 because of the pandemic,” said Sourcewell CEO Dr. Chad Coauette. “As time passed, we realized opportunities we hadn’t considered before. Remote work provided flexibility for our employees. It also opened doors for broadening the talent and perspectives within our team. Ultimately, it helps us expand our reach and impact, both nationally and here in our five-county region. 

In early 2021, with the support of our board of directors, we made the strategic decision to become a multistate workforce.” 

The decision supports the government entity’s broader organizational strategy. Expanding Sourcewell’s services nationally generates resources to invest in its service region. These efforts amplify Sourcewell's impact in central Minnesota, where it remains deeply rooted. 

Making remote work…work 

Making a multistate, remote workforce successful takes a thoughtful approach. Sourcewell has intentionally evolved how employees connect, collaborate, and experience their remote workplace. 

Some examples of that work include: 

• New ways to build relationships with formal and informal virtual events
• Reshaped processes and infrastructure for onboarding, training, technology, and more
• Improved access to information, resources, and support 

Sourcewell also created a Remote Workforce Toolkit containing resources and best practices. The tool supports employee and leadership success in remote and hybrid environments. 

A workplace shaped by employees 

The Remote Work Top Workplaces Award marks Sourcewell’s 11th workplace recognition this year. Previous recognition in 2026 included: 

• Its 11th consecutive year as Star Tribune Top Workplace in Minnesota
• Its third consecutive year on the 2026 USA Today Top Workplaces list 
• Awards in all eight categories of the 2026 Energage Culture Excellence Awards 

These awards reflect the workplace Sourcewell employees help create. They support each other, find meaning in their work, and make a lasting impact.