Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Chicago

best small and medium workplaces in chicago

Fortune 

To determine the Best Workplaces in Chicago in 2026, Fortune&nbsp;partnered with global people analytics firm&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greatplacetowork.com/">Great Place to Work</a> to analyze survey feedback representing more than 60,000 U.S. employees. (For large companies, also see:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.fortune.com/ranking/best-workplaces-chicago-area/2026"> The 15 Best Large Workplaces in Chicago</a>.)

Employees say:"Our team is more than just a collection of employees, we are a community driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. From our state-of-the-art facilities to our open communication culture, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best."

Champion Packaging & Distribution

Employees say:"One of the things that makes this company unique is the culture of understanding and support. Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, not setbacks, and that creates a safe environment where employees feel trusted to grow, take initiative, and improve. This kind of forgiveness and encouragement really sets the company apart as a great place to work."

Marsh McLennan Agency, Midwest Region

Employees say:"Management is very transparent and caring. I've never worked for a company that encouraged work life balance and physical and mental well being the way Basis does. I genuinely feel that we work as a team and employees are valued."

Basis Technologies

Employees say:"I feel that this is a great place to work because each &amp; every day this has been a wonderful experience to be here. Our team is small &amp; we truly all enjoy working together. Each of us bring our experiences &amp; our special talents to our members who truly enjoy all the benefits that our company has to offer. Our company is very competitive &amp; I believe we truly make a difference in the world with all of our products offered here."

Consumers Credit Union

Employees say:"Management does an excellent job of advocating for both clients and employees. They hold a high standard for delivering excellent and valuable work while encouraging realistic schedules and rewarding additional effort through the flex time program."

Liventus

Employees say:"I genuinely feel valued and appreciated in my role and at the company as a whole. People care about you as a person, not just an employee. It is rare to find such a great working culture that makes you excited to go into work each morning."

Energy CX

Employees say:"OSM is more employee-focused than any other place I've worked at. There are constant engagement programs running, leadership is down to earth and always asks for staff's opinions, and the company will take a financial hit if it results in a better outcome for employees."

OSM Worldwide

Employees say:"What I appreciate about this company, as I have always said, is the friendly and collaborative work environment. I value that decisions are made with a focus on moving the business forward while always considering the well-being of employees. I also have complete confidence in speaking with my supervisor and manager about any topic, whether personal or work-related, knowing that I will be heard."

Brindley Engineering Corporation

Employees say:"Medrina is truly a special place to work. As a professional with a young family, I appreciate the flexibility and work-life balance this job affords me. I have never encountered anything like it, and it is priceless to me. I also feel that I am making a meaningful impact every day. I am given the freedom to be self-motivated, and my management team gives me the perfect amount of oversight. I have worked for several large healthcare companies, and I count my blessings every day that I have the opportunity to work with Medrina. It has been life changing in the best possible way for me."

Medrina

Employees say:"The management truly treats everyone as people. I don't feel like a unit of production that is expected to be this machine that works 8 hours nonstop. We are given a lot of autonomy and trust to get our work done. The lack of micromanaging is great &nbsp;but when I need help managing or I get overwhelmed, I can ask for help."

Strongpoint Partners

Employees say:"My management has always been supportive and approachable. This is true of not only my direct manager, but upper management as well. My team has always been respectful and supportive of each other. This statement from the survey stood out to me: Management trusts people to do a good job without watching over their shoulders. Yes—100% agree. I also feel that people care about each other here."

Sasser Family Companies

Employees say:"All staff are treated equally and given opportunities. Feedback goes both way between employees and management. People are truly treated as family, not just a line or gimmick saying "we're all family here"—leadership and management are flexible and thoughtful in how everyone is treated and what they need in order to succeed, work well, and be happy."

Hanson Faso Sales & Marketing

Employees say:"We don't just offer a service or product; we change people's lives. This goes beyond typical job satisfaction. Our offerings can transform an individual's day, year, or even their entire life. In addition to our core business, we are committed to contributing to the community. Each employee is allotted two days off per year to volunteer, and we frequently have additional volunteer opportunities available at work. Furthermore, the funds we raise are donated to the common school fund, which supports children throughout the state."

Allwyn North America

Employees say:"The way that Meeting Tomorrow shares its profits with both employees and the community is especially motivating. 10% of profits are shared among employees, which gives everyone a personal stake in the financial success of the business. A further 10% of profits are donated to organizations in Chicago that benefit underserved communities, which makes a real difference in the city where many of us live."

Meeting Tomorrow

Employees say:"Bluedog embodies the most unique qualities of work I have ever experienced. Our ESOP status fundamentally changes how we engage with the work, how we support one another and fortify the future of the company. I've never seen such deep commitments to an organization and the trust in executive leadership to match. Bluedog demonstrates on a nearly constant basis the commitment to all of its employees having a just, fulfilling and impactful professional experience, wrought with growth and challenges."

Bluedog Design

Employees say:"I've never trusted the leadership of any company I've worked for more than I do the leadership at Karbon. I feel like we are a genuine team that uplifts each other and I'm surrounded by people as smart or smarter than I am. I'm constantly growing and there's opportunity around every corner."

Karbon

Employees say:"This company has great efficiency due to its wide range of people who are experts in their fields. I always feel that I will get a well-educated opinion or solution when seeking out assistance. Employees are willing to go the extra mile, not just to get work done, but to help each other. Because of this, I have learned so much just within my first year. Work-life balance is great with a flexible schedule and time off; I no longer have to feel guilty for attending to personal matters alongside work."

Engineering Systems

Employees say:"Great people, nice atmosphere, hybrid work schedule and flexibility, rich benefits, family care leave, rollover vacation, $10K tuition reimbursement, goal setting, transparent company meetings. Everyone collaborates well together and wants to provide their best work. I love working at Radio Flyer and am proud to say I work here!"

The Radio Flyer Company

Employees say:"Softchoice stays true to its values and its people. One of the Softchoice core values is internal growth, and the company offers countless opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience in areas ranging from leadership to technical skills. What makes a real difference is the culture of support. When you ask for help, you're met with encouragement and collaboration, not resistance. For those willing to put in the time and effort, there are many clear paths to grow and thrive at Softchoice."

Softchoice, a World Wide Technology company

Employees say:"I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company where employees are genuinely valued. I enjoy my work and appreciate the opportunities I'm given to grow and strengthen my skills. Leadership consistently shows appreciation for their team and prioritizes work-life balance, which makes a huge difference. The leadership team is thoughtful, forward-thinking, and transparent, which gives me complete confidence in their vision and decisions for the future of the business."

Energy Diagnostics

Employees say:"It's very dynamic and I'm given a ton of autonomy to do my job. I don't feel like I'm being surveilled and I feel empowered to take ownership of my work. I often build things first and then release them, without much input from managers, and I feel like I am appreciated for taking initiative at the firm. I feel empowered to do good work because I don't feel like I'm being surveilled or put under unrealistic metrics."

CFI Partners

Employees say:"I really enjoy the work from anywhere option. Many of my friends do not have that opportunity and think it is so great. Additionally, I love all the celebrations for the holidays of every month to meet other people from other departments and learn about other cultures different than my own. I like the hybrid work model and the summer Fridays as well!"

Revantage

Employees say:"Some unique things include the schedule flexibility, work/life balance, autonomous/teamwork balance, FTO, benefits, 401k matching is above and beyond, opportunities for learning, the trust placed in me by my team and upper management, and the incredible opportunities we're given to succeed. There really are so many great reasons why I love working here at Sevan."

Sevan Multi-Site Solutions

Employees say:"What makes this company truly exceptional is its people. I've been working at this company for a little over 7 years and I've met some fantastic (and hard working) people along the way. I've developed such deep friendships where I've even stood up in their wedding! ASCM really knows how to pick their employees. I've been fortunate to have my hard work and dedication recognized, and that appreciation motivates me to consistently go above and beyond."

ASCM

Employees say:"This is the first company I've worked for that truly makes me feel like I can prioritize both my family life and my work life and succeed at all of it. The flexibility in scheduling (flex Fridays) and the holiday schedule truly gives me the time I need personally so that I can recharge and be all-in professionally while at work. The balance makes me more focused and better at what I do! This culture makes me feel valued and trusted."

I-CAR

Employees say:"The organization's culture makes it a great place to work. The people are superb, and the work is intense, yet there is an excellent balance between remote and in-person workdays. There are numerous benefits and amenities, making it hard not to love this place. The leadership is very caring and competent in guiding the staff, always learning, always moving forward."

The Academy Group

Employees say:"I think FGMA truly cares about its employees. I think we do a great job of understanding that each employee has their own unique circumstances and do our best to meet employees where they are while also delivering exceptional work. I see this come through most often with working caregivers (new parents or employees responsible for their aging parents). We offer flexible schedules and even allow employees to move between full and part time to meet the demands of their personal circumstances."

FGM Architects

Employees say:"Upper management places a lot of faith in me to do my job. My recommendations are taken seriously and they show a lot of respect for my previous experience giving me the room I need to properly do my job."

IGT Logistics

Employees say:"Each employee gets a lot of creative autonomy and has the ability to make an impact early in their career with Zoro. There are no hierarchal barriers and employees are encourage to freely approach management with questions or ideas. Zoro has an entrepreneurial culture without fear of failure."

Zoro

Employees say:"One thing that makes Peterson Technology Partners a unique and great place to work is their deep commitment to building genuine, long-term partnerships &nbsp;both with their clients and their employees. For example, PTP is known for a strong emphasis on aligning employees' skills and passions with meaningful projects. Unlike many staffing and consulting firms that treat placements as transactional, PTP fosters a people-first culture that prioritizes professional growth, trust, and well-being."

Peterson Technology Partners

Employees say:"This company is especially noteworthy for being a great workplace because of its phenomenal management. Not only do they trust their staff and support them in whatever they are doing, but they also do everything to increase the staff members' confidence. This is a workplace where everyone assists each other in a team effort to reach their common objectives. Moreover, this company supports a great work-life balance. They allow their staff to be their best in their professional lives while taking care of their personal lives."

Cloud 9 Solutions

Employees say:"Being part of an employee-owned organization gives me a genuine sense of ownership. I feel like the CEO of my own responsibilities. While I receive guidance and support from management, it's empowering to serve as a trusted advisor in my area of expertise. At Novaspect, I never feel like just a number-I'm treated as a valued individual whose contributions have a direct impact on the company's success."

Novaspect

Employees say:"What excites me most about being part of the NT team is the strong sense of belonging. I feel seen, heard, and truly valued, not just for the work I do, but for who I am. Being part of a team where everyone's voice matters and where support is genuine makes a big difference. It creates an environment where I can grow, contribute with confidence, and stay motivated every day."

NinjaTrader

Employees say:"Ball Horticultural fosters an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone up to the CEO knows me by name and is approachable. The company genuinely cares about employee well-being, offering healthy food options in the cafeteria and prioritizing fair treatment and personal growth. It's a place where people feel valued and supported, making it truly special to work here."

Ball Horticultural Company

Employees say:"My flexible schedule is the most compelling and appreciated aspect of my day-to-day. Overall, my supervisor is the most caring and teaching individual. She regularly checks in on me, and she always makes sure to let me know what a great job that I am doing for my residents/MPAC."

MPAC Healthcare

The Top 10

Fortune partnered with Great Place to Work to analyze survey feedback representing more than 60,000 U.S. employees.

To produce the Best Workplaces in Chicago, Fortune partnered with the people analytics firm Great Place To Work®. Great Place To Work has been surveying employees around the world about their workplace experiences for 30 years. Great Place To Work has developed a set of themes and metrics that not only reveal whether employees feel their workplace is great, but also predict retention, agility, and overall business success.  &nbsp;

Using their proprietary Trust Index™ survey, Great Place To Work measures the core of what they know creates great workplaces — key behaviors that drive trust in management, connection with colleagues, and loyalty to the company.  &nbsp;

The survey enables employees to share confidential quantitative and qualitative feedback about their organization’s culture by responding to 60 statements on a five-point scale and answering two open-ended questions. &nbsp;

Employees tell Great Place To Work whether leaders are accessible, communicate honestly and clearly, and if their actions match their words. They tell whether they feel respected as individuals, if they receive training benefits, appreciation, support for their well-being and opportunities to contribute. They tell whether they believe their company is fair related to pay, profits, promotions, recognition, favoritism and opportunities. They tell if they are proud of their work, their team, and their company and if they feel they make a difference, and their work is meaningful. And they tell whether they enjoy the people they work with, feel cared for and can be themselves.  &nbsp;

List rankings are based on this employee feedback, which is analyzed to determine the extent to which this experience is shared by the full workforce. Great Place To Work measures the differences in survey responses across demographic groups and roles within each organization to assess both the quality and consistency of the employee experience. Statements are weighted according to their relevance in describing the most important aspects of an equitable workplace. &nbsp;

Companies with the broadest sets of employees who report positive workplace experiences receive the highest rankings on lists.&nbsp;

In order to analyze employee feedback in context, Great Place To Work collects information from each company including their industry, revenue, size, and employee demographics. They identify the organizations that offer the most generous, caring and innovative cultures reflecting a genuine commitment to meet the diversity of their people’s needs inside and outside the workplace as validated by what employees themselves report in survey results.&nbsp;

Because employee feedback drives these rankings, surveys must meet strict requirements for how they are distributed and the percentage of employees who respond to ensure they accurately represent honest feedback from the company’s full population. &nbsp;To be eligible for the Fortune Best Workplaces in Chicago list, companies must be Great Place To Work Certified™ and must have 10 or more employees in the U.S. They must also be headquartered in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Companies with 10 to 999 people are considered for the small and medium category; companies with 1,000 employees or more are considered for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fortune.com/ranking/best-workplaces-chicago-area/2026">large category</a>. Companies appearing on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fortune.com/ranking/best-companies/">Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list</a> rank at the top.&nbsp;

In the last year, Great Place To Work surveyed companies employing more than 7.3 million people in the US and received more than 1.3 million survey responses. Of those, more than 60,000 responses were received from employees at companies who were eligible for the 2026 Fortune Best Workplaces in Chicago list and this list is based on their feedback.&nbsp;

To find out more about how to become Great Place To Work Certified™ or to apply to this or other Best Workplaces lists, visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greatplacetowork.com/">greatplacetowork.com</a>.&nbsp;

Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Chicago

Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Chicago Ranking (2026)