BECOME A HIGH-ROAD EMPLOYER

What it means to be a high-road employer

A high-road employer is a business that invests in its people—and sees strong returns because of it. High-road employers offer good jobs, fair treatment, and opportunities to grow. They know that when employees succeed, the whole business succeeds.

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High-road practices help you:

  • Attract better candidates

  • Reduce turnover and hiring costs

  • Improve productivity and morale

  • Strengthen your brand and reputation

  • Build a workplace people want to join—and stay

In the PacMtn region, we celebrate and support employers who lead with quality, equity, and long-term thinking.

The high-road employer standards

High-road employers lead with quality, fairness, and long-term investment in their people. Businesses that meet these standards create workplaces where employees can grow, feel supported, and build meaningful careers.

Competitive pay and benefits

You offer wages and benefits that help employees support themselves and their families.

This includes:

  • Pay that meets or exceeds industry averages
  • Reliable hours and predictable scheduling
  • Benefits such as healthcare, paid leave, retirement, or wellness programs

Safe and supportive workplaces

You provide a safe, healthy environment where employees feel respected and supported.

This includes:

  • Strong safety practices
  • Clear communication
  • Support for employees navigating personal or professional challenges

Career advancement opportunities

You create clear pathways for employees to learn, grow, and move into higher-level roles.

This includes:

  • On-the-job training
  • Upskilling and credential opportunities
  • Support for continuing education
  • Internal promotion pathways

Fair and transparent reviews

You build trust through open, consistent, and equitable evaluation processes.

This includes:

  • Clear performance expectations
  • Regular coaching and check-ins
  • Transparent criteria for raises, promotions, and progression

Positive organizational culture

You foster a workplace where people feel welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute.

This includes:

  • Inclusive policies and language
  • Opportunities for employee voice
  • Recognition for contributions
  • A culture based on respect and belonging

Community investment

You support the broader workforce ecosystem and help strengthen your local community.

This includes:

  • Partnering with WorkSource on hiring and training
  • Participating in youth, internship, or work-based learning programs
  • Supporting local initiatives or community-based organizations

Why becoming a high-road employer matters

High-road employers are more competitive, more resilient, and more attractive to today’s workforce. Workers stay longer, perform better, and help build a positive culture that strengthens your business from the inside out.

For communities, high-road employers help create a stronger, more equitable economy—one where everyone has a chance to thrive.

For your business, it means:

  • Higher retention
  • Better recruitment outcomes
  • More loyal and motivated employees
  • A brand people trust
  • Eligibility for future recognition programs, incentives, and partnerships

How we can help

We can support your journey toward becoming a high-road employer through:

  • Wage analysis and labor market insights
  • Recruitment and talent-matching support
  • Training and upskilling programs
  • On-the-job training reimbursements
  • Work-based learning opportunities (WEX, internships)
  • Guidance on career pathway development
  • Connections to community and education partners

We can help you strengthen your hiring strategies and the quality of your jobs—so your business continues to grow with a strong, stable workforce.

Meet regional high-road employers

Black Buffalo International (Alaffia)

Black Buffalo International focuses on production of fair-trade face and body care products using imported soaps, and sold under brands such as Alaffia and other manufacturers. Ownership embraces poverty reduction in West Africa, offering opportunities for career growth in leadership positions.

Visit their website to learn more.

Summit Farms

A place for sustainable farming practices and community-building, Summit Farms has opportunities for work experiences for job seekers interested in breaking into the food production industry. The owners are committed to hands-on learning and mentoring, and leaning into hospitality and tourism is part of the business model.

Visit their website to learn more.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa

One of south Puget Sound’s most cherished gathering places, Alderbrook Resort and Spa offers opportunities for employment in food service, lodging, marina operations, retail and many more occupations leading to a sustainable career in hospitality and tourism.

Visit their website to learn more.

Olympic Mountain Millwork

With customers throughout the region, Olympic Mountain Millwork specializes in custom, handcrafted doors, trim, bathroom and kitchen wood work. The company embraces on-the-job training and creating opportunities for career growth.

Visit their website to learn more.

Ready to get started?

Let’s work together to build a workplace where people thrive and businesses grow.
Contact Jeff Bowe at jeff@pacmtn.org for more information.