Spokane-area economic experts might shy away from the term “full employment” when describing the Inland Northwest job market, but labor data, coupled with anecdotes from employers seeking qualified workers, suggest the term just might be relevant.

Regardless of whether we, as a business community, are at full employment, many companies and organizations find themselves in the unusual position of having to work harder to recruit and retain the talent they need to remain competitive.

Couple the labor market with a growing trend of job candidates who demand to be a part of something that’s making a difference or improving the community, and it’s clear that workplace culture and employee engagement now rival compensation and benefits in importance for employees and prospects.

In the current environment, third-party verification of quality workplaces can provide employers with a competitive advantage when looking to add staff, which is one reason the Journal is presenting its third annual Best Places To Work Inland Northwest this year.

To conduct Best Places to Work, the Journal hires a national research firm that provides the program in more than 50 markets, conducting surveys both of employers themselves and their employees. Participation is free, though employers have the option to buy a detailed report about their employees’ responses.

Based on those surveys, the research firm, Pennsylvania-based Best Companies Group, will provide the Journal with a ranking of participating organizations that meet certain criteria, and the Journal will publish that list in a supplement to our Sept. 27 issue. That week, we will hold a celebration breakfast to honor those employers and award the highest ranking among them in four size categories, with employers clustered by number of employees.

The deadline for participating is coming soon—May 25. Signing up is easy, and the research firm will then walk you through the steps, which will take place in June and through July. You can sign up at the program’s website, www.bestplacestoworkinw.com.

Recognition and bragging rights are among the benefits; organizations that make the Best Places To Work list can use the Best Places logo on their websites and other promotional materials.

Perhaps more importantly, though, the process also gives employers insight into employees’ perceptions. In turn, it grants those workers, who participate with complete anonymity, the opportunity to provide honest feedback that can confirm what’s being done right—and suggestions on what can be improved.

This is a great opportunity for employers, especially those without big budgets that can be invested in employee engagement. We chose a reputable firm from outside of the area to conduct the surveys because we want it done right and without prejudice or preferential treatment.

The labor market is likely to get tighter in the next few years, as more of the current workforce retires. Now is the time to gauge your work environment and engage your employees.