The Workplace Innovator Award, given annually by Step Up, recognizes a business that pursues innovation in the workplace for its lower-wage workers. The selected business understands the value in assisting their lower-wage employees (defined as those earning at or below $12 an hour) and has implemented creative programs or procedures to support their development.

The award is unique in Savannah. Past winners include JCB, IKEA, and DIRTT Environmental Solutions, among others.

What is the Workforce Innovator Award?

The Workplace Innovator Award is a distinction conferred by Step Up Savannah to showcase creative and meaningful employer practices that benefit that employer’s low-wage employees. Recipients are presented the award at the Step Up Annual Meeting at a breakfast, 7:30 – 9:3 a.m. on Oct. 17 at Savannah Technical College.

What types of employer practices will be considered for the award?

The award seeks to recognize employers that are implementing a wide array of creative processes or programs to develop their low-wage workforce professionally and personally, ultimately providing tools to increase their income. These practices must add value to the employer and the employee.

How does my organization apply?

Nominations are due on August 29 and will be evaluated by a team of judges; find the “2014 Workplace Innovator Nomination form” on Step Up’s website:  http://stepupsavannah.org/?attachment_id=1810http://stepupsavannah.org/solutions/workforce-development-and-jobs/   or call (912) 232-6747 to request a copy of the nomination form.  Nomination forms may be submitted by e-mail to Janeene Johnson ([email protected]) .