Hats off to the Windy City! Salesforce has just been named the #7 Top Midsize Company on Chicago’s Top Workplaces 2014 by the Chicago Tribune!

The search was on for the best places to work in the Chicago metro area...and who better to ask than the employees themselves? The Tribune paired up with WorkplaceDynamics, a workplace survey specialist, to conduct an engagement survey of Chicago-area employers. The top workplaces were credited with having dynamic, supportive and inclusive cultures, and we’re so thrilled that Salesforce has made the list.

In the past few years, the Chicago office has quickly become one of the company’s most beloved hubs. Salesforce decided in 2011 to invest in the Midwest, and by 2012 had set up shop in the heart of downtown’s trendy River North in a sparkling new office with plenty of personality.

“When we first opened, we had the chance to do a lot of things differently,” said Shane T., AVP, Commercial Sales. “We laid the foundations of Salesforce culture, but were also able to experiment and create new traditions that have flourished. We take a lot of pride in that.” One great example is the office’s brick wall inscribed with the name of every employee who was part of the team on day one, representing the fact that everyone is responsible for building, owning and driving the unique Chicago culture.

And there couldn’t be a better place for culture to come alive than in the hub’s warm, welcoming new space. The office was designed to engage, energize and connect employees through open spaces, collaboration rooms, training centers and quiet areas to recharge. The space boasts a sleek, state-of-the-art Customer Briefing Center, a “living” green wall, adjustable sit-stand and treadmill desks, ping-pong tables and plenty of snacks. Oh, and did we mention the rooftop patio deck? Not too shabby.

Yes, the location is great. And yes, the amenities are great. But what really makes Salesforce Chicago a great place to work is the people. The camaraderie, speed and passion for innovation keep everyone moving forward together.

“I truly believe I can learn something from everyone around me,” said Adam J., Director, General Business Sales. “The caliber of talent is unmatched.” Allie G., Account Executive, agreed. “My co-workers are incredibly smart, hard-working and funny...I can't imagine working with a better group!”

Employees show immense pride in their company...and their community. Aligning with the Salesforce Foundation’s 1/1/1 model, employees get six paid days off every year to volunteer, and come together at fundraisers, like the much-anticipated annual talent show to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and annual summer golf outing to support MS research. The Chicago team truly embraces the company culture of giving back.

“There is a tremendous sense of community here,” said Ryan B., VP of Global Sales, Pardot. “We want to be a force for good in the world. It’s not just about selling software...it’s about making an impact on our city, our community, our customers and our employees.”

And when they’re not innovating and giving back? You can bet these employees are having fun. Sports teams, book clubs and theme days (Ugly Sweater Day, anyone?) bring colleagues together, while a local Vibe Committee organizes events like the Halloween costume contest and family trick-or-treating, Yoga Tuesdays and quarter-end celebrations. And who could forget Beer Fridays? You know, the day new hires steer the beer cart around the office in order to meet their new colleagues? We can’t think of a better way to onboard new employees—or to kick off the weekend, for that matter.

What’s next for the Windy City? Teams in all functional areas are gearing up to add more smart, talented people to the Salesforce family...and make the hub one of Chicago’s Top Workplaces for many more years to come. 

Ready to find your #dreamjob at Salesforce Chicago? We’re hiring! Check out our open opportunities here.