Fast Company Names 8 Skilled Labor Innovator Workplaces

Fast Company has recognized eight companies for their commitment to fostering innovation among skilled laborers in its 2026 Best Workplaces for Innovators list. These organizations were selected for their efforts in encouraging and supporting inventive practices within their skilled trades workforce. The accolade specifically targets companies that demonstrate a dedication to empowering their tradespeople to contribute to advancements and novel solutions within their respective industries. This recognition underscores the growing importance of innovation not just in white-collar professions but also within the essential skilled trades sector.

The eight companies honored in the skilled laborers category are Clayco, Chicago Craftsmen Industries, GE Appliances, Land O’Lakes, Mastercam, RNGD, Schneider Electric, and Siemens. Clayco, a design-build firm, and Chicago Craftsmen Industries, a construction company, represent the building and construction trades. GE Appliances, a major manufacturer, and Land O’Lakes, a food production and agricultural cooperative, showcase innovation in manufacturing and agribusiness. Mastercam, a provider of CAD/CAM software, and RNGD, a company focused on renewable natural gas, highlight technological advancements. Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, and Siemens, a technology company focused on electrification, automation, and digitalization, represent large, diversified industrial enterprises that are integrating innovation across their operations, including within their skilled labor forces.

Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators program aims to identify companies that are not only successful but also actively cultivate environments where new ideas can flourish. The skilled laborers category specifically acknowledges the crucial role that tradespeople play in driving practical innovation, from improving on-site processes to developing new tools and techniques. By highlighting these companies, Fast Company seeks to inspire other organizations to invest in their skilled workforce and recognize their potential as key drivers of innovation. The selection process likely involved evaluating company policies, employee programs, and tangible outcomes related to innovation within the skilled trades.

This recognition by Fast Company serves as a benchmark for industry best practices in workforce development and innovation. The inclusion of companies like Schneider Electric and Siemens, which operate on a global scale, suggests that fostering innovation among skilled laborers is a priority for major industrial players. Similarly, the recognition of companies like GE Appliances and Land O’Lakes indicates that innovation is being actively pursued across diverse sectors. The focus on skilled laborers acknowledges that practical, hands-on expertise is a vital component of technological and process advancement, moving beyond a sole emphasis on research and development in traditional R&D departments. The list aims to provide a comprehensive view of innovative workplaces across various sectors and employee types.