Our Culture
MDU Resources recognizes people as its greatest asset. Through a safe and Great Place to Work®, we help employees enter and develop careers with ever-increasing challenge and responsibility. MDU Resources also is committed to the communities where its employees live and work. Through charitable activities, volunteerism, scholarships and the MDU Resources Foundation, MDU Resources and its employees give back to the environment and communities where we live.
Safety - MDU Resources’ senior management is committed to safety and health in the workplace. The company’s recordable incident rate dropped from 6.9 in 2002 to 3.9 in 2007, a 59 percent improvement. The corporation’s safety policies take into account seven key principles:
- All injuries can be prevented.
- Working safely is a condition of employment for all employees.
- Management must demonstrate leadership in preventing injuries by providing a safe work environment, adequate resources, performance incentives and appropriate follow-up on any unsafe conditions or actions.
- Every employee is responsible for preventing injuries to themselves and others.
- All operating exposures can be safeguarded or controlled.
- Training employees to work safely is essential.
- Prevention of personal injuries and property damage is good business.
Building People - Employees of MDU Resources are hired because they have the skills, abilities and motivation to achieve the results needed for their job. Each job is important and part of a coordinated team effort to accomplish the organization’s objectives. MDU Resources has six general philosophies that guide employees’ actions:
- Teamwork and cooperation.
- Open communication.
- Mutual trust.
- Increasing standards.
- Individual responsibility.
- Work-life balance.
Based on participation in a career-planning process, MDU Resources may provide financial support for conferences, education and training that is beneficial to both employees and the company.
Mentor/Mentee Program – The “People Building People” Mentoring Program is designed to help prepare our corporation’s future leaders to fulfill their roles with the integrity and standards by which MDU Resources conducts business. The program gives employees the chance to develop and demonstrate leadership skills, gain exposure to other areas of the corporation and help focus on career goals and steps to achieve those goals.
The CEO's Conference is designed to provide a challenging opportunity for selected high-potential individuals to stretch themselves beyond their normal areas of responsibilities. As part of a three-member team, individuals study, research, network and use other methods to develop team consensus and report on a topic assigned by the chief executive officer. This developmental opportunity provides increased visibility to those individuals who may not have the opportunity to present to and interface with the executive management team.
Internships – MDU Resources’ internship programs offer students an opportunity to explore their chosen major and career with professionals working in the industry, as well as gain on-the-job experience by applying what they have learned in the classroom.
Award Programs – Each year MDU Resources and its subsidiary companies recognize efforts that go beyond the call of duty, protect the environment or showcase ingenuity. The various awards carry cash and/or MDU Resources common stock prizes. Employee efforts are recognized and appreciated.
Building Communities and Building a Strong America - MDU Resources builds and repairs the infrastructure our nation needs — the roads, the power lines, the electrical wiring, the building foundations. And MDU Resources supplies the energy and fuel our nation needs — building a strong America. In doing so, MDU Resources cannot overlook its responsibility to the environment, the communities we serve and our stakeholders. Through established operational practices and by leading or participating in a number of programs, MDU Resources helps ensure a viable environment. These practices include minimizing waste and maximizing resources, supporting environmental laws and regulations that are based on sound science and cost-effective technology and complying with or exceeding all applicable environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements. Discover more about MDU Resources' commitment to corporate responsibility.