MSDSonline helps companies track and manage hazardous chemicals and comply with related local, state, federal and global environmental, health and safety (EHS) regulations. The popularity of its cloud-based, on-demand EHS solutions has helped MSDSonline make inc. magazine’s list of the 5000 fastest growing businesses five years running. However, the real key to MSDSonline’s success is its experienced and passionate staff — 75% of which is Gen Y.

At MSDSonline, Gen Y employees are valued for their intelligence, technical savvy, work ethic and environmental consciousness. Regardless of age or tenure, MSDSonline employees are encouraged to share their ideas and talent. Recognizing and developing that talent is a cornerstone of its management/training philosophy.

It is a fast paced environment that has employees tackling considerable challenges across a variety of industries — manufacturing, education, health care, and construction. Yet, with a ping-pong table in the lobby, a basketball hoop in the main workspace, and a casual laid back atmosphere, MSDSonline’s Gen Y friendly office feels more like a summer camp than a pressure cooker.

Senior Account Executive and Team Leader Justin Vliem says, “It’s a really open environment, you can share your ideas with your managers and directors, everybody’s open to listening and really helping you better your career and move forward.”

In addition to growing physically and financially, MSDSonline is also growing consciously. By encouraging idea sharing and openness in communication, this dynamic business has provided both employees and management with opportunities to learn from all sides.

Customer Support Specialist Emily Brightman adds, “I enjoy receiving feedback from my manager, but I also feel that he gives me enough space to perform my job on my own.”

The MSDSonline office is set up for cultivating relationships with peers. Their workspace is open and conducive for conversations. Out of the office, there are social activities such as happy hours, sports teams, various group outings and a culture club that entertains ideas and concerns specific to Generation Y. There are large open spaces like their modern dining area in which employees are encouraged to sit and spend time with fellow employees.

With these perks and the company’s attention detail, MSDSonline’s huge Generation Y workforce looks at their employer more than just a place to go during the day for work. Rather, the company seeks to provide them with an actual career complete with meaningful relationships, engaging peers, balanced social lives, and a career path carefully crafted to grow with them as they develop.

Without a doubt, MSDSonline understands the Generation Y culture. With a growing Gen Y workforce and upper management committed to the wellbeing of its employees, it’s no wonder MSDSonline continues to be one of the most Generation Y-friendly businesses in Chicago.