WorldBlu - Freedom at Work

Organizational Membership Packages

Interested in building a democratic workplace?
These organizations have! Check out how they
are doing it in this short video.

Organizational democracy delivers big time. It's the foundation upon which thriving, world-class businesses collaborate, innovate, celebrate and prosper. And it creates the kinds of workplaces that attract and retain top talent.

Leaders and employees of WorldBlu-member organizations are passionate about freedom-centered workplaces. They value people as much as profits and they're mobilizing towards a new corporate democracy that drives results by attracting top talent and harnessing the collective intelligence, full self-expression, personal power and creativity of all who champion freedom and democracy in the workplace.

Whether you're already a democratic workplace or just getting started, become a member of WorldBlu and join some of the most dynamic and successful organizations in the world already practicing the future of work.

4 Steps to Membership:

Fill out the online application. We have a rolling admissions process, so you can apply for membership at any point throughout the year.
Have a select number of employees in your organization take the WorldBlu Scorecard™, which measures the level of freedom and democracy in your workplace.
Based on the WorldBlu Scorecard™ results, you will either become an "On the Path" member or a "Certified" member.
If your organization is a "Certified" member, it will also be recognized on the annual WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ announced the second Tuesday of April each year.

Benefits of WorldBlu Membership

On The Path Membership Includes:

The WorldBlu Scorecard Report™ (a 25+ page customized design & culture diagnostic)
A two-hour debrief consultation and strategy session on WorldBlu Scorecard™ results
Monthly, peer-to-peer mastermind calls with a select group of WorldBlu members
Profile page on the WorldBlu website
Unlimited free use of the "On the Path" logo for internal and external branding purposes
Access to a network of the world's top leaders reinventing the workplace
Regular e-Newsletter with tips, tools and best-practice ideas in organizational democracy
Discounted tickets to the biennial WorldBlu LIVE conference
Invitation to members-only events
Discounts on WorldBlu-approved tools and technologies
Invitation to WorldBlu Mastery Camp, an executive-level leadership program

Certified Membership Include:

The WorldBlu Scorecard Report™ (a 25+ page customized design & culture diagnostic)
A two-hour debrief consultation and strategy session on WorldBlu Scorecard™ results
Monthly, peer-to-peer mastermind calls with a select group of WorldBlu members
Profile page on the WorldBlu website
Unlimited free use of the WorldBlu "Certified" logo for internal and external branding purpose
Access to a network of the world's top leaders reinventing the workplace
Regular e-Newsletter with tips, tools and best-practice in organizational democracy
Discounted tickets to the biennial WorldBlu LIVE conference
Invitation to members-only events
Discounts on WorldBlu-approved tools and technologies
Invitation to WorldBlu Mastery Camp, an executive-level leadership program
Listing on the annual WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™
WorldBlu certified glass award
Potential speaking and partnership opportunities
Media packet and press release
PR and media coverage

Fill out this short profile questionnaire now and we'll contact you within 48 hours to talk about next steps.

Apply Now

Here's what WorldBlu members are saying:

We firmly believe that happy employees make for a better business. We believe democracy is important to keeping our employees happy, engaged, and passionate about what they do everyday. We are a service company that just happens to sell shoes, clothing, handbags, etc. In order to be about the best customer service you have to start by providing that to your employees. Democracy is one way we go about making our environment a great place to work.- Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos Inc.

A democratic workplace is integral to growing our people, who in turn, are integral to growing our company. Being a WorldBlu member and awardee demonstrates our passion for growing a democratic workplace and connects us to a global community of likeminded organizations who insights inspire us to learn and grow together.- Razor Suleman, CEO, Achievers (formerly I Love Rewards)

It is fantastic to see NixonMcInnes recognized globally through the WorldBlu network. The biggest benefit has been learning more about ourselves so that we can continue our journey to being more democratic.- Tom Nixon, Co-founder, NixonMcInnes

Now that the WorldBlu team knows the HCL 'story', they continue to help us articulate it broadly and they bring compelling media opportunities to us to share. We consider our relationship with WorldBlu to be not a membership, but a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership. - Tim Hurley, ThinkMedia Partners for HCL Technologies

We have incorporated the WorldBlu democratic principles into our curriculum and are confident that this will help to create real and tangible change in Haitian schools and communities. We have reaped the benefits of being a part of the WorldBlu global network and look forward to continuing this relationship.- John Engle, Co-Director, Haiti Partners

Being a part of the WorldBlu community has brought the DaVita story to a global platform, and it is humbling to see our work recognized in this way.- Steve Priest, Chief Wisdom Officer, DaVita®

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a member or certified by WorldBlu?
Any organization with five or more employees that has been in operation for at least one full year and is committed to democratic management practices may apply for certification and membership with WorldBlu. An organization does not have to be fully democratic in order to become a member but it does have to be on the path towards a democratic workplace. However, in order to become certified as a WorldBlu List Awardee and make the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™, an organization must complete our certification process and operate using all 10 principles of organizational democracy.
What does it cost to apply for membership?
The following are the 2011-2012 membership fees:

$797 — Non-profit organizations
$1497 — Small Organizations (5-30 employees)
$2997 — Growth Organizations (31–250 employees)
$4997 — Medium-sized Organizations (251-1,000 employees)
$7997 — Large Organizations (1,001 + employees)

Payment plans are available. Membership is non-refundable.
What is the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™?
The WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ is a global list recognizing and honoring organizations in the for-profit, non-profit and government sectors operating democratically. It is a list, not a ranking, and it is announced on an annual basis.
Who can apply for the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™?
Any organization from the for-profit, non-profit or government sector may apply for the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ certification. An organization must have been in operation for at least one full year and have at least five regular full-time or part-time employees in order to be eligible for the WorldBlu List designation.
What is the deadline to apply for membership or the WorldBlu List 2012?
We accept applications for WorldBlu membership or the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces 2012 certification on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, to be considered for the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces 2012, your organization must COMPLETE the survey process by February 28, 2012.
Why do I want to be an On the Path member?
Becoming an On the Path member is a clear statement of intention that your organization is committed to building a democratic workplace, differentiating you from thousands of organizations out there that are not yet on the path. Your organization can also use the On the Path membership designation to rally internal support for growth and progress towards becoming a Certified member as well.
When will the WorldBlu List 2012 be announced?
The WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces 2012 will be announced on April 10, 2012, Democracy in the Workplace Day.

When will our membership/certification take effect?
Organizational membership with WorldBlu lasts for one year, from when your organization applied for membership or certification.
How often do we have to apply for membership and certification on the WorldBlu List?
Organizations must renew their membership annually. However, once certified and on the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™, your award recognition is good for two years, which means that your organization only needs to be surveyed every other year.
What are the benefits to applying for membership?
Membership with WorldBlu links you into a global network of organizations and individuals worldwide committed to democracy in the workplace. Specific membership benefits are also listed above.
How does WorldBlu measure democracy in the workplace?
Employees throughout an organization complete a survey using the online WorldBlu Democratic Workplace Scorecard™. The WorldBlu Scorecard evaluates an organization according to the ten principles of organizational democracy on the individual, leadership, and systems and processes levels.
How many people need to take the WorldBlu Scorecard?
In general, applicants have a choice of either 70 percent of employees completing the survey or 100 percent of a total random sample group. The exact number of employees required to complete the WorldBlu Scorecard is calculated during the sign-up process based on your total number of full-time and part-time employees.
How do I know if my organization is democratic?
After a decade of research into what democracy is and how it can operate in business, we've discovered that there are ten core principles of organization democracy that when put into practice cultivate a democratic workplace. Take a look at the principles as well as our definition of organizational democracy to determine if your organization should apply.
Which organizations made previous WorldBlu Lists?
Please click here to see a full list of organizations that have made past WorldBlu Lists.
My organization is a member of WorldBlu but we want to continue to improve. Is there someone who can help us grow?
Absolutely. WorldBlu has a team of independent consultants called the Blu100 who specialize in training, coaching and change management who can help you build a thriving democratic workplace. Please and we will put you in touch with them.
What if I have more questions?
If you have additional questions that have not already been answered on the website, please contact Miranda Ash, Global Director, Membership + Community at .