Now nearly a decade old, local tech startup When I Work has more than 1.2 million hourly employees utilizing its workforce scheduling platform in 100,000 workplaces across the U.S. every month, the company says.
When I Work is also expanding in the Twin Cities. The company currently has around 160 employees and counting at its headquarters in the Ford Center in Minneapolis, and recently signed a new lease to hold onto the space for 10 years.
Minne Inno caught up with When I Work CEO Chad Halvorson to learn about the company's plans for growth in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Minne Inno: There seem to be quite a few options out there for workforce scheduling platforms. In your opinion, what makes When I Work stand out?
Chad Halvorson: It's the things we choose to prioritize and the way we prioritize them. We always try to solve the right problems the right way and make sure people are working together to create the best possible experience. That's been our core strength since we were founded. We're not trying to be everything to everybody. The turnover you see in our industries is usually pretty high, so if you want someone to use your tool, it has to be pretty easy to pick up and start using.
MI: Does When I Work have any projects beyond workforce scheduling?
CH: Earlier this year, we launched applicant tracking, which helps businesses shorten the time between finding applicants and getting them ready for their first shift. We're also building muscle with larger, more complex customers. We want to grow and scale with these companies.
MI: There seems to be a lot of concern among Twin Cities tech companies about a talent shortage. Has When I Work found it difficult to recruit new employees?
CH: I don't think it's currently more difficult than in the past. We've done a pretty good job of being present and building a brand that resonates with the community. That awareness of our existence helps build a pipeline, which historically has been challenging for startup communities.
MI: What are your impressions of the Minnesota startup scene in 2019?
CH: It's flourishing very nicely. I think something that's evolved is the connectedness of the community, especially around founders and folks starting businesses. When I started, there wasn't much of a community. It was hard to find like-minded folks to connect with. Today, it's a lot more accessible.
MI: In what other ways do you believe the scene has changed in recent years?
CH: Overall, I think it's changing in positive ways and I believe it will continue to go in that direction. Every five years or so, you see a new generation of startups that breakout and scale. We're seeing more of those breakouts with each generation.
Note: This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
