Top Workplaces: Carma Labs is on the list for the first time

The bright yellow and red packaging of Carmex lip balm stands out on store shelves all around the world. Behind the label is a Wisconsin-grown company that has produced the signature tubes and tins since 1937.

Carma Laboratories, Inc. is based in Franklin and manufactures Carmex to “help people look and feel their best,” according to the company. But their global reach goes beyond the products — it’s a dedication to employees that serves as the secret ingredient to Carma Laboratories’ enduring success.

Each day at the company’s headquarters, “we have a lot of work to do – we’re focused, we’re busy,” said Jenny Hart, VP of Human Resources at Carma Laboratories. “But at the end of the day, we’re all here together and we care about each other.”

Carma Laboratories earned a spot on southeastern Wisconsin’s Top Workplaces list for the first time in 2023.

Here's what made this employer stand out:

Employees cite a positive culture

In surveys, employees spoke highly of their colleagues, the company’s environment, and their managers. 

“The size of the organization ensures that you are involved in all aspects of the business,” one employee wrote. “You are respected and input is appreciated even if it differs from your supervisor.”

Hart said that employees at all levels are encouraged to share ideas, and that the company’s size allows everyone to pitch in and be engaged with the business.

“If you were in a meeting or on a call, you'd probably have a hard time differentiating between levels in the organization, because the discussion is very open,” Hart explained.

Trust is another factor that creates a positive environment at Carma Laboratories. Employees at all levels are trusted to do their work and be responsible for their tasks, which Hart said creates a sense of camaraderie, regardless of each person’s role.

Employee retention is seen as important

Over the past year, the company has seen significant improvements in employee retention. Around 60 contract employees have also joined Carma Laboratories as employees.

Hart said the shift is a testament to the company’s culture. “That shows that not only do people want to come here for a job, but they want to stay here once they've gotten here based on the work environment, the people, the leadership that they work with, and the work that they do,” she said.

One employee spoke highly of the work-life balance that their job provides. “I have a desire to be more engaged throughout my day with different tasks due to the enjoyment of being at work every day and the positivity throughout the organization,” they said.

National recognition for products

In the past year, Carma Laboratories was also nationally recognized for their products.

The company was a winner of the 2023 Product of the Year USA Award. Carmex Weather Guard was voted by consumers across the country to be the best product in the Immediate Relief category.

The accomplishment is “very exciting,” Hart said, though “not for our product, but more so for our team and our people, and that their hard work was recognized and accomplished.”

Giving back to local community

While Carmex’s reach extends all around the world, its Wisconsin roots mean that Carma Laboratories makes it a priority to give back to the local community.

The company is a committed sponsor to Make a Wish, helping with the organization’s toy drives and their annual walk, among other events.

And in Franklin, the company sponsors events for the Franklin Educational Foundation, and does hands-on work through Franklin High School. Employees serve as mentors and answer questions on panels to teach students about careers in manufacturing.

They also do mock interviews “so that we can really help students understand what they're learning in school, how it connects to the business world, and also what business leaders are looking for in future employees,” Hart said.