The Greater Des Moines Partnership has opened applications for the Future World of Work Innovation Awards. Award winners will be announced at the Future World of Work Summit on Oct. 5 at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Organizations must be an investor or regional member of the Partnership to qualify for one of the awards. The Innovation in Talent Pipeline Award recognizes unique strategies a company or organization has used to create and/or strengthen the talent pipeline, including work with K-12 schools and institutions of higher education, or innovative efforts to attract employees from inside and outside the Greater Des Moines region. The Innovation in Talent Retention Award recognizes unique strategies that a company or organization has used to support current employees, including engagement efforts, flexibility/wellness, training opportunities and more. “A strong workforce is a key priority for industries across the region, and innovative talent attraction, talent growth and talent retention efforts are crucial to an organization’s success and our region’s success,” Jenae Sikkink, senior vice president of talent development at the Partnership, said in a prepared release.