The Many Benefits of ‘Best Workplace’ Awards and Tips for a Standout Application
January 23, 2025
Although the hiring frenzy of the early 2020s has eased, the fast pace of change in the workplace has not. This means that hiring — and keeping — great performers with the skills and ability to navigate constantly evolving business needs is still a top priority. Winning a “best workplace” award can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent, and that is just one of many benefits it can bring.
Why Workplace Recognition Awards Matter
Job candidates, including top talent, often look to lists like Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For to find out which companies have positive cultures and high employee satisfaction. According to research funded by the Society for Human Resources Foundation (SHRM), award-winning companies attract more qualified job candidates and have lower turnover.
But receiving a best workplace award can also boost employee engagement by providing recognition, heightening morale and fostering a positive work culture. “When a company wins a best workplace award, it shows its commitment to creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered and supported to achieve their best,” says Claire Berney, Senior Vice President at ROI. “It validates employees’ hard work and gets the attention of great job candidates who want to be in a place where they can succeed.”
Knowing they work for an award-winning company can increase employees’ pride and dedication. They are more likely to stay with a company known for its positive work environment. Being recognized as a top employer also differentiates a company from competitors, making it more attractive to job seekers and boosting investor confidence by showing the company is well-managed and has a strong culture.
Companies often incorporate their awards into their branding, marketing and PR efforts, generating positive publicity and enhancing their image with candidates, customers and other important audiences. Additionally, the process of applying for and winning awards often involves assessing and improving workplace practices, which can enhance employee engagement and work culture.
Crafting a Standout Application
Creating a best workplace award application requires significant planning, attention, know-how and time. Prestigious awards, like Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For, often require targeted essays on multiple topics, resulting in a detailed submission.
Be aware: This isn’t just a check-the-boxes exercise! It’s about telling your unique story compellingly, using a mix of information, facts, data and stories. The goal is to bring your culture and workplace to life and convey what makes it a unique environment where employees can thrive.
To get started, consider these tips:
Make a Great Plan: Review the award criteria and ensure your application addresses the specific questions, requirements and values highlighted by the awarding organization. Create a detailed roadmap outlining the information, examples and stories you’ll use to paint a vivid picture of your workplace. Note that some awards require multiple steps, such as pre-certification surveys, so plan well in advance.
Compose a Compelling Story: Develop a narrative showcasing your company’s strengths, values and unique cultural aspects. Interview internal experts for relevant and powerful information. Underscore what sets your company apart and why it deserves recognition.
Use Employee Testimonials: Incorporate genuine stories and testimonials from employees to provide authentic insights into your company’s work environment. Well-told employee stories can be powerful evidence of positive workplace culture and values.
Provide Evidence of Impact: Include specific examples and evidence of the positive impact your company and its programs have on employees, the community and the industry. This could include case studies, success stories, and measurable program metrics and outcomes. Bring in data about year-over-year improvement to illustrate progress.
Feature Leaders and Managers: Show the involvement and commitment of your leadership team in fostering a positive work environment. Single out initiatives and programs led by executives that contribute to employee satisfaction and well-being, and include programs and practices that equip managers to engage and develop their teams.
Show Your Support for Employees: Shine a light on benefits and programs that support employee well-being, such as health and wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, professional growth and development opportunities, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and work-life balance actions. Share details and outcomes of volunteerism and philanthropic programs that contribute to engagement and support the communities where your company operates.
Acknowledge Areas for Improvement: No organization is perfect. Showcase your company’s dedication to continuous improvement by outlining areas that need attention and how you plan to address them. Emphasize any recent initiatives or changes to enhance the work environment.
Receiving a best workplace award has many benefits, and getting on a respected list can be highly competitive. If you need assistance, ROI has experts who know the ropes. We can advise on which award to aim for and help you craft a powerful application that champions all the things that make your workplace one where employees can thrive. Here’s how to get in touch with us.
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Virginia Stefan
Vice President, Strategist
Virginia's deep expertise in internal communications has been honed by her vast experience leading the function and working with clients at leading organizations across industries. By listening to diverse perspectives and embracing new possibilities, Virginia creates successful communication strategies that engage employees and encourage them to make their best contributions.