Launching 10th June

Submit your application | Download the entry pack| FAQ

Welcome to the newly revamped Inspiring Workplaces Awards.

The awards that recognises forward thinking and peoplefirst organisations. Originally, we were The Employee Engagement Awards, we have since evolved into Inspiring Workplaces.

During the “Great Resignation” there has never been a more important time to demonstrate that your organization puts people first. Our expectations have also changed forever

This year, we launch a brand new format. A format that makes it easier than ever to enter. As you will see below, there is one (six-part) case study based entry form. The category you choose is wholly dependent on the size of your organization.

All entries will be judged by an expert panel of independent judges.

We will then announce the finalists before a final list of the top Inspiring Workplaces in each category and regions around the world during 2022.

Benefits

There a is a long list of benefits of entering the Inspiring Workplaces Awards

Demonstrate to your organization you put people first
Demonstrate to the outside world you are an Inspiring Workplace
- Help to attract the best talent
Competitive business advantage – Customers are savvy and now know there is a higher chance of a better CX from an Inspiring Workplace
- Less churn
- More new customers
Recognizing your team’s hard work
Opportunity to win a unique and iconic trophy
- Along with logos to market internally/externally
Opportunity to share your story and inspire others
- Publish case study
- Speak at Inspire Work Summit
- Guest on podcast

Which category is for me?

Choosing your category is simple. Simply choose based upon the size of your organization.

We will then publish the top Inspiring Workplaces from each category. As well as, an overall list (that encompasses all categories) for your region.

This category applies to all businesses and organisations from 0 – 49 employees.

This category applies to all businesses and organisations from 50 – 499 employees.

This category applies to all businesses and organisations from 500 – 4999 employees.

This category applies to all businesses and organisations from 5000 employees or more.

This category applies to all businesses listed as non-profit or charity organisations.

This category applies to all businesses listed as government or public sector organisations.

Request your Entry Pack

How to enter?

Entering is simpler than it has ever been. There is only ONE entry form.

As you will see below, this form consists of six parts. These parts cover the facets we believe create an overall Inspiring Workplace. A workplace people will want to join and stay.

We know that every single organization that enters will be strong in some areas and weaker in others. That is ok, normal in fact. Don’t let that stop you from entering, as it will be the same for everyone. We actually have extra special recognition for those stronger areas.

For now though, please review the six parts. We outline below: why we are asking the question, what the judges are looking for and score assigned for each part. There is even more detail in the entry pack, which can be requested here.

What is the purpose of your organization and how does it feed into your culture?

Why are we asking?

People are driven by a purpose and want to be fulfilled. This is more apparent post-pandemic than ever before.

To understand what the purpose, goals and strategy of your organization are and how your people demonstrate this is imperative.

What judges are looking for?

Clear communication of purpose and how it is lived and breathed within the organization to the positive impact on the business and people. Evidence of how your organizational purpose is intertwined with everything you do across every level.

How do your leaders Inspire?

Why are we asking?

Inspirational leadership is the key to high performance. Value driven, authentic and honest leadership will unlock talent and create an inspiring culture throughout the organization.

What judges are looking for?

Examples of inspiring leadership and the impact this has on both people and business success. A clear focus on continuous development of your leaders.

How do you focus on your people’s wellbeing?

Why are we asking?

The overall wellbeing of your people is paramount to individual and organizational performance. In our eyes, wellbeing encompasses the mental, financial and the physical aspects. It shows you care for the person that works for you. They’re not just a number.

What judges are looking for?

Evidence that your wellbeing strategy positively impacts your people – from health to performance. Initiatives, statistics and stories of how your focus on wellbeing has delivered individual and company happiness and performance.

How inclusive is your culture?

Why are we asking?

An inspiring workplace requires a truly inclusive culture; where people can bring their true selves to work in a psychologically safe environment and perform at their best.

What judges are looking for?

An understanding of your Diversity, Equality and Inclusion strategies. Evidence of the impact your efforts have made on individuals and the organization. Your goals and achievements in creating an inclusive workplace.

How do you converse/communicate with your people?

Why are we asking?

Effective two-way communication is essential in every part of our lives. Getting it right in the workplace increases trust, improves morale and enhances performance at every level. It also creates brand advocates for your organization externally too.

What judges are looking for?

Methods of how you communicate with your people, listen to their opinions, act upon their ideas and the impact this has on individual and organizational success.

How do you create an experience that empowers your people?

Why are we asking?

It’s more important than ever to focus on the EX. To empower your people to do their best work, think creatively and be adaptable. Empowering others and ensuring everyone has a voice is critical to success.

What judges are looking for?

Examples of agility, flexibility, decision making and resourcefulness with your people and the impact this has on them and the wider business. Real world examples could be: remote working, tools you have given them to do their job, new work policies that provide autonomy. The development of management and leadership skills with a focus on empowerment of others.

Special Recognition

Once you have finished the entry form. You are able to tick a box for one, two,three, four, five or all six parts to be put forward for special recognition in that field.

We will be publishing lists for the top Inspiring Workplaces in each area. For example, Inspiring Workplaces for Wellbeing, Inspiring Workplaces for Culture & Purpose etc

In this way, you have the opportunity to be recognised as an overall Inspiring Workplace but also for the areas you are strongest too.

You must enter the overall category to have a chance of special recognition though.

Recognising Outside Help

Lastly, we think it is important to recognise outside help. Help from technology that can act as a catalyst for change or consultancy that can help map out the strategy to make the change easier or even get the initial buy-in from senior leadership.

Who is this for?

Who is this for? Any software company that delivers EX, HR, Wellbeing, Internal Comms etc functionality for an organization. They will need to demonstrate the below…

Who is this for?

Who is this for? Any consultancy/agency that helps deliver strategies across EX, Internal Comms, HR, Wellbeing, Employer Brand etc. They will need to demonstrate the below

Request your Entry Pack

FAQs

Got queries, questions, want to know the key dates, rules or have doubts you’re ready to enter? We answer everything below.

If you can’t see your question, click here for the full list of FAQ’s.

When is the deadline?

What are the fees?

What if I’m only strong in one criteria?

The deadline for submissions is March 16, 2022 at 23:59:59.

EMEA – £350 ex VAT standard | £300 ex VAT earlybird
NA – $400 standard | $350 earlybird
AUS – $350 standard | $300 earlybird

You still have a chance of being named an Inspiring Workplace! We ask a range of questions to gauge how you treat your people as a whole and make sure you are taking the steps to create the best working environment possible. We know that you can’t be experts in all fields and don’t expect you to be and judges will take that into account with your scores.

If you are particularly strong in one area don’t forget to enter for special recognition.

What is a special recognition award?

We aren’t good enough

We don’t have a lot of budget

We recognise you will be stronger in some areas than others. The special recognition award allows you to be entered for an additional award on your strongest criteria. All you have to do is check the box at the end to say you want to be entered!

We’re not just saying it to make you feel better but you really are! You wouldn’t believe the amount of people who have said this to us who have gone on to win. Being an Inspiring Workplace doesn’t mean having the biggest/ most expensive/ showy transformation.

We recognise that the small stuff has a BIG impact. Judges just want to see that you genuinely care about your people and are making a difference.

We keep costs transparent and to a minimum. You pay once for your entry and get unlimited special recognition awards included in your entry fee. Don’t forget that if you enter early you get a discount.

EMEA – £200 ex VAT standard | £125 ex VAT earlybird
NA – $250 standard | $150 earlybird
AUS – $200 standard | $150 earlybird

We’re only small

We’re a non profit/ charity, can we enter?

What if we’re a global company?

Our awards are completely inclusive, and that’s why we have 5 categories to enter from small businesses of no more than 50 employees to enterprises of 5000+ employees. Judges will assess your entry accordingly. Size is absolutely not a barrier to being recognised as an Inspiring Workplace.

Absolutely. We have a category specifically for you!

The work you reference in your entry needs to be in the region you are entering. E.g if your head office is in the UK but the work is in North America you should enter the North American awards. If the work (and results) were conducted globally or across regions, then enter in the region you are working in.

See our extended FAQ here

Celebrating your success

This is why we were originally founded. To recognise and celebrate your hard work. Your risk taking to drive the people experience for the improvement of your employees lives and the advancement of the business in tandem.

We would celebrate it in the following ways