Every submission is judged by a dedicated panel of judges within its respective region. Their knowledge and experience and our key criteria is used to determine who becomes an Inspiring Workplace.

We take great pride in collaborating with thought leaders and experts in the realm of people experience. Our panel of judges embodies a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and dedication to cultivating workplaces that inspire. Spanning different industries, locations, and organizations, our judges bring a variety of experiences to the table.

At the Inspiring Workplaces Awards, our judges generously volunteer their time and expertise, serving as pillars of independence and transparency throughout the judging process.

Judges use a consistent and thoughtful scoring framework. Each submission is reviewed in full and scored across six key elements that we believe define an Inspiring Workplace:

• Purpose & Culture

• Leadership

• Wellbeing

• Employee Voice

• Employee Experience

• Inclusion

These categories help us understand how your organisation supports, empowers, and engages its people in practical and meaningful ways. Judges will look for clear evidence, real-world examples, and measurable impact – not just intentions, but outcomes.

Your responses will also be evaluated on how your organisation plans to continually evolve its people strategy and the measurable results that demonstrate progress and success.

To ensure fairness and transparency:

• All entries are scored using the same structure.

• Judges provide constructive feedback for each entry, celebrating strengths and offering ideas for improvement.

• Glassdoor and engagement scores may be used as tie-breakers only and are reviewed separately by our team.

Our goal is to recognise and celebrate the organisations truly inspiring people through action, not just aspiration.

Full judging details, scoring breakdowns, and entry tips are available in the downloadable Judge’s Guide below.

Inspiring Workplaces award winners in each region are calculated from the overall scores for all questions across all categories.

Top winners by organisation size are calculated from the overall scores for all questions per category. This means you may be recognised as a top 5 category winner without making the overall Top Inspiring Workplaces list.

Special Recognition Winners are selected from scores per individual questions across all categories. This means you may be recognised in special recognition without being in the overall Top Inspiring Workplaces list.

The Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces list is drawn from the highest-scoring winners in each of IW’s regions worldwide, including Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, North America, and the UK & Ireland.

Judges provide constructive feedback for each entry, celebrating strengths and offering ideas for improvement. You will receive your insights whether you are named as a winner or finalist, or just miss out.

Our judges provide detailed feedback that not only identifies the highest-scoring aspects of your entry, showcasing your achievements and commendable efforts, but also sheds light on the lowest-scoring sections, offering actionable advice to enhance your entry for next year.

With our judges’ guidance, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for even greater success in the future.