When it comes to recognising and celebrating a company’s commitment to employee engagement and workplace culture, there are numerous prestigious awards available that can highlight your organisation’s achievements. Winning these awards not only elevates your brand but also solidifies your position as a leading employer in the industry. Below is our curated list of top awards in the UK that your business should consider entering in 2025 to showcase your dedication to creating an outstanding work environment.

10 key employee engagement awards in the UK that your business can enter in 2025, along with their relevant deadlines:

1. Inspiring Workplaces Awards 2025:

  • Deadline: The specific entry deadline for 2025 has not been announced yet, but typically, entries open early in the year with deadlines in the first quarter. Keep an eye on their website for the exact dates
  • Focus: These awards celebrate companies that put people at the heart of their business, recognising outstanding employee engagement initiatives, leadership, and workplace culture
  • Categories: Categories include Best Culture Initiative, Employee Wellness Initiative, and Innovative Use of Technology in HR.
  • More Info: Inspiring Workplaces

2. UK Company Culture Awards 2025:

  • Final Entry Deadline: 20 February 2025
  • Shortlist Announcement: 14 March 2025
  • Award Ceremony: 1 May 2025
  • Focus: Celebrates organisations that have built strong, positive company cultures. Categories include Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity, ESG and Sustainability, and Best Workplace Wellbeing Initiative
  • More Info: UK Company Culture Awards

3. British HR Awards 2025:

  • Nominations Open: 25 November 2024
  • Nominations Close: 17 January 2025
  • Finalists Announced: 12 February 2025
  • Winners Announced: 2 April 2025
  • Focus: Recognises excellence in HR across various categories, including Best Overall People Experience, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, and Culture Initiative of the Year
  • More Info: British HR Awards

4. UK Employee Experience Awards 2025:

  • Details for 2025: Specific dates have not yet been released, but typically, entries open early in the year, with deadlines in Q1 or Q2
  • Focus: These awards focus on the overall employee experience, including employee engagement, recognition, and workplace culture
  • More Info: UK Employee Experience Awards

5. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work

  • Entries Open: Typically open in late autumn of the previous year.
  • Deadline: Early 2025 (Exact dates for 2025 to be confirmed)
  • Focus: Recognises the best workplaces in the UK based on employee surveys covering various aspects such as leadership, employee engagement, and workplace culture
  • More Info: Best Companies

6. Great Place to Work UK Awards

  • Entry Deadline: Varies depending on the category; typically, the deadline for the “Best Workplaces” list is in late January or early February
  • Categories: Best Workplaces in the UK, Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces in Tech
  • Focus: Recognises companies that have created exceptional workplace cultures. The rankings are based on employee feedback and workplace audits
  • More Info: Great Place to Work UK

7. The Employee Engagement Awards

  • Entry Deadline: To be confirmed for 2025, but typically in Q1
  • Focus: Celebrates the companies that put their people at the heart of their business. Categories include Employee Engagement Company of the Year, Innovation in Employee Engagement, and Employee Engagement Leader of the Year
  • More Info: Employee Engagement Awards

8. CIPD People Management Awards

  • Entry Deadline: Typically opens in early spring with a deadline in mid-summer
  • Categories: Includes Best Employee Engagement Initiative, Best HR/L&D Team of the Year, and Best Inclusion and Diversity Initiative
  • Focus: These prestigious awards recognise excellence in HR and people management, with a strong emphasis on employee engagement and workplace culture
  • More Info: CIPD Awards

9. HR Excellence Awards

  • Entry Deadline: Early spring 2025 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
  • Focus: These awards celebrate the best HR strategies and initiatives in the UK, with categories such as Best Employee Engagement Strategy and Best HR Team
  • More Info: HR Excellence Awards

10. The Investors in People Awards

  • Entry Deadline: Spring 2025 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
  • Focus: Recognises excellence in people management, with categories such as Employer of the Year, Best Newcomer, and Excellence in Wellbeing
  • More Info: Investors in People

These awards offer a broad spectrum of opportunities for your company to be recognised for excellence in employee engagement, workplace culture, and HR practices. Winning or even being shortlisted for these awards can significantly enhance your employer brand, enhance your company’s reputation and help attract and retain top talent. Keep track of their websites for any updates on deadlines and submission requirements.