In Public Relations, where reputation is everything, the internal culture of a PR firm can be just as important as its external brand. As a PR leader, focusing on employee engagement and workplace culture not only drives productivity and creativity but also sets your firm apart in a competitive market. By entering awards that recognise excellence in these areas, you not only validate your efforts internally but also enhance your firm’s reputation as an employer of choice. This can lead to attracting top talent, retaining key employees, and boosting overall business success.
Here is our round-up of the key awards specifically for the PR and communications sector:
1. The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has an award category related to workplace excellence. Specifically, the PRCA Workplace Champions Awards recognise companies that excel in areas such as employee engagement, workplace culture, and overall employee satisfaction. While it’s not specifically labelled as a “Best Places to Work” award, it serves a similar purpose by highlighting organisations within the PR and communications industry that provide outstanding work environments.
The categories for the PRCA Workplace Champions Awards include:
- Best Agency to Work For
- Best In-House Team to Work For
- Best Place to Work
These awards celebrate companies that go above and beyond in creating supportive, engaging, and rewarding workplaces for their employees.
For the latest deadlines and entry information, you should check the PRCA website or contact them directly as the specific dates and criteria can vary each year.
2. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) also offers awards related to workplace excellence, although they are not explicitly branded as “Best Places to Work” awards. The CIPR has several categories in its various award programs that recognise outstanding performance in internal communications, employee engagement, and overall organisational culture. These awards are typically part of their annual CIPR Excellence Awards and CIPR PRide Awards.
Relevant Categories Include:
- Internal Communications Campaign: Recognises excellence in the planning and execution of internal communications strategies that engage and inspire employees.
- Employee Engagement Campaign: This category focuses on campaigns that have effectively engaged employees, leading to improved morale, productivity, and workplace culture.
- Best Use of Digital in Employee Engagement: Awards innovative use of digital platforms to boost employee engagement and enhance the workplace experience.
While the CIPR doesn’t have a specific “Best Place to Work” category like some other organisations, the categories mentioned above allow companies to showcase their efforts in creating an excellent workplace environment through strategic communications.
For the most up-to-date information on categories and deadlines, it’s advisable to visit the official CIPR website and check their Excellence Awards and PRide Awards pages. These awards are prestigious within the PR and communications industry and winning them can significantly boost an organisation’s reputation as a great place to work.
3. PRWeek offers an award category related to workplace excellence. This is typically featured in their annual PRWeek Best Places to Work Awards. These awards are designed to recognise outstanding employers within the PR industry that provide exceptional work environments, and strong employee benefits, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee development.
Key Categories in PRWeek Best Places to Work Awards:
- Best Agency to Work for: Divided into different size categories (small, mid-size, large), this award recognises PR agencies that excel in providing a supportive and rewarding workplace.
- Best In-House Team to Work for: Recognises in-house PR teams within organisations that offer a great working environment.
- Diversity & Inclusion Champion: Highlights companies that have made significant efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within their workforce.
- Employee Wellness: Focuses on organisations that prioritise the well-being of their employees through health, wellness, and work-life balance initiatives.
Purpose:
The awards aim to celebrate organisations that not only deliver excellent PR services but also invest in their employees, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that supports professional growth and personal well-being.
For the most accurate and updated information regarding entry deadlines, categories, and criteria for the 2025 PRWeek Best Places to Work Awards, you should visit the official PRWeek website or their awards section specifically.
4. PRMoment has an award category focused on workplace excellence, through their PRMoment Awards. This prestigious event celebrates excellence across the public relations industry, including categories that acknowledge the best work environments and practices within PR agencies and in-house teams.
Relevant Categories:
- Best Place to Work: This award is given to PR agencies or in-house teams that demonstrate exceptional workplace culture, employee engagement, and overall job satisfaction. It recognises organisations that go above and beyond to create a positive work environment, offering robust employee benefits, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Employee Engagement Award: Recognises initiatives that have significantly improved employee engagement within an organisation, leading to a more motivated and productive workforce.
Deadlines and More Information:
For the most accurate information on deadlines, criteria, and submission details for the 2025 awards, you should check the official PRMoment Awards website. The awards typically open for entries in the late summer or early autumn of the previous year, with ceremonies held in the spring.
5. The PRovoke Media Global SABRE Awards (formerly known as the Holmes Report SABRE Awards) is one of the most prestigious awards programs in the public relations industry, but it does not specifically have a “Best Places to Work” category. However, the awards do include categories that recognise excellence in employee engagement and internal communications, which are closely related to workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
Relevant Categories in PRovoke Media Global SABRE Awards:
- Employee Communications: This category recognises outstanding work in engaging employees through effective communication strategies, which is a key component of creating a positive workplace environment.
- Employee Engagement: Awards campaigns that successfully engage employees, leading to higher levels of satisfaction, productivity, and overall workplace morale.
- Corporate Culture: While not labelled as a “Best Place to Work” award, this category recognises initiatives that have significantly impacted the internal culture of an organisation.
Deadlines and More Information:
For details on entry deadlines and submission requirements for the 2025 PRovoke Media Global SABRE Awards, visit the official PRovoke website. The awards typically follow a yearly cycle, with entries opening in the autumn and the ceremony held in the spring of the following year.
Although PRovoke Media doesn’t have a direct “Best Places to Work” category, being recognised for employee communications or engagement within this awards program is highly prestigious and can significantly enhance your organisation’s reputation in the industry.