Call for Entries Deadline: Sept. 13, 2024

Honoring the Best Workplaces in Communications!

Ragan's Top Places to Work in Communications Awards recognize the finest communications departments and PR/marketing agencies that foster excellence and support their teams. This prestigious program benchmarks top-performing communications teams and cultures at companies, nonprofits and agencies, spotlighting exemplary onboarding, training, benefits, fun experiences and more.

Why enter? This is the award program for being recognized as a premier workplace for communicators. Don't miss the opportunity for your company to land on this elite list and gain the recognition you deserve.

Join us at the Ragan Awards gala in 2025 to celebrate your achievements with your team and network with other top workplaces. Experience the excitement of the event and connect with the best in the industry.

Submit your entry today and secure your place among the top places to work in communications. This is the recognition your team deserves!

CATEGORIES

CORPORATIONS & NONPROFITS

 Small (100 Employees or Less)

This category recognizes exceptional workplaces that have demonstrated excellence in communications. These organizations nurture a supportive environment for their communicators, foster collaboration, embrace innovative ideas, prioritize employee development and empower their employees to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

 Mid-Size (101-1,000 Employees)

This category recognizes exceptional workplaces that have demonstrated excellence in communications. These organizations nurture a supportive environment for their communicators, foster collaboration, embrace innovative ideas, prioritize employee development and empower their employees to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

 Large (More Than 1,000)

This category recognizes exceptional workplaces that have demonstrated excellence in communications. These organizations nurture a supportive environment for their communicators, foster collaboration, embrace innovative ideas, prioritize employee development and empower their employees to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

AGENCIES

 Boutique Agency (Current Annual Income: Less Than $5 Million)

Your agency is a premier workplace for communicators. This category celebrates boutique agencies that have elevated the standards of creativity, innovation and client satisfaction. These agencies offer a unique blend of specialized expertise, a close-knit team environment and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, making them the go-to choice for clients.

 Small Agency (Current Annual Income: $5 Million to $15 Million)

Your agency is a premier workplace for communicators. This category celebrates small agencies that have elevated the standards of creativity, innovation and client satisfaction. These agencies offer a unique blend of specialized expertise, a close-knit team environment and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, making them the go-to choice for clients.

 Mid-Size Agency (Current Annual Income: $15 Million to $65 Million)

Your agency is a premier workplace for communicators. This category celebrates mid-size agencies that have elevated the standards of creativity, innovation and client satisfaction. These agencies offer a unique blend of specialized expertise, a close-knit team environment and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, making them the go-to choice for clients.

 Large Agency (Current Annual Income: More Than $65 Million)

Your agency is a premier workplace for communicators. This category celebrates large agencies that have elevated the standards of creativity, innovation and client satisfaction. These agencies offer a unique blend of specialized expertise, a close-knit team environment and a commitment to delivering exceptional results, making them the go-to choice for clients.

SPOTLIGHT CATEGORIES

 Benefits & Wellness

This category celebrates organizations with exceptional benefits and wellness programs that support the overall health and well-being of their communications staff. Entries should highlight innovative and comprehensive offerings that contribute to a positive and healthy workplace culture.

 Career Advancement Opportunities

This category recognizes organizations that provide outstanding career advancement opportunities for their communications team. Submissions should demonstrate clear paths for growth, professional development programs and support for employees seeking to advance their careers.

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

This category honors organizations that excel in fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within their communications departments. Entries should showcase initiatives and practices that create a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees.

 Employee Engagement Programs

This category celebrates organizations with exceptional employee engagement programs that keep communications staff motivated and connected. Submissions should highlight creative and effective strategies for fostering a highly engaged and enthusiastic workforce.

 Employee Recognition Programs

This category recognizes organizations that have outstanding employee recognition programs in place to celebrate and reward the contributions of their communications team. Entries should demonstrate how these programs boost morale and acknowledge employees' hard work and achievements.

 Executive Leadership

This category honors organizations with executive leadership that sets a strong, supportive example for their communications team. Submissions should highlight how leadership fosters a positive work environment and encourages excellence in communications.

 Hybrid Workplace

This category celebrates organizations that successfully implement a hybrid workplace model, allowing communications staff to work both remotely and in-office. Entries should demonstrate how this flexibility enhances productivity, employee satisfaction and work-life balance.

 Internship Program

This category recognizes organizations with exceptional internship programs that provide meaningful experiences for aspiring communications professionals. Submissions should showcase how these programs offer valuable learning opportunities and foster the development of future industry leaders.

 Learning & Development

This category honors organizations with outstanding learning and development programs that continuously enhance the skills and knowledge of their communications staff. Entries should highlight innovative training methods and opportunities for professional growth.

 Mentorship Program

This category celebrates organizations that excel in fostering mentorship programs to develop and support their communications staff. Entries should showcase how mentorship initiatives enhance professional growth and build strong, collaborative relationships within the team.

 Onboarding

This category recognizes organizations with exceptional onboarding programs that ensure a smooth and supportive transition for new communications hires. Submissions should highlight practices that create a welcoming and informative start for employees.

 Remote Work Culture

This category honors organizations that have successfully cultivated a strong remote work culture for their communications team. Entries should demonstrate how remote work practices maintain productivity, connectivity and employee satisfaction.

 Work Hard/Play Hard Culture

This category celebrates organizations that balance a high-performance work environment with opportunities for fun and relaxation for their communications staff. Submissions should highlight how this culture fosters team camaraderie, reduces stress, and maintains high morale.

HOW TO ENTER

ENTER

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The award program is open to companies and organizations in the private, corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. Vendors may also submit their work or their client’s work. Enter your organization or submit entries on behalf of your clients.

Companies from around the world are welcome to enter as long as the entry is submitted in English.

If you have any questions, please email Brendan Gannon at brendang@ragan.com. 

This year’s program is open to any work executed between Sept. 1, 2023, and Sept. 6, 2024, inclusive.

ENTRY FEES

The fee for this program is $525 per entry.

A late fee of $275 per entry will be added to all entries received after 11:59 p.m. Central time, Sept. 6, 2024.

Do you feel your company is a fit in multiple categories? Select all of the categories in which you'd like to enter on the entry form, and you'll pay the original entry fee, and then only $250 for each additional category!

All entries are non-returnable and non-refundable.

W-9 Form / Tax ID Number Request

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Apply?
Ragan's Top Places to Work in Communications Awards is your opportunity to showcase your organization as a premier workplace for communicators. By participating in these awards, you will:
  • Enhance Your Reputation and Prestige: Participating in the awards program and potentially winning can significantly enhance your organization's reputation and prestige within the communications industry. Being recognized as a top place to work in communications demonstrates your commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, which can attract top talent, clients and partners.
  • Boost Employee Engagement and Morale: The awards program provides an opportunity to showcase your organization's dedication to employee satisfaction and engagement. By participating, you can highlight the initiatives, programs and practices that contribute to a positive workplace culture, thereby boosting employee morale and reinforcing their sense of pride in working for your company.
  • Attract and Retain Top Talent: In a competitive job market, being recognized as a top place to work in communications can give you a distinct advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals. Talented individuals are more likely to seek out companies that prioritize employee well-being, growth opportunities and a commitment to the importance of communications. The awards program offers a platform to showcase your organization's strengths in these areas, positioning you as an employer of choice.
  • Gain Networking and Industry Visibility: Participating in the awards program provides excellent networking opportunities and exposure within the communications industry. You can connect with other industry leaders, share best practices and learn from their experiences. Furthermore, being recognized as a top place to work in communications can generate media coverage, industry recognition and speaking engagements, further amplifying your organization's visibility and positioning you as an industry leader.
Who can enter?
Entries may be submitted by companies and organizations worldwide. The only requirement is that entries be submitted in English. The program is open to companies and organizations in the private, corporate, nonprofit and government sectors.
What does it take to be a winner?
We look for top-quality work that shows clear, bold and creative ideas to make communications a key part of the success of your company. Please provide metrics or results that back up your claims, and share collateral such as employee feedback, survey results, retention metrics, company recognition and more. Please look at our past award winners to see what gets recognized and rewarded.
Why are some deadlines extended?
We extend deadlines based on applicant needs and upcoming promotional opportunities.
When will I find out results?
Ragan will recognize the winning companies at a special live event in early 2025. All entrants will be notified in advance of this live event.

Additional Questions

If you have any questions about the program or problems submitting your entry, please email Brendan Gannon at brendang@ragan.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Morgan Einspanier at morgane@ragan.com.

Ragan Communications is not responsible for international shipping fees related to trophies.