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This program is now closed.

Learn more about current programs here.

Recognizing Organizations Committed to Employee Well-Being

Ragan’s Workplace Wellness Awards honors organizations that are dedicated to fostering a culture of well-being for their employees. This prestigious program recognizes companies that prioritize the mental, physical, social, and financial wellness of their workforce, creating a healthier, happier, and more productive environment.

The awards celebrate businesses that go above and beyond with their wellness programs and initiatives. From mental health support to fitness programs and financial planning resources, this is your opportunity to showcase the strategies that make your workplace a leader in employee well-being.

Submitting your organization’s efforts for recognition is a chance to shine a spotlight on the success of your wellness programs and the positive impact they’ve had on your team. It’s also an opportunity to inspire others in the industry to elevate their own wellness initiatives.

Join us in celebrating companies that understand the importance of a holistic approach to employee wellness. Your efforts deserve to be recognized and shared as best practices for the future of workplace health.

CATEGORIES

TOP PLACES TO WORK FOR EMPLOYEE WELLBEING

 Large Organization (more than 1,000 employees)

Recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to prioritize employee well-being and foster a culture of health and happiness.

 Mid-Size Organization (between 100-999 employees)

Recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to prioritize employee well-being and foster a culture of health and happiness.

 Small Organization (less than 100 employees)

Recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to prioritize employee well-being and foster a culture of health and happiness.

OUTSTANDING TOTAL REWARDS PROGRAMS

 Large Organization (more than 1,000 employees)

Honors comprehensive rewards programs organizations that enhance employees’ overall experience and promote their financial, physical, and mental well-being.

 Mid-Size Organization (between 100-999 employees)

Honors comprehensive rewards programs that enhance employees’ overall experience and promote their financial, physical, and mental well-being.

 Small Organization (less than 100 employees)

Honors comprehensive rewards programs that enhance employees’ overall experience and promote their financial, physical, and mental well-being.

WELLNESS INITIATIVES/PROGRAMS

 DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)

Recognizes organizations that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential components of workplace wellness.

 Digital Culture

Highlights companies that foster a healthy, engaged digital work culture that enhances employee collaboration and well-being.

 Employee Benefits

Honors exceptional benefits programs that address employees’ physical, mental, and financial health.

 Employee Engagement

Recognizes initiatives that actively engage employees in creating a supportive and positive workplace.

 Employee Experience

Celebrates companies that create a meaningful and enriching experience for employees, from onboarding to everyday work life.

 ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)

Recognizes companies that prioritize environmental, social, and governance practices as part of their commitment to employee well-being.

 Financial Wellness

Honors organizations that offer innovative financial wellness programs to support employees’ economic stability and success.

 HR and Communications Collaboration

Celebrates HR and communications teams that work together to foster a healthy and supportive workplace.

 Learning & Development

Recognizes companies that prioritize continuous learning and personal growth as part of employee well-being.

 Mental Health Initiatives

Honors organizations with outstanding mental health programs that address the psychological well-being of their workforce.

 Organizational Safety

Recognizes initiatives that prioritize workplace safety and foster a secure, healthy environment for employees.

 Physical Wellness

Celebrates programs and initiatives that promote employees’ physical health and active lifestyles.

 Professional Wellness

Recognizes companies that support employees’ professional development as an integral part of their overall wellness.

 Social Wellbeing

Honors organizations that foster strong social connections and community within the workplace to enhance employees’ overall well-being.

 Strategic HR

Recognizes HR strategies that prioritize employee wellness while achieving organizational goals.

 Talent Recruitment

Celebrates companies with innovative recruitment strategies that prioritize the well-being and fit of new hires.

 Talent Retention

Honors programs designed to retain top talent by prioritizing employee wellness and satisfaction.

 Wellness Measurement Program

Recognizes organizations that effectively measure and track the success of their wellness initiatives.

 Women’s Health/Wellbeing

Celebrates companies that prioritize women’s health and well-being in the workplace.

 Work-From-Home Strategies

Honors organizations with effective strategies to support employee well-being in remote work environments.

 Work-Life Balance

Recognizes companies that foster a healthy balance between employees’ professional and personal lives.

 Working Parents/Caregivers Health/Wellbeing

Honors companies with programs that support the well-being of working parents and caregivers.

TEAMS OF THE YEAR

 Top HR Team (HR team of 25+ people)

Recognizes outstanding HR teams that prioritize employee wellness and foster a positive workplace culture.

 Top HR Team (HR team of 10-24 people)

Recognizes outstanding HR teams that prioritize employee wellness and foster a positive workplace culture.

 Top HR Team (Small HR team of 2-9 people)

Recognizes outstanding HR teams that prioritize employee wellness and foster a positive workplace culture.

PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

 Hall of Fame

Recognizes industry legends whose lifelong dedication to workplace wellness deserves special recognition. Must have 20+ years of experience.

 CEO of the Year

Honors a CEO who leads by example, making employee well-being a top priority in their organization.

 CHRO of the Year

Recognizes a CHRO who has made a remarkable impact on workplace wellness through strategic leadership.

 Culture Officer of the Year

Celebrates a leader who has successfully fostered a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being.

 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader

Honors a leader who drives meaningful DEI initiatives as part of the organization's overall commitment to wellness.

 Financial Wellbeing Champion

Recognizes a leader who has championed programs that prioritize the financial health of employees.

 HR Leaders to Watch

Celebrates up-and-coming HR leaders who are making a notable impact on employee well-being.

 Innovator

Honors a trailblazer whose creative ideas and programs are transforming workplace wellness.

 Mental Health Leader

Recognizes a leader who is dedicated to supporting and improving employees’ mental health and well-being.

 Mentor

Celebrates individuals who guide and support others in their personal and professional well-being journeys.

 Rising Stars (Age 30 or Under)

Recognizes outstanding young professionals who are already making a significant impact on workplace wellness.

 Social Wellbeing Leader

Honors a leader who fosters strong social connections and community-building within the workplace.

 Sustainability Champion

Recognizes a leader whose commitment to sustainability positively impacts both employees and the environment.

 Team Leader

Honors a team leader who prioritizes the wellness and success of their team through thoughtful leadership.

 Total Rewards Leader

Recognizes a leader who has developed a comprehensive rewards program that supports employees’ holistic well-being.

 Wellness Communicator

Honors a communications professional who excels at promoting and communicating workplace wellness initiatives effectively.

HOW TO ENTER

Awards Criteria

On the entry form, be sure to include a thorough synopsis explaining the purpose and scope of your project. We ask that the synopsis be 350-900 words and include the following sub-headings (when applicable):

  • Goals
  • Strategy and tactics
  • Execution
  • Evaluation: success, results or ROI

Be sure to follow the guidelines laid out in the category descriptions, as the judges will look for those elements when they select the winners.

You will be able to upload additional documents to your submission. We encourage you to include press releases, design concepts, videos, analytics, testimonials and anything else you feel will give us a better sense of your project. Proprietary or internal information can also be attached and will not be shared with the public.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

These awards are open to in-house, agency and independent communication practitioners in the private, corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. Enter your work, the work of your organization or submit entries on behalf of your client.

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

Contact Brendan Gannon to find the perfect category for your campaign or project. You can call 312-960-4407 or email brendang@ragan.com.

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

Do you have a campaign, project, individual or team you'd like to enter into multiple categories? Pay the original entry fee, and then only $250 for each additional category!

All entries are non-returnable and non-refundable.

All entries are non-returnable and non-refundable.All entries are non-returnable and non-refundable.

A late fee of $100 per entry will be added to all entries after 11:59 p.m. Central time, Jan. 1, 1970.

W-9 Form / Tax ID Number Request

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you apply?
  • Showcase Commitment to Employee Well-being: Entering Ragan's Workplace Wellness Awards highlights your organization’s dedication to prioritizing mental, physical, social and financial wellness. It demonstrates that your company values its employees and is invested in creating a healthier, more supportive work environment.
  • Gain Recognition for Innovative Wellness Programs: This prestigious program recognizes companies leading the way with creative and impactful wellness initiatives. Winning or being nominated positions your organization as a trailblazer in employee wellness, boosting your brand’s reputation as a forward-thinking employer.
  • Attract and Retain Top Talent: Publicly spotlighting your company’s successful wellness strategies can help attract new talent and retain existing employees. A recognized commitment to wellness enhances your appeal as an employer of choice, signaling that you prioritize a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.
WHO CAN ENTER THESE AWARDS?
Entries may be submitted by organizations worldwide. Entries must be submitted in English. The program is open to in-house, agency, independent communication practitioners and vendors in the private, corporate, nonprofit and government sectors.
CAN I ENTER TWO OR MORE CATEGORIES?
YES! In fact, we encourage you to submit your applications in multiple categories. Each category is judged discreetly, and discounted pricing applies to your 2nd category and beyond. This also increases your chances of winning.
WHAT DO THE JUDGES LOOK FOR IN ENTRIES?
Judges look for top-quality work that shows clear, bold and creative ideas that benefit your business or client. Please provide metrics or results that support your claims, and share creative collateral such as videos, visual design or websites that were a part of your project. 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 announce finalists in spring 2025.

Additional Questions

If you have any questions about the program or problems submitting your entry, please call Brendan Gannon at 312-960-4407 or email brendang@ragan.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in sponsoring one of Ragan Communications’ award programs, please contact Morgan Einspanier at morgane@ragan.com.