Call for Entries Deadline: Sept. 19, 2025

Ragan’s Employee Communications Awards honors the campaigns, communicators and teams that define today’s employee experience—from the messages they craft to the cultures they help build.

This is where the most impactful work in internal communications takes center stage. From compelling storytelling and leadership messaging to meaningful workplace culture initiatives, this program recognizes the work that shaping organizations from the inside out.

Whether it’s a company-wide culture campaign, communication that informs and inspires, an employee app that’s changing how teams connect or a rewards program that’s boosting morale, these are the efforts that deserve the spotlight.

Categories span internal communications, employee engagement, workplace culture, video, technology, team strategies and more. If your initiative improved the employee experience, it belongs here.

Finalists and winners will be honored at a special event in early 2026. Submit your best work and showcase how your organization puts employees first.

CATEGORIES

GRAND PRIZE

 Best Overall Intranet

Creativity. Collaboration. Connection. What was your strategy when you pulled it all together? How does your intranet set the tone for your organization, empower and engage employees, reduce email and influence your organization’s culture? Tell us how and why it makes your staff more productive, collaborative, confident and cheerful. Share screenshots, testimonials and results. Tell us how your intranet made your organization better.

 Best In-Office Work Experience/Culture

This category celebrates organizations that have created an exceptional in-office work experience that promotes communication, collaboration and employee satisfaction. Entries should showcase the initiatives, programs or cultural elements that make the in-office environment engaging and supportive for employees.

 Best Remote Work Experience/Culture

Work life is a little different now. How have you made the experience fun and productive for your remote workforce? What benefits, tools or experiences have your offered? We want to know how you make WFH life more enjoyable for your employees.

 Employee Communications Campaign of the Year

Did you capture the attention of your entire organization? What channels did you use to share your message and create a comprehensive internal campaign? What was the story you were trying to tell? Our judges will look at everything—your mission and goals, your strategy and tactics—and, of course, your results.

 Employee Communications Professional of the Year

This category honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in employee communications. Nominees should exhibit excellence in crafting and executing strategies that have significantly improved internal communication and employee engagement.

 Employee Communications Team of the Year

Sometimes it takes a team of dedicated internal communicators to engage an organization of busy employees. Tell us how your team delivered important information to your workforce in a way that caught their eye and kept them from instantly deleting any internal material. What worked best? What was your team’s strategy, and what tactics did you use to achieve success? We want to hear it all. Share your wins and results.

COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGNS/INITIATIVES

 AI-Powered Internal Communications

How did you integrate AI to improve internal comms? Did it help personalize messages, reduce workload or increase employee engagement? Share the details.

 Alignment with External Communications

You broke down silos and aligned internal messaging with your external communications team. Tell us how this collaboration amplified your messages and connected with key audiences.

 Annual Report

How did you move beyond charts and numbers to tell the story behind your organization? We want to see how your annual report brought humanity and heart—even in the IT, legal or finance sections.

 Article Series

Some stories are too big for just one article. Show us your powerful multi-part series. What made it so compelling that employees kept coming back for more?

 Benefits Communication

Benefits don’t have to be boring. How did you make them fun, informative and engaging? From infographics to interactive content—show us how you broke through the noise.

 Blog

Your blog is the voice of your organization. What topics resonate most? How has it grown in reach and relevance? Share content, comment sections and metrics.

 Change Communication

Change is hard—but you made it smoother. How did your communication calm nerves, build trust and keep teams aligned during times of transition?

 Community Relations

You made a meaningful mark on your community. Tell us how your organization gave back—through volunteering, donations or partnerships—and the impact it had.

 Crisis Response

When crisis struck, you didn’t panic—you communicated. Share your strategy, response, messaging and results. What lessons can others learn from your approach?

 Cross-Departmental Collaboration

You tore down walls and built cross-functional bridges. Show us how departments came together to drive communication and business success.

 Email Communication

Email isn’t dead—it’s thriving. Tell us how you created can’t-miss messages that informed and engaged. Share goals, strategy, content and performance.

 Employee Advocacy Program

Your employees became brand ambassadors. How did you empower them to share your mission, messages and values with the world?

 Employee E-Letters

How did your digital newsletters become a go-to source for updates and culture? Show us the design, content and strategies that earned those clicks.

 Employee Retention

Your communications helped people stay. Tell us how your internal efforts improved morale, strengthened culture and kept top talent from walking out the door.

 Employee-Generated Content

Your people told your story best. Show us the creative, culture-rich content employees produced—and how it captured the spirit of your organization.

 Employer Branding

What’s it really like to work at your organization? Show us how you shaped and shared your employer brand—internally and externally.

 Executive/Leadership Communication

You made leadership human. How did you open up channels between execs and employees? Tell us how you built trust, transparency and connection.

 Feature Article

One standout story. Show us your best feature—with a killer headline, thoughtful reporting and employee feedback to match.

 HR Communication

You took HR updates and turned them into must-read messages. Tell us how you clearly and creatively shared policies, resources or changes.

 Hybrid Communication Strategy

You brought remote and in-office employees together. Share how you built an inclusive, engaging hybrid communication strategy that worked for everyone.

 Innovation in Internal Communications

You didn’t just tweak, you transformed. Show us the bold new tactics or channels you introduced to better connect with your people.

 Internal Branding Campaign

You rallied employees around your mission. Show us how you reinforced your internal brand and aligned teams with your values.

 Internal Email

You broke through the inbox. How did you create internal emails employees actually wanted to open—and read?

 Magazine

Your internal magazine is newsstand-worthy. Show us how you balanced design, content and storytelling to keep employees informed and inspired.

 Manager Communication

Managers are communication lifelines. How did you equip them with tools, messages and strategies to drive alignment and action?

 Measurement and Data

Numbers matter. Tell us how you used data to drive strategy, improve content and prove results in your internal comms.

 Mission and Values Communication

You brought your mission and values to life. How did you align messaging with business goals—and help employees feel it in their day-to-day work?

 Newsletter

News they don’t ignore. How did you design a newsletter employees love—and look forward to reading?

 Partnership with Human Resources

When Comms and HR team up, great things happen. Tell us how this partnership improved employee experience, drove engagement and delivered results.

 Podcast

You had something to say and audio was the answer. Tell us how your podcast fit into your strategy, engaged your audience and delivered value.

 Rebranding

You transformed your organization’s identity. How did you communicate the new mission, culture and look—and get everyone on board?

 Recruitment

Talent is everything. Tell us how your communications helped attract the right candidates and build excitement for your employer brand.

 Social Justice Communication

You took a stand and made it known. Share how you communicated around critical social issues with authenticity, clarity and care.

 Social Media

You used social media to unite employees and inspire action. How did it fuel creativity, build culture and spark connection?

 Speechwriting

We want to award communicators with impressive speechwriting abilities. Tell us why a speech was the right medium for delivering your leader’s message. Share video or a written version of the speech. Don’t forget to include feedback and the impact the speech had on executive visibility, organizational transparency or employer branding.

 Storytelling

This category celebrates compelling narratives that resonate within organization, fostering a culture of connection and understanding. From captivating anecdotes to strategic campaigns, this category honors the storytellers who skillfully weave tales that inform, inspire and engage the workforce.

 Sustainability Communication/Initiatives

This category recognizes effective communication efforts that have promoted the organization's sustainability initiatives and engaged employees in these efforts. Entries should demonstrate how sustainability messaging has been integrated into the company culture and inspired action.

 Visual Storytelling

Tell us how you make use of visual elements for internal storytelling. Did you create a photo series to show off your new international office? Maybe a series of infographics illustrated a new internal process change for employees. Tell us how you told internal stories on your intranet with the help of visuals like photos, infographics, GIFs and more.

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE CAMPAIGNS/INITIATIVES

 Amazing Workplace Culture

Your culture is magnetic. Show us what makes your workplace the one everyone wants to be part of.

 Brand Ambassador Program

You turned employees into influencers. How did you spark pride and advocacy inside—and outside—the organization?

 Burnout Busters

Burnout, be gone. Show us how you recharged your workforce and built a culture of balance and well-being.

 DE&I Commitment

Inclusion isn’t a buzzword—it’s your blueprint. Show us how you used comms to elevate every voice.

 Employee Learning & Development

Smarter teams drive stronger results. How did you level up learning and build a culture of growth for employees at all levels within your organization?

 Employee Engagement

You sparked excitement and connection. What was your strategy—and how did it transform your workplace?

 Employee Recognition or Reward Program

Recognition done right. How did your program make employees feel valued, seen and celebrated?

 Employee Resource Groups

Your ERGs empowered voices and created space. How did they shape culture and drive meaningful change?

 Employee Volunteer Program

Good deeds, great results. How did your volunteer efforts energize employees and elevate your brand?

 Employee Wellbeing Program

You prioritized wellness, and it paid off. How did you support healthy habits and boost morale?

 Internal Event Strategy

Forget boring town halls. How did your events energize employees and bring your culture to life?

 Onboarding Strategy

First impressions matter. How did your onboarding set new hires up for success from day one?

 Return-to-Office Strategy

 Talent Management Strategy

You’ve got talent—and a plan to grow it. How did your strategy align people power with business goals?

 Total Rewards Program

Rewards that work. How did your mix of perks, pay and praise keep employees happy and motivated?

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

 AI – Use of

This category recognizes innovative applications of artificial intelligence to boost employee engagement and foster a more connected and motivated workforce. Submissions should demonstrate how AI has been utilized to create personalized experiences, streamline communication and enhance employee interactions.

 Employee App

A mobile app was the perfect solution to keeping everyone in your organization—no matter where they live and work—connected. Walk us through the pain point your organization was experiencing and how an app provided just what you needed. What kinds of content make the app informative and enjoyable? Share all of the details with us and include screenshots and creative assets unique to your app.

 HR Tool/Service

This category honors innovative HR tools or services that have significantly improved employee communication, engagement or management. Submissions should demonstrate how the tool or service has enhanced the employee experience and supported HR objectives.

 Intranet

This category recognizes the best use of an intranet to facilitate communication, collaboration and information sharing within the organization. Entries should showcase the design, functionality and impact of the intranet in connecting employees and fostering a cohesive work environment.

REMOTE CULTURE CAMPAIGNS/INITIATIVES

 Virtual Employee Engagement

Screens didn’t stop you. How did you keep remote employees connected, motivated and all-in?

 Virtual Events/Celebrations

From Zoom to boom! How did your virtual events bring people together and give them something to celebrate?

 Virtual Executive Communication

Leaders showed up—virtually. How did you make exec comms more human, timely and trusted from afar?

 Virtual Onboarding

Welcome, remotely. How did your onboarding program help new hires feel prepared, connected and ready to thrive?

 Virtual Town Hall

You made leadership accessible without the stage. How did your virtual town hall drive clarity, trust and dialogue?

 Virtual Well-Being Programs

You brought wellness home. How did you support mental and physical health in the remote work era?

 Other

Something we missed, remotely? Enter it here!

VIDEO CAMPAIGNS/INITIATIVES

 Company Overview Video

Your brand, in motion. How did video bring your company’s story, values, and purpose to life?

 Cultural Diversity Video

Inclusion in action. How did your video showcase the people, voices, and values that make your culture thrive?

 Humorous Video

You got laughs—and results. How did humor help you inform, engage, or energize your workforce?

 Informational Video

You made complex info clear and watchable. How did your video educate, inform, or explain something that mattered?

 Inspirational Video

Feel something? So did we. How did your video move employees, shift perspectives, or rally hearts and minds?

 Interview Video

Real voices, real impact. How did your interview video spotlight powerful stories or meaningful messages?

 Intranet Video

You made the intranet must-see TV. How did your video content boost clicks, connection, or conversation?

 Leadership Video

More than a message—it was a moment. How did your execs show up on video to inspire, lead, or connect?

 Recruitment Video

Talent watched—and wanted in. How did your video capture your workplace vibe and attract the right people?

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.

ENTER

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 email him at [email protected] or call 312-960-4407.

This year’s program is open to any work executed between Sept. 1, 2024, and Sept. 26, 2025, inclusive.

ENTRY FEES

The fee for this program is $550 per entry into standard categories, and $600 per entry into Awards of Distinction categories.

A late fee of $325 per entry will be added to all entries received after 11:59 p.m. Central time, September 19, 2025.

Do you have a campaign or project 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.

W-9 Form / Tax ID Number Request

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
  • Shine a Light on Impactful Work: Winning a Social Media & Digital Award highlights your team’s creativity and expertise, showcasing your work to top leaders across the communications field.
  • Gain Meaningful Recognition: Being named a finalist or winner elevates your organization's standing as a leader in employee communications and engagement—earning the respect of peers, leaders, job candidates and the industry at large.
  • Celebrate What Sets You Apart: Whether it’s a powerful campaign, a transformative program or a team effort that made a real difference, this is your moment to honor what makes your organization exceptional.
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 second 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 recognize all finalists—and announce category winners—at a special live event in early 2026. Finalists will be announced in winter 2025.

Additional Questions

If you have any questions about the program or problems submitting your entry, please email Brendan Gannon at [email protected].

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in sponsoring one of Ragan Communications’ award programs, please contact Morgan Einspanier at [email protected]. 

 

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