Call for Entries Deadline: Sept. 29, 2023

A purposeful and productive workplace culture can make a material difference for comms teams and agencies as you play an increasingly pivotal role in business strategy and reputation management. Does your communications department or PR/marketing agency have a work environment that promotes communications excellence and supports one another? If your organization is a Top Place to Work in Communications, we want to hear from you!

What constitutes Ragan's Top Places to Work in Communications are a range of tangible and intangible factors. We invite you to showcase your organization as a premier workplace for communicators. This awards program benchmarks top-performing comms teams and cultures at companies, nonprofits and agencies, and shines a spotlight on areas that define top workplaces, from onboarding and training to benefits and fun experiences.

Ragan will honor the Top Places to Work in 2024 at a special live event. The winners will also receive a trophy, a digital banner, an editorial feature and your logo on Ragan and PR Daily’s Job Board.

CATEGORIES

CORPORATIONS & NONPROFITS

Click on each category for further descriptions and criteria of what judges are looking for in entries.

 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 (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 (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 (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 (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 recognizes companies that excel in providing exceptional employee benefits and comprehensive wellness programs. These leading organizations prioritize the physical, mental, social and financial well-being of their employees, creating a supportive and holistic work environment that promotes work-life balance and employee engagement.

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

This category celebrates companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces where every individual feels valued and has equal opportunities for growth. These organizations foster a culture of belonging, embrace diverse perspectives and actively promote equity and inclusion across all levels, ensuring a truly inclusive and empowering work environment for all employees.

 Employee Resource Groups

This category recognizes companies that encourage and support the formation of employee-led affinity groups dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging. These organizations understand the importance of ERGs in providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard, fostering collaboration and promoting professional development, ultimately enriching the workplace culture and enhancing employee engagement.

 Executive Leadership

This category highlights companies that exemplify exceptional leadership communications at the executive level. These organizations demonstrate visionary leadership, effective communication and a commitment to fostering a positive corporate culture, inspiring their teams to achieve outstanding results and driving the company towards long-term success.

 Internship Program

This category celebrates companies that offer outstanding internship opportunities in the field of communications, providing students with valuable hands-on experience and mentorship. These programs prioritize skill development, professional growth and meaningful contributions, equipping interns with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their future careers in the communications industry.

 Learning & Development

This category recognizes companies that prioritize the growth and advancement of their employees through comprehensive training programs and continuous learning opportunities. These top organizations foster a culture of professional development, enabling their workforce to acquire new skills, expand their knowledge and thrive in their careers.

 Onboarding

This category recognizes companies that excel in providing a comprehensive and welcoming onboarding experience for new hires. These top organizations understand the importance of a smooth transition into the company, ensuring that employees feel supported, informed and connected from day one, setting the stage for long-term success and engagement.

 Work Hard/Play Hard Culture

This category celebrates organizations that empower their communication professionals to excel in their roles while also emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and employee well-being.

HOW TO ENTER

On the entry form, be sure to include a thorough synopsis explaining what makes your organization a premier workplace for communicators. The synopsis should be 350 to 900 words. Please also share any additional materials that you believe will help the judges evaluate your entry.

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, links, videos and URLs to your submission. Proprietary or internal information can also be attached and will not be shared with the public.

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.

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

This year’s program is open to any work executed between Sept. 1, 2022, and Sept. 22, 2023, inclusive.

ENTRY FEES

The fee for this program is $475 per entry.

A late fee of $250 per entry will be added to all entries received after 11:59 p.m. Central time, Sept. 22, 2023.

Do you feel your company is a fit in 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 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 2024. 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 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 Hannah Lavelle at 312-960-4628 or email hannahl@ragan.com.

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