Call for Entries Deadline:
Nov. 6, 2026

Recognizing the best places to work for communications professionals

Ragan’s Top Places to Work in Communications Awards recognize the agencies, companies, nonprofits and organizations creating exceptional workplaces for communications, public relations and marketing professionals.

What makes a great communications workplace? Strong cultures give communicators the support, trust, resources and opportunities they need to do meaningful work and build lasting careers. That can include competitive compensation and benefits, career development, supportive leadership, employee recognition, flexibility, wellbeing, mentorship, inclusive workplace practices, employee voice and thoughtful preparation for changes such as artificial intelligence.

The 2026 program recognizes organizations of different sizes and types, with dedicated categories for communications and PR agencies, corporations, nonprofits and other organizations. Spotlight categories also give employers the opportunity to showcase specific parts of the employee experience, from learning and development and work-life balance to hybrid work, transparency and responsible AI workforce readiness.

Strong entries will show what the workplace offers, how those practices support communications professionals and what difference they make. Entrants may share employee feedback, engagement or retention data, participation rates, career growth, workplace policies, benefits, testimonials or other evidence that helps judges understand the employee experience.

Being named one of Ragan’s Top Places to Work in Communications gives organizations independent recognition they can share with employees, prospective talent, clients and the broader communications industry. Finalists will be recognized in advance, and winners will be announced at a live event in spring 2027.

If you have built a workplace where communicators can contribute, grow and succeed, tell us what makes it one of the best places to work in communications.

CATEGORIES

AGENCIES

 Boutique Agency

Current Annual Income: Less Than $5 Million Designed for PR, marketing, digital and communications agencies with current annual income below $5 million, this category honors small firms that have built an exceptional employee experience with lean teams and resources. Entries may highlight leadership access, career development, collaboration, benefits, flexibility, workload practices, retention and the ways employees are supported in doing strong work and building lasting careers.

 Small Agency

Current Annual Income: $5 Million to $15 Million Open to PR, marketing, digital and communications agencies with current annual income from $5 million to $15 million, this category recognizes workplaces that pair business growth with a supportive culture for employees. Show how your agency develops talent, rewards contributions, manages workloads, encourages collaboration and measures employee satisfaction, retention or career progress.

 Mid-Size Agency

Current Annual Income: $15 Million to $65 Million PR, marketing, digital and communications agencies with current annual income from $15 million to $65 million should show how they have maintained a strong employee experience as their teams, services and client demands have grown. Entries might address leadership, internal communication, career paths, learning, flexibility, belonging and evidence that employees feel supported and able to succeed.

 Large Agency

Current Annual Income: More Than $65 Million This category honors PR, marketing, digital and communications agencies with current annual income above $65 million that create a consistent, positive employee experience across large teams, offices or regions. Share how your agency supports people at scale through clear leadership, meaningful development, fair policies, collaboration, recognition and measurable progress in engagement, retention or employee wellbeing.

CORPORATIONS

 Small (100 Employees or Less)

Corporations with 100 employees or fewer should show how they give communications professionals the support, trust and opportunities they need to succeed. Entries may feature access to leadership, broad responsibilities, career growth, flexibility, recognition and a workplace culture that helps communicators make a visible contribution.

 Mid-Size (101-1,000 Employees)

Open to corporations with 101 to 1,000 employees, this category recognizes organizations that have built a strong employee experience for in-house communications teams. Describe how leadership, resources, cross-functional collaboration, development, benefits and workplace policies help communicators serve the business while growing their skills and careers.

 Large (More Than 1,000)

This category celebrates corporations with more than 1,000 employees that provide communications professionals with a connected, supportive workplace across departments, locations or business units. Entries might include programs and policies that strengthen leadership access, career mobility, learning, inclusion, flexibility, recognition, engagement and retention at scale.

NONPROFITS & ORGANIZATIONS

 Small (100 Employees or Less)

Nonprofits and organizations with 100 employees or fewer should show how they create a supportive workplace for communications professionals. Entries may address leadership, manageable workloads, professional development, recognition, flexibility and the resources employees need to communicate effectively while supporting the organization's mission.

 Mid-Size (101-1,000 Employees)

Open to nonprofits and organizations with 101 to 1,000 employees, this category recognizes workplaces that pair mission-focused work with a strong employee experience. Entries may highlight leadership, collaboration, career growth, benefits, belonging, work-life balance and measurable efforts to help communications employees stay engaged and build long-term careers.

 Large (More Than 1,000)

This category celebrates nonprofits and organizations with more than 1,000 employees that support communications professionals across complex teams, locations or programs. Share how your organization creates consistency, connection and opportunity through leadership, learning, mobility, inclusive policies, employee listening, recognition and evidence of engagement or retention.

SPOTLIGHT CATEGORIES

 Career Advancement Opportunities

Entries should show how communications professionals receive clear, equitable paths to move forward. Examples may include promotions, internal mobility, stretch assignments, leadership tracks, succession planning, career conversations or transparent role frameworks, with evidence of employee progress.

 Compensation, Benefits & Wellbeing

Judges are looking for a thoughtful total rewards strategy that helps communications employees feel fairly paid, supported and valued. Submissions might address salary structures, pay equity, bonuses, incentives, retirement, health coverage, paid leave, financial support and employee feedback, plus results tied to recruitment, retention or satisfaction.

 Employee Engagement Programs

Entries will explain how an organization helps communications employees feel connected to their work, colleagues and purpose. Relevant efforts may include surveys, listening sessions, town halls, team experiences, internal communities, volunteer programs or follow-up actions, supported by participation, feedback and results.

 Employee Recognition Programs

Successful entries will highlight thoughtful and equitable ways to acknowledge employees' contributions. Submissions may feature peer, manager or organization-wide recognition, awards, milestone programs, spot bonuses or public appreciation, with evidence that recognition is timely, meaningful and linked to morale or retention.

 Employee Voice, Trust & Transparency

Judges will look for workplaces where communicators can speak candidly, ask questions and see how their feedback informs decisions. Evidence may include employee listening, leadership access, transparent change communication, anonymous feedback, open forums, follow-up practices and data showing stronger trust, psychological safety or confidence in leadership.

 Executive Leadership

Submissions should show how senior leaders create the conditions for communications professionals and teams to succeed. Entries may address vision, open communication, employee listening, support for sound judgment, investment in people and resources, and actions that demonstrate the communications function has a meaningful role in the organization.

 Hybrid Workplace

This award recognizes flexible work models that preserve access, collaboration, connection and career opportunity across locations. Entries may address scheduling, meeting practices, technology, office use, manager expectations, team connection and equitable experiences for remote and in-office employees, supported by participation, engagement or performance results.

 Inclusive Culture, Belonging & Accessibility

Entrants should demonstrate how people of different identities, backgrounds, abilities and working needs can participate fully and feel respected. Examples may include accessible tools and spaces, accommodations, inclusive team norms, employee resource groups, psychological safety, flexible practices and evidence that employees feel heard and supported.

 Internship Program

Programs submitted here should give students and early-career talent meaningful, well-supported entry points into communications. Entries might cover substantive assignments, fair compensation, mentorship, training, feedback, networking and exposure to the profession, along with results such as skill growth, return offers or full-time placement.

 Learning & Development

Entries will demonstrate how communications professionals build relevant skills throughout their careers. Programs may include training, certifications, conference access, coaching, cross-functional learning, leadership education, AI literacy or other development opportunities, with evidence of participation, skill growth, internal mobility or improved performance.

 Mentorship Program

This category honors structured relationships that provide guidance, perspective and career support. Submissions should explain how mentors and mentees are matched, prepared and supported, how participation and accountability are encouraged, and what results the program has produced in confidence, skills, relationships, advancement or retention.

 Onboarding

Strong entries will explain how new communications employees gain role clarity, relationships and confidence from their first interaction through the early months. Entries may cover preboarding, first-day support, 30-, 60- and 90-day plans, manager involvement, training, culture, technology, feedback and early checkpoints, supported by satisfaction, productivity or retention.

 Remote Work Culture

Judges will assess how distributed workplaces create connection, clarity and equitable opportunity regardless of location. Examples may include asynchronous work, virtual collaboration, communication norms, remote onboarding, manager support, team rituals, wellbeing practices and fair access to information, recognition and career growth.

 Responsible AI & Workforce Readiness

Organizations should show how they prepare communications employees to use artificial intelligence responsibly, confidently and with sound human judgment. Submissions may address policies, approved tools, privacy and security, training, governance, human review, reskilling, role changes, employee communication and measurable progress in readiness, adoption or work quality.

 Work-Life Balance

This category recognizes workplaces that support strong performance without making chronic overwork the norm. Entries may highlight staffing, workload planning, time-off practices, meeting boundaries, flexible schedules, manager expectations, recovery after high-pressure periods and employee data showing reduced burnout or better balance.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter Ragan’s Top Places to Work in Communications Awards, choose the category or categories that best represent your organization and complete the online entry form by the published deadline.

  1. Choose your category or categories. Review the agency, corporate, nonprofit and organization categories along with the Spotlight categories and select the strongest fit for your workplace.
  2. Gather evidence of your employee experience. Consider workplace policies, programs, employee feedback, engagement or retention data, benefits, career-development efforts, testimonials and other information that demonstrates what makes your organization a strong place to work for communicators.
  3. Complete your entry. Follow the prompts in the online entry form and explain your workplace culture, approach, programs and results. Include enough context for judges to understand what distinguishes the employee experience.
  4. Add supporting materials and submit. Upload relevant materials, review your entry for accuracy and complete payment by the deadline.

Organizations may enter more than one relevant category. Tailor each entry to the category selected and focus on the workplace strengths and evidence most relevant to that recognition.

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

This year’s program is open to any work executed between Nov. 1, 2025, and Nov. 13, 2026, inclusive.

ENTRY FEES

The fee for this program is $550 per entry.

A late fee of $325 per entry will be added to all entries received after 11:59 p.m. Central time, November 6, 2026.

All entries are non-returnable and non-refundable.

W-9 Form / Tax ID Number Request

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Ragan’s Top Places to Work in Communications Awards?
Ragan’s Top Places to Work in Communications Awards recognize employers that have created exceptional workplace cultures and employee experiences for communications, public relations and marketing professionals. The program is open to agencies, corporations, nonprofits and organizations and recognizes both overall workplace excellence and specific strengths such as leadership, professional development, benefits, employee engagement, flexibility, inclusion and work-life balance.
What makes a top place to work in communications?
A strong communications workplace gives employees the support, resources, trust and opportunities they need to succeed professionally. That may include competitive compensation and benefits, career growth, effective leadership, learning opportunities, flexibility, employee recognition, wellbeing programs, inclusive practices, mentorship and a culture where employees can speak openly and contribute ideas. Judges will also consider evidence showing how these practices affect the employee experience.
Who can enter the Top Places to Work in Communications Awards?
Companies, communications and PR agencies, nonprofits, government organizations and other employers may enter. Organizations of different sizes are eligible, and entries are accepted internationally as long as they are submitted in English.
Are there awards specifically for PR, marketing, digital and communications agencies?
Yes. Ragan recognizes PR, marketing, digital and communications agencies in four size categories based on annual income: Boutique Agency, Small Agency, Mid-Size Agency and Large Agency. These categories allow agencies to compete alongside organizations with comparable business scale.
Are there categories for corporate communications teams and nonprofits?
Yes. Separate categories recognize small, mid-size and large corporations as well as nonprofits and organizations. These categories are based on employee count so organizations can be evaluated in an appropriate size group. The Spotlight categories cover many parts of the employee experience, including benefits and wellness, compensation, career advancement, employee engagement, employee recognition, employee voice and transparency, executive leadership, hybrid and remote work, inclusion and belonging, internships, learning and development, mentorship, onboarding, responsible AI and workforce readiness, and work-life balance. Organizations may enter the categories that best represent their strongest workplace practices.
What should we include in a Top Places to Work entry?
A strong entry should explain what makes your organization a strong workplace for communications professionals and provide evidence that supports those claims. Useful information may include workplace programs and policies, employee survey results, engagement data, retention rates, internal promotion or career-growth data, participation rates, employee feedback, testimonials, benefits, learning opportunities and measurable improvements. Not every entry needs every type of evidence. Include the information that most clearly demonstrates your organization’s employee experience.
What do the judges look for?
Judges will look for a clear explanation of the workplace experience, thoughtful programs and practices, leadership commitment and evidence that employees benefit from the organization’s approach. Strong entries go beyond listing perks. They explain why programs or policies exist, how employees experience them and what results demonstrate their value.
Can our organization enter more than one category?
Yes. Organizations may enter multiple relevant categories. For example, an agency may enter its appropriate agency-size category and also submit entries for areas such as Learning & Development, Employee Recognition Programs, Remote Work Culture or Responsible AI & Workforce Readiness. Each category should be treated as its own entry, with information and evidence tailored to that category.
Why should an organization enter a workplace award specifically for communications?
Communications professionals have distinct workplace needs, including access to leadership, professional development, strong manager support, appropriate resources, flexibility and opportunities to grow their skills as the profession changes. Recognition from Ragan gives employers a way to demonstrate their commitment specifically to communications talent. Organizations can use the recognition to celebrate employees, support recruitment and retention, strengthen their employer reputation and show clients and industry peers what makes their workplace distinct.
What is the deadline for Ragan’s 2026 Top Places to Work in Communications Awards?
The standard entry deadline is November 6, 2026. Entries submitted after the standard deadline may be accepted through the late deadline of November 13, 2026, with an additional late fee. Entrants are encouraged to complete their submissions by the standard deadline.
When will finalists and winners be announced?
Finalists will be announced in advance of Ragan’s live Top Places to Work in Communications event in spring 2027. Winners will be revealed and recognized at the event. Additional recognition will appear across Ragan’s websites, newsletters and social channels.

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 [email protected].

Sponsorship Opportunities

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