How Workplace Awards Help Your Employer Brand

In today's competitive job market, companies must cut through the noise to attract top talent. One way to do that is through workplace awards. Not only do awards publicly acknowledge your organization's achievements, but you can leverage them as a powerful marketing tool for your employer brand. 

According to iHire's What Candidates Want: 2023 Job Seeker Report, 76% of candidates "always" or "most of the time" research a company when applying for a role. Therefore, your employer brand can significantly affect how well you attract and retain aligned candidates. 

This article will explore how workplace awards can help up-level your business reputation and bring in the talent you need. 

Why Are Workplace Awards Important? 

A business is only as good as its lowest-performing employee. The people you hire will influence everything in your business, from innovation to growth and revenue. Therefore, attracting the best candidates is vital to your business's success. 

Receiving workplace awards can help an organization stand out among other potential employers, helping you become an employer of choice. In our What Candidates Want report, iHire found that workplace awards were considered important by 25.3% of respondents when evaluating a job opportunity. A notable percentage of top candidates may consider awards when deciding to join, stay at, or leave your company.

Awards can lead to:

• Higher quality of applicants 
• Hires that align with your company and values 
• Higher retention rates 
• Positive working environment 
• Better results and revenue growth
• Enhanced company reputation 
• More competitive market position

Awards can also help your brand gain publicity. Industry publications often pick up and publish relevant companies and awards, making those brands instantly more recognizable. Awards also act as a public testimonial for your skills, helping you quickly gain trust from employees, customers, and industry experts. Besides giving you an edge over competitors in attracting talent, the right award can also bring in more and higher-quality clients.

How to Find and Apply for Relevant Awards for Your Business

To boost your chances of winning and to justify the time and financial investment involved in applying for awards, you should approach the application process strategically.

Identify relevant awards 

To start applying for relevant workplace awards, the first step is to research the various awards available. 

You can likely find a plethora of industry-specific awards. Begin by checking industry publications, associations, and websites for information on suitable awards for your business. For example, The Drum Awards recognize companies in the creative marketing and communications space, and the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award acknowledges the most innovative companies in tech.

Additionally, you can explore awards that are specific to your location, demographic, office environment, products, or social activities. These awards could include awards for: 

• Diversity and inclusion 
• Social impact
• Local impact 
• Senior leadership
• Best place to work
• Quality marks (voluntary labels on products to show they meet certain requirements)

Review the criteria 

Once you have identified relevant awards, review the eligibility and judging criteria carefully to determine whether your organization is a good fit. 

Eligibility requirements can include factors like:

• Industry sector 
• Company size 
• Geographical location 
• Timeline of your project or campaign submission 

The criteria the judges will use to review submissions could include things like:

• Creativity 
• Strategy 
• Innovation 
• Impact 
• Office environment and benefits (for best workplace awards)

As well as considering the judging criteria, research previous winners to determine what specific achievements or initiatives you should highlight in your application.

Apply for the award 

After confirming that the award is a good fit, gather the necessary supporting documents for your application. These could include images, videos, descriptions, testimonials, or case studies. You can usually fill out your application form online, uploading any files.

Some considerations to note when applying:

• Check for fees – Some awards may require a fee to apply, which can range from under $100 to thousands of dollars, depending on the size and prestige.
• Meet deadlines – Some awards have several deadlines with different price points and may not accept late submissions.

How to Promote Any Awards You Win

To maximize the benefits of winning an award, you must promote it effectively. Here are some ways to get awareness of your award in front of potential candidates' eyes:

• Issue a press release – Write a press release announcing the award. Contact any relevant publications that may publish it, or share it yourself across social channels. 
• Add it to your website – Feature your award prominently on your company website, where potential candidates will see it while researching the company.
• Mention it in marketing materials – Add the award to any marketing materials. For example, mention it in brochures or email signatures.
• Host an event – When you first receive the award, consider hosting an event to celebrate the win. Employee recognition ceremonies or client appreciation events can be a prime place to announce the award. Events can create positive buzz and generate interest in your organization. 
• Use social media channels – Many people look to social media to research companies and understand company culture when seeking a role. Posting about your award there will increase visibility and make the news easily shareable.
• Update your recruiting materials – Don't forget to update your recruiting materials to include the award, adding it to job descriptions and employment ads. Highlight awards during the interview process with potential candidates, too.

Conclusion 

If you are looking for low-cost ways to strengthen your employer brand and attract candidates, awards could be the answer. They can help you become a company recognized throughout your industry as a place where employees are proud to work.

Events serve as tangible proof of a business's expertise, achievements, and commitment to excellence. By identifying relevant awards, carefully preparing applications, and promoting wins effectively, you can strengthen your reputation and gain a competitive advantage in the job market. 

Want to learn more about what candidates want in today's job market? Download the iHire What Candidates Want Report 2023 for valuable insights into the preferences and priorities of job seekers. Understanding employee attitudes toward workplace awards can help you stay ahead of the competition and attract top talent.