Event

This award recognises businesses or organisations that have successfully implemented flexible working arrangements across all levels of staff.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• The use of innovative flexible working practices, such as hybrid working, remote work, flexible hours, compressed workweeks, or other non-traditional methods.
• How these practices enhance work-life balance, productivity, and employee satisfaction.
• Clear examples of how these flexible working initiatives have been integrated into the workplace culture and daily operations.
• The impact of these practices on employees’ well-being and the overall success of the business, including measurable outcomes where possible.

Judges will be looking for businesses that have effectively embraced flexible working, demonstrating its positive effect on both the workforce and organisational performance.

This award recognises a company or organisation (including charities) that has shown exceptional commitment and leadership in embracing the benefits of a diverse workforce, both internally and externally. The winner will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organisation.
• Best practices in fostering an inclusive culture.
• A strategic and integrated approach to embedding diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
• Clear, measurable outcomes that showcase the positive impact of these initiatives.

Judges will be looking for evidence of inspirational leadership, innovative strategies, and tangible results that highlight a genuine dedication to diversity and inclusion.

This award recognises and celebrates businesses and organisations that actively create opportunities for school leavers and further education graduates to develop and progress in their careers.

Entrants should provide evidence of how their programs support apprentices and/or graduates in career growth, skills development, and leadership progression. This may include:

• Opportunities to gain further qualifications in their chosen field.
• Structured support systems, such as dedicated mentors.
• Comprehensive training and development initiatives.
• The ability for participants to rotate across different departments to gain diverse experience.

Judges will be looking for clear examples of how these initiatives contribute to long-term career success and how the organisation fosters a supportive learning environment.

This category highlights a business that prioritises employee training and skills development through extensive and innovative learning opportunities.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• The range of training and development programs available.
• How these initiatives are innovative and go beyond standard industry practices.
• The impact of these programs on employee growth, engagement, and business success.
• Any experiential learning methods used, such as VR training, online learning platforms, off-site programs, or hands-on workshops.

Judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous learning and skills enhancement, with clear outcomes that benefit both employees and the organisation.

This award recognises a business that places employee recognition at the heart of its success, fostering a culture of appreciation that enhances performance, strengthens social bonds, and promotes inclusivity.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• Their employee recognition program and how it is embedded in the company culture.
• The impact of recognition initiatives on employee engagement, motivation, and overall workplace culture.
• Measurable outcomes, such as improved performance, retention rates, or employee satisfaction.
• Direct employee feedback, including survey results or testimonials, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program.

Judges will be looking for businesses that go beyond standard recognition practices, creating a meaningful and lasting impact on their teams.

This award recognises organisations that excel in fostering internal career advancement and establishing strong internal support systems.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• How the organisation leverages the skills and experiences of its workforce to promote internal movement between teams for optimal productivity.
• Strategies and initiatives that encourage career progression and internal promotions.
• Systems in place to continually review and enhance employee development opportunities.
• The impact of these efforts on employee satisfaction, retention, and overall business success.

Judges will be looking for businesses that proactively invest in their people, ensuring continuous growth and development within the organisation.

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This award celebrates excellence in internal communications and recognises organisations with a long-term commitment to maintaining high standards in employee engagement and information sharing.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• How internal communication strategies have been adapted to support a remote or hybrid workforce.
• Methods used to encourage and facilitate two-way communication between employees and leadership.
• Innovative tools, platforms, or techniques used to ensure important information reaches employees effectively.
• The impact of these efforts on employee engagement, collaboration, and overall workplace culture.

Judges will be looking for organisations that demonstrate creativity, inclusivity, and measurable success in their internal communication strategies.

A strong and effective workplace culture is essential for business success. This award recognises organisations that have actively fostered an inspiring and supportive work environment.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• How they have encouraged and implemented a positive workplace culture.
• The connection between workplace culture and overall business practices, employee experiences, and company performance.
• Initiatives that promote engagement, inclusivity, and employee well-being.
• The measurable impact of their culture on employee satisfaction, retention, and business success.

Judges will be looking for organisations that prioritise people, creating a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered.

This award recognises businesses that prioritise staff culture, family support, and employee-centric working practices and policies.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• The initiative behind creating a positive and supportive workplace culture.
• How these practices benefit both employees and the business.
• Unique approaches to health and well-being, mental health support, work-life balance, and family/caring responsibilities.
• Policies or initiatives that set them apart from other organisations in fostering a people-first workplace.

Judges will be looking for businesses that go beyond standard practices, demonstrating innovation and measurable impact in creating a workplace that truly supports its employees.

This award recognises businesses that have successfully cultivated a supportive workplace culture, prioritising family support, employee well-being, and progressive working practices and policies.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• The initiative behind creating a strong and inclusive workplace culture.
• How these policies and practices benefit both employees and the overall success of the business.
• Unique approaches to supporting health and well-being, mental health, work-life balance, and family/caring responsibilities.
• Plans for scaling up while maintaining a positive culture, including strategies for managing employee well-being as the workforce expands.

Judges will be looking for organisations that lead the way in fostering a people-first culture, ensuring sustainable and meaningful support for employees at every stage of growth.

This award recognises businesses that have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a positive staff culture, supporting family needs, and implementing effective working practices and policies.

Entrants should provide evidence of:

• The initiative behind creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• The impact of these practices on both employee well-being and overall business success.
• Unique approaches to supporting health and well-being, mental health, work-life balance, and family/caring responsibilities.
• How these initiatives are scaled and managed effectively as the business grows and the number of employees increases.

Judges will be looking for businesses that excel in maintaining a people-centered approach, even as they expand, ensuring that the needs of their workforce continue to be met at every level.

The winner of the Scottish Top Employer of the Year award will demonstrate a strong commitment to their employees through a range of policies and practices that positively impact both the business and its workforce.

The judges will consider the following points when judging this category:

• Their dedication to fostering a positive staff culture.
• Implementation of flexible working options, including support for family and caring responsibilities.
• Strong diversity and inclusion practices that promote equality and support all employees.
• Other key policies and initiatives that have contributed to employee well-being, engagement, and overall business success.

Judges will be looking for businesses that go above and beyond to create a supportive, inclusive, and thriving workplace for all employees, resulting in measurable benefits to both staff and the organisation.

*Please note this category can not be entered into. The winner of this category will be decided upon by our judging panel based on the submissions received across the award categories.