Stand out with an award-winning employer reputation!Employee recruitment and retention has never been tougher. You’ve just wrapped up interviews for a key role, found the perfect candidate, and sent the offer. Then you hear the dreaded news: they accepted a job with a competitor. Sound familiar?
It’s not just about offering higher salaries — the real challenge is proving you’re the kind of company top talent wants to work for. And that’s where employer recognition, based on real employee feedback, can give you the edge.
Keep reading to learn how to improve your recruitment and retention strategy with credibility.
The role of employer recognition in attracting top talent
Job seekers aren’t just looking for a paycheck — they’re looking for purpose, culture, and trust. They want to work for organizations that not only talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to treating their employees well. That’s where employer recognition comes in.
Recognition from trusted, third-party sources, grounded in real employee feedback, is a powerful signal that your company values its workforce. It’s not just about earning awards; it’s about showing potential hires that your workplace culture is something employees stand behind and that they’re proud to be a part of. A strong reputation as a great workplace can be the deciding factor for top talent when they’re weighing multiple job offers.
Learn more: 12 Ways to Attract Top Talent and How to Improve Company Culture
Employee feedback wins over marketing every time
Job seekers are getting smarter — they’re no longer falling for marketing. They trust employee feedback three times more than any polished company pitch.
Research from the Top Workplaces Research Lab highlights a big disconnect: 80% of employers think they communicate their culture well, but only 30% of job seekers agree. This gap shows why employee-driven recognition matters. When your company is recognized based on real feedback, it proves your culture is authentic — not just something you market. And that’s what builds trust and attracts the right talent.
How employer recognition improves recruitment
Are you looking for ways to improve the employee recruitment process and gain the upper hand at attracting great candidates? Employer recognition awards build credibility and help you to build your company reputation as a great place to work.
Boosts visibility
When your gets recognized for its people-first, it gets noticed! Regional, national, and industry awards offer high-profile exposure that helps you attract candidates who might not have considered your company otherwise. So, don’t be shy about showing off those accolades — put them front and center on your careers page and social channels to instantly boost your visibility and show job seekers that you’re a top choice.
Shows that your prioritize people
Job seekers want to work for companies that value their employees, not just companies that talk about culture. Recognition based on real employee feedback proves you’re serious about creating a people-first environment. Use this to your advantage by sharing employee testimonials or highlighting the unique aspects of your culture that make your workplace stand out. The more authentic and transparent you can be, the more appealing your organization will be to potential hires.
Encourages employee referrals
Employees who are proud of where they work are your best recruiters. Recognition can boost morale and pride within your team, which leads to more employee referrals. When your team believes in your company, they’re much more likely to refer friends and colleagues to open positions. A great way to harness this is by rewarding employee referrals and creating a program that taps into their pride while helping you find the perfect candidates.
Strengthens your employer brand
Being recognized by credible sources helps build trust with job seekers. When candidates see that others have validated your workplace culture, it reassures them that your company is a great workplace. Showcase these recognitions across your job listings, social media, and recruitment materials. It will attract more candidates and position your organization as a trusted and desirable employer.
Want to see strong employer branding in action? Here are 7 Best Careers Page Examples.
Recognition based on employee feedback encourage retention too
Employee recognition rooted in feedback creates a powerful connection that goes beyond just attracting talent. It helps you keep it too! When employees feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to stay with your organization long-term. By listening to and acting on feedback, you show that you’re committed to building a workplace where people feel truly valued — and that’s the kind of environment that encourages and improves retention.
Learn more: Employee Retention Best Practices to Keep Your Talent
Employer recognition that attracts and retains talent
Top Workplaces awards stand out as a trusted symbol of putting people first. Job seekers recognize it as a mark of excellence, and employees know it means their voices are valued.
Unlike other awards that rely on judges or self-serving essays, Top Workplaces is driven by real employee feedback, giving you a genuine, honest picture of your workplace culture. Here’s why Top Workplaces is the go-to choice for meaningful employer recognition:
No cost to participate
There’s no fee to participate, survey, or win awards.
Actionable insights
All Top Workplaces participants get a high-level survey snapshot that helps you communicate results and pinpoint areas for improvement, guiding you toward a better workplace experience.
One survey qualifies your organization for lots of awards
One survey qualifies your organization for dozens of awards within 12 months, so you don’t have to resurvey every time you go after recognition.
Confidentiality
Top Workplaces awards focus on confidentiality. The survey results are private, and only the names of winning organizations are made public.
High-profile exposure
Millions see winners through national media outlets, and you get a public company profile to showcase what makes your culture unique.
Take the next step with Top Workplaces
Ready to take the next step? The first thing you need to do is nominate your organization for Top Workplaces. Once you’re in, we’ll guide you through the process and help you decide which awards best fit your company. Then, we highlight the culture you’ve built, give your team the recognition they deserve, and boost your reputation.
