Applying for a workplace award can feel overwhelming, like standing at the base of a mountain, unsure if the climb is worth it. You know the view from the top is incredible, but doubts creep in. Are we ready? What if we don’t win?
The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step. The process itself—gathering insights, aligning priorities, and focusing on continuous improvement—is where transformation begins. Even if you don’t make “the list,” the journey is still worth taking.
In my chapter, Becoming an Award-Winning Workplace, from the book Culture Impact, I wrote:
“Winning the award, although it is incredibly nice, isn’t the only reason you did this. Whatever the outcome, remember your WHY.”
If this sounds like where your organization is right now, keep reading. We’ll uncover why waiting to feel “ready” might be holding you back and how embracing the journey can create meaningful progress for your organization.
Common Hesitations Organizations Face
It’s easy to see why many organizations hesitate to apply for workplace awards. These concerns come up time and again:
Fear of Rejection
“What if we don’t win? Will it reflect poorly on us?” This fear can feel overwhelming, but the reality is that the application process itself is often more impactful than the final result.
Perceived Lack of Readiness
“We’re not there yet.” Many organizations believe they need a flawless culture or a perfectly aligned strategy before applying. In reality, few organizations feel 100% ready when they apply for their first workplace award—but the process helps you see where you’re excelling and where you can grow.
Overwhelming Priorities
“We’re already juggling too much.” Applying for workplace awards can feel like one more item on an already full to-do list. But as I’ve learned, prioritizing culture pays dividends that ripple across your organization.
These hesitations are valid, but they don’t have to stop you.
Why You Should Apply Anyway
Here’s the good news: getting started on the application process isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress, intentionality, and momentum.
It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Many organizations see workplace awards as a reward for having everything figured out. But in reality, they’re a tool for growth. Applying can help you identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, even if you don’t win on your first attempt.
Defining your “WHY” and taking small, focused steps can set your organization on a path toward lasting improvement.
Uncover Hidden Insights
Most workplace award applications require some form of employee feedback, often through engagement surveys. These surveys provide a goldmine of insights into what’s working, and what’s not.
Organizations often learn opportunities for improvement through their engagement survey such as a need for clearer communication about career development opportunities, what employees want more of from their front-line managers, and benefits that are not aligning with their employee’s needs, even before the award results came back.
Build Momentum for Cultural Change
Simply deciding to apply sends a message to your team: “We care about creating a great workplace.” This can spark enthusiasm, encourage transparency, and build trust—all powerful ingredients for culture transformation.
How to Get Started, Even If You Feel Unprepared
If you’re waiting to feel “ready” to apply, focus on these steps to start your journey instead:
1. Define Your “WHY”
Your “WHY” is the purpose behind applying for a workplace award. Maybe you want to:
- Attract and retain top talent.
- Address a challenge like turnover or disengagement.
- Celebrate and recognize your employees.
As I wrote in Culture Impact:
“Your WHY could be improving your ability to attract and keep top talent, addressing a concern like a toxic culture, or increasing market awareness.”
Understanding your “WHY” will guide your efforts and keep you focused, even when challenges arise.
2. Take Small Steps
Not every award requires a massive undertaking. Start with a local or industry-specific award that aligns with your strengths. Smaller awards can serve as stepping stones, helping you gain confidence and refine your process.
3. Build a Team
Engage others in your organization to support the application process. Building a diverse team not only lightens the load but also brings valuable perspectives that can enrich your submission and engagement initiatives.
4. Embrace the Journey
Remember that this is a process. Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of workplace culture development, and helps you approach this journey with a mindset of progress rather than perfection. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the gap between where your organization is and where you want it to be, focus on incremental steps that move you forward.
The Data is the Real Reward
Even if you don’t win an award, the insights you gain through the process are your real reward. The data collected—whether from engagement surveys, demographic metrics, or open-ended feedback—is the treasure of information that can drive meaningful change across your organization.
Data doesn’t just show you what’s happening; it empowers you to act. Organizations that leverage these insights to address employee needs often see measurable improvements in retention, productivity, and morale.
Strengthen Employee Engagement
Engagement surveys, often the core of your workplace award application, are more than a tool for measurement; they’re a path to understanding what your employees truly value. The data you collect provides insights into what’s working and where your organization can improve.
By analyzing trends in participation rates, recurring themes in feedback, or satisfaction metrics, you can identify the key drivers of engagement. Acting on this data shows employees that their voices matter and builds trust in leadership, creating a stronger connection between your organization and its people.
Align Leadership and Strategy
Data from the employee engagement survey helps leadership see a clear picture of employee sentiments. When leaders understand how engagement scores, retention rates, or survey insights connect to business objectives, they’re more likely to support initiatives that drive cultural transformation.
By presenting data that ties employee experiences to measurable outcomes, such as turnover costs or productivity gains, you can make a compelling case for prioritizing culture as a strategic investment. This alignment strengthens not just leadership buy-in but also the entire organization’s focus on achieving shared goals.
Foster Continuous Improvement
The data you gather doesn’t just inform current decisions, it creates a baseline for future progress. Each cycle of data collection and analysis equips you with a clearer understanding of where you stand and where you can grow.
By digging into specific metrics, such as survey participation by department or open-ended feedback, you can pinpoint areas for improvement and track the impact of changes over time. This commitment to data-driven decision-making ensures that your organization continues to evolve, regardless of whether you win an award.
What Happens if You Don’t Win?
The fear of not winning is often what keeps organizations from applying. But here’s the thing: the value of this journey extends far beyond the trophy.
- You Gain Insights: The feedback and data you collect provide a roadmap for improvement.
- You Build Trust: Sharing results transparently with employees—whether you win or not—strengthens trust.
- You Set the Stage for Future Success: Each application makes you better prepared for the next.
As I wrote in Culture Impact:
“Learning insights to act upon is more valuable than earning the trophy.”
Conclusion
Becoming an award-winning workplace isn’t just about the recognition. It’s about creating a culture where employees thrive, leaders align, and the organization succeeds.
If you’re ready to take the first step, define your WHY, prioritize continuous improvement, and let the journey begin. Start small, but dream big—because becoming an award-winning workplace is a journey worth taking. Let’s connect to explore how I can support you on your journey to becoming an award-winning workplace.
To explore more ideas and strategies for supporting a corporate culture that leads to becoming and maintaining an award-winning workplace, check my book, CULTURE IMPACT. This comprehensive resource will empower you to take steps to create an extraordinary workplace culture and unlock your organization’s full potential.
