Introduction
Tonight, we celebrate the people and organisations helping to shape exceptional workplaces across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Best Places to Work™ Awards recognise workplaces where the employee experience is reflected not only in what organisations say, but in the everyday decisions they make and the way their people experience work.
Every finalist has a story worth celebrating. Across different industries, regions and organisations of all sizes, this year's finalists demonstrate the many ways that the Best Places to Work™ can take shape.
We've also seen something become increasingly clear: when people feel trusted, supported and able to contribute, it strengthens more than workplace culture. It can strengthen customer experience, innovation, resilience and organisational performance.
Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate what's working, share what we're learning and recognise the people behind these workplaces.
Because when organisations are generous with what they learn, we can help float all the boats higher.
To all our finalists, congratulations. We hope you take a moment to reflect on what you've achieved and enjoy celebrating with your teams.
Thank you to our Foundation Partner, the EMA, our partners and independent judges for their continued support, and to everyone joining us tonight for being part of the Best Places to Work™ community.
Enjoy the evening!
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CEO & Founder
Best Places to Work™
Organisation Categories
Congratulations to every organisation that took part in the 2026 Best Places to Work™ Awards, and to the shortlisted organisations and finalists being celebrated tonight.
This recognition starts with employee voice. Thousands of people shared how they experience work through the confidential BPTW™ Employee Experience Survey, and our independent judges then looked behind those results at the practices, decisions and everyday experiences shaping them.
Micro Workplace
5-20 Employees
When a team is 20 people or fewer, every person shapes the culture. The Micro Workplace finalists show how small teams build trust, clarity and care into the way they work every day.
Small Workplace
21-49 Employees
Once a team grows past 20 people, culture needs to be shaped with intention. The Small Workplace finalists show how leaders stay close to their people while giving them room to grow.
Small - Medium Workplace
50-99 Employees
Growth brings more structure and new ways of working. The Small - Medium Workplace finalists show how organisations keep connection and clarity strong as they scale.
Medium Workplace
100-149 Employees
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At this size, consistency matters. The Medium Workplace finalists show how clear communication and steady leadership help people feel confident about where the organisation is heading and how they contribute.
Large Workplace
150-249 Employees
With more teams and more layers of management, workplace experience depends on leaders at every level. The Large Workplace finalists show how purpose and everyday practice can impact people across the organisation.
Extra Large Workplace
250+ Employees
Across hundreds of people, exceptional workplace experience is built in the everyday moments. The Extra Large Workplace finalists show how employee voice can inform action across a large and complex organisation.
Spotlight Categories
Innovation
Spotlight
The Innovation Spotlight recognises organisations empowering their people to contribute ideas, improve the way work is done and create meaningful value through innovation.
Community & Regional Impact
Spotlight
The Community & Regional Impact Spotlight recognises organisations contributing to stronger communities through employee involvement, partnerships, social initiatives and regional leadership.
Wellbeing
Spotlight
The Wellbeing Spotlight recognises organisations embedding wellbeing into the way work is designed, led and experienced, so people feel supported, balanced and able to perform at their best.
Purpose in Action
Spotlight
The Purpose in Action Spotlight recognises organisations embedding purpose into strategy, decision-making and everyday actions, creating positive outcomes for employees, customers, communities and the organisation itself.
Sustainability
Spotlight
The Sustainability Spotlight recognises organisations integrating environmental responsibility, social impact and ethical practice into the way they operate and create long-term value.
Technology & AI Readiness
Spotlight
The Technology & AI Readiness Spotlight recognises organisations using technology and AI to improve employee experience, enable better ways of working and build future-ready capability.
Overall Winner
Learn from the best with our Masterclasses
Whether you’re an employer or employee, a start-up or large-scale business, an employee experience expert or just starting out, the masterclasses are designed to help you build capability and explore new tools, frameworks and insights to support your team and drive meaningful change.
Submit your details and we will send you information about the programme.