The clock is ticking as the deadline to submit entries for the 2025 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards creeps ever closer.
Business and organisations have until midnight on Wednesday April 2 to dot the i’s and cross the t’s on their submissions to what has emerged as the most prestigious awards initiative in the north.
Now in its 17th year, entries are opened across 11 categories (full details and criteria at www.irishnews.com/wea), including Best Place to Work and Team of the Year, which are the two most sought-after accolades.
And this year for the first time, the WEAs will have two new categories for individuals – Business Leader of the Year and Young Business Leader of the Year (under-35).
As always, the Workplace & Employment Awards will shine a spotlight on best workplace practices and provide a showcase for organisations to celebrate all that is good in the employment sector.
The awards themselves take place in Titanic Belfast on Thursday May 29, hosted by Q Radio presenter and top Irish comedian Andrew Ryan.
This year’s Gold partners in the WEAs are Carson McDowell, Options Technology and Queen’s University, while category sponsors are Baker Tilly Mooney Moore (new for 2025), Calibro Workspace, Miller Hospitality, NI Chamber and nijobfinder. Titanic Belfast continues to be venue partner, and drinks sponsors will be Diageo Ireland and Heron Bros (new for 2025).
A judging panel – headed by leading businesswoman and current Tourism NI chair Ellvena Graham – will meet on Tuesday April 8 to deliberate on the winners, and the short list will be announced in Business Insight on Tuesday April 15.
In past years, winners have spoken in glowing terms of the impact winning an Irish News Workplace & Employment Award has had on their organisation.
Here, we set out five reasons why your business should be applying for a 2025 accolade:
- Recognition and prestige: Being honoured at the WEAs is a mark of distinction. It’s an opportunity to showcase your organisation’s achievements and be recognised for excellence in the industry, enhancing your reputation both internally and externally.
- Competitive advantage: In a crowded marketplace, any distinctive advantage can set your company apart from competitors. Winning a Workplace & Employment Award differentiates your organisation as a leader in the field, giving you a competitive edge when bidding for contracts, attracting investors, expanding into new markets, and attracting new talent.
- Boost employee morale and engagement: Applying for the awards is not just about external recognition; it’s also about celebrating your team’s hard work and dedication. Participating in the awards can boost morale, enhance teamwork, and increase employee engagement by highlighting their contributions to your organisation’s success.
- Networking opportunities: Participating in the awards opens doors to valuable networking opportunities. Connect with industry leaders, professionals, and potential collaborators, expanding your professional network and fostering beneficial relationships for future endeavours.
- Publicity and brand awareness: Being associated with the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards offers significant publicity and brand enhancement opportunities. Finalists and winners receive extensive media coverage in the UK and Ireland’s top performing newspaper, increasing brand visibility and positioning your organisation as a leader in the field, which can attract new clients, customers – and talent.
For full awards details go to www.irishnews.com/wea – and remember to submit your application by midnight on Wednesday April 2.
