Why entering an award can be a powerful moment of learning (not just recognition)

Emma Bridger

Minutes
22nd January 2026
Employee Experience
Internal Communications
Employee Engagement
This year, I have the absolute privilege of being a judge for the Inspiring Workplaces Awards 2026.

And it’s prompted me to reflect on the very first time I ever entered an award myself.

Very early on in my career, when I was working in-house, my team and I decided to put ourselves forward. There was no grand strategy behind it. No expectation of winning. I entered for one simple reason: my team deserved recognition.

They were doing brilliant, often unseen work. Thoughtful, people-centred work that was making a real difference, even when the wider context was tough. I wanted them to feel seen.

What happened next genuinely surprised us.

We won.

And while the trophy and the logo were lovely, the real impact went much deeper than that.

Recognition matters, but reflection changes practice

Of course, there was pride. Celebration. A real sense of “we did it”.
But what I hadn’t fully anticipated were the ripple effects.

That process gave us confidence.
It gave us credibility.
And perhaps most importantly, it gave us space and permission to articulate why we were doing what we were doing – and what impact it was really having.

Conversations shifted. Opportunities followed. Our network widened.
(And yes, as a completely unexpected bonus, I even ended up on a trip to Iceland as a thank-you… but that’s definitely a story for another day.)

What really stayed with me was this: we entered to recognise our team, and came away with clarity, momentum and belief.

That experience has shaped how I think about recognition ever since.

Why judging is such a privilege

Fast-forward to now, and I find myself on the other side of the process – as a judge.

And I don’t use the word privilege lightly.

Judging the Inspiring Workplaces Awards means getting genuinely curious about what’s working inside organisations – not the polished headlines, but the real practices underneath. It means being trusted with stories that aren’t always public-facing: stories of leadership, communication, wellbeing, inclusion, employee voice and experience – told honestly, not performatively.

It’s a rare chance to see behind the curtain.

Every submission represents real people, real intent and real effort to create better working experiences. As judges, we treat that trust with care, respect and curiosity.

And honestly? It’s deeply inspiring.

Entering is a learning process, not just a verdict

One of the biggest misconceptions about awards is that they’re only about winning.

They’re not.

The act of entering can be just as valuable as the outcome.

Entering creates space to:

  • Pause and reflect on what you’re actually building
  • Join the dots between intention, practice and impact
  • Articulate your people story in your own words
  • Celebrate progress – even if you’re still learning

Time and again, I’ve seen how this process alone can strengthen clarity, confidence and alignment across teams.

And when recognition does follow, it becomes a powerful signal – internally and externally – that your approach isn’t just well-meaning. It’s landing.

A quiet nudge from one practitioner to another

So if you’re wondering whether it’s “too soon”, whether you’re “ready”, or whether what you’re doing is “enough”, let me offer this gentle encouragement.

Some of the most powerful entries don’t come from perfect organisations.

They come from honest ones.
Ones that care.
Ones that are experimenting.
Ones that are learning as they go.

If you’re genuinely trying to create an environment where people come first, your story is worth reflecting on – and worth sharing.

And as someone who’s been there as an entrant, a winner, a runner-up, and now a judge, I’ll say this with complete sincerity:
you never quite know how far the ripple effects might travel.

If this resonates, you can find out more and start your entry here: https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/iw-awards/