Energage and The Seattle Times Launch 2026 Top Workplaces Awards for Seattle-Area Employers

Energage, the HR technology company behind the Top Workplaces program, has partnered with The Seattle Times to introduce the 2026 Top Workplaces awards to the greater Seattle area.

This marks the first time Washington State employers will be eligible for the Top Workplaces recognition, spotlighting companies that cultivate people-first cultures and positive employee experiences. Nominations are now open and will be accepted through August 2025. Winners will be announced in early 2026 via The Seattle Times and the Top Workplaces website.

“We’re thrilled to partner with The Seattle Times to spotlight companies where employees feel truly seen, heard, and valued,” said Dan Kessler, President of Energage. “This partnership ensures that deserving employers across the region receive the visibility and credibility they’ve earned, helping them stand out to both top talent and customers.”

Organizations with 35 or more employees in the greater Seattle area — including public, private, nonprofit, and government sectors — are eligible to participate. There is no fee to nominate, enter, or win.

Top Workplaces awards are based entirely on employee feedback collected through Energage’s confidential, science-based Workplace Survey. This survey identifies key culture drivers that predict high performance and employee engagement. Developed from over two decades of data from more than 70,000 organizations, the survey provides actionable insights and benchmarks.

“We are excited to launch the Top Workplaces program in partnership with Energage,” said Amber Aldrich, Vice President of Advertising at The Seattle Times. “We’re committed to serving our community, and this initiative gives us a powerful way to celebrate the organizations making the Seattle area a fantastic place to work.”

In addition to regional honors, participating organizations may qualify for national recognition across culture excellence and industry-specific categories — all based on the same survey results.

Explore more workplace recognition opportunities and trends at HRTech360hub.