With Gamescom now firmly in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the evaluation process for this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. While the primary awards have already closed their entry windows and will be judged on the basis of anonymised employee surveys, we have decided to keep the door open a little longer for the Special Awards. These ancillary categories are designed to spotlight organisations that demonstrate particular strengths in defined areas of workplace excellence, and we want to ensure that every deserving nominee has a chance to be considered. The extended nomination period runs until midnight on Monday, 7 September.
This deadline applies exclusively to the Special Awards, which are distinct from the core Best Places to Work (BPTW) categories and are open to any UK‑based business that operates within, or in partnership with, the games sector. Whether you are a large publisher, an independent studio, a support service provider, or a consultancy that supplies talent to the industry, you may put forward a candidate for any of the following honours: - **The Diversity Award** – recognising a company that has made measurable progress in fostering an inclusive environment, promoting representation across gender, ethnicity, disability, and other dimensions of diversity. - **The Green Award** – celebrating an organisation that has implemented effective sustainability initiatives, reduced its carbon footprint, or otherwise contributed to environmental stewardship within the gaming ecosystem.
- **HR Hero Award** – highlighting a human‑resources team or individual who has introduced innovative policies, championed employee wellbeing, or driven cultural change that benefits the workforce. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging a firm that invests heavily in upskilling its staff, offers robust mentorship programmes, or provides continuous learning opportunities that enhance professional growth. - **Education Award** – honouring an entity that collaborates with educational institutions, runs apprenticeship schemes, or otherwise supports the pipeline of future talent entering the games industry. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – rewarding a business that demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility, whether through charitable initiatives, community engagement, or ethical business practices.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – recognizing an organisation that prioritises the physical and mental health of its employees through comprehensive wellness programmes, supportive policies, or a culture that encourages work‑life balance. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s practices – this includes internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even industry observers who have witnessed the impact of the nominee’s work.
Each submission should provide concrete examples and evidence that illustrate why the nominee deserves recognition in the chosen category. The judging panel, composed of seasoned professionals from across the games industry, will review all entries next week, with the aim of finalising the shortlist before the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, we would like to remind you that tickets are still on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit. This year’s summit will centre on the theme “The Future of People & Work,” exploring emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape the employee experience in the gaming sector.
The summit will take place during the day preceding the awards ceremony, offering a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and discussion with peers and thought leaders. The decision to extend the nomination window reflects our commitment to inclusivity and fairness. We recognise that many organisations are still finalising their internal reviews or gathering the necessary documentation to support a strong nomination.
By providing a few extra days, we hope to capture a broader spectrum of exemplary workplaces that might otherwise be overlooked. If you are considering entering a nomination, here are a few tips to strengthen your submission: 1. **Be Specific** – Detail the exact initiatives, policies, or programmes that set the nominee apart.
Quantifiable results, such as percentage increases in diversity hires or measurable reductions in energy consumption, add weight to your case. 2. **Include Testimonials** – Quotes from employees, partners, or beneficiaries can illustrate the real‑world impact of the nominee’s efforts. 3.
**Provide Context** – Explain the challenges the organisation faced and how it overcame them. This helps judges understand the significance of the achievements. 4. **Link to Public Evidence** – Where possible, reference publicly available reports, case studies, or press releases that corroborate your claims.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the outstanding contributions of UK‑based companies to a healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable games industry. Remember, the deadline is midnight on Monday, 7 September, and the awards ceremony will take place on 1 October, following the HR Summit.
Don’t miss the chance to showcase the exceptional work happening within your organisation and to join a community of peers dedicated to excellence in the workplace.