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By Shumirai Chimombe
A study on ResearchGate titled ‘The Success of an Organisation is a Result of Employees’ Performance’ states that in today’s world of competition, it is believed that teams are an essential part of work performance and increased productivity.
However, the workplace is changing at a rapid pace, with automation and AI entering the scene at an unprecedented rate, and remote and hybrid becoming the norm. In this dynamic landscape it can be challenging to build and maintain productive teams that can collaborate effectively on projects and achieve results, while staying motivated. So if your team or teams are doing exceptional work, it is good business practice to recognise them in a way that says ‘we see you and we appreciate you’.
This is one of many reasons companies enter business excellence awards – to publicly recognise and showcase the brilliant work of their teams. This could be an award as a leading business in a specific industry or sector, or a top business that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion, among others. Whether your organisation wins or not, the fact that you entered will drive home the message that it is the teams that do the work and are behind the success of your company.
Here are three benefits for entering business awards:
- Boosts team motivation
Digital Strategist and Founder at the UK-based IT agency Cold Banana, Luke Fribbens wrote that awards are not just about celebrating organisational achievements; they also shine a spotlight on individual and team accomplishments. “Winning accolades boosts morale, fosters a sense of pride amongst employees and encourages collaboration. Moreover, the journey from submission to ceremony fosters camaraderies and strengthens team bonds.”
According to the Talent Management Institute, recognition serves to acknowledge achievements, behaviours, and contributions that are aligned with organisational values. It expresses appreciation for employees’ efforts and makes them feel valued.
This can have some very positive results including boosting morale and job satisfaction, reigniting enthusiasm and performance, and reinforcing a culture of excellence across the business.
By demonstrating your company as its teams’ biggest cheerleader, business excellence awards are a valuable way to celebrate collective achievement.
- Recruitment management
As competition intensifies to attract new talent, being an award-winning business helps you stand out in a competitive market.
According to Luke, talented professionals are drawn to organisations with a track record of excellence. Awards signal not just success, but also a commitment to quality work and professional development – this attracts top-tier talent. “As a result of the awards we’ve received, we are noticing a lot more candidates approaching us directly and congratulating us on our recent award wins.”
Recognition attracts prospective employees because it demonstrates a positive and appreciative company culture where employees are valued. It makes the company more appealing to potential employees who, in addition to a salary, are also looking for a company culture that gives them a sense of purpose, belonging, and opportunities for growth.
The Regent Business School illustrates it like this: People want to work for companies with good reputations. Think of your employer brand as your identity, the face you show the world. A strong employer brand is not just about fancy slogans or eye-catching logos – it embodies your company’s culture, values, and ethics.
Winning an award – or even being shortlisted for one – is a fantastic way to get publicity and put your brand in the spotlight. Not just through the media, but also to include in your company’s communications, and celebrating your team and its achievements.
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- Encourages reflection and continuous improvement
Business excellence awards go beyond external recognition. They can also serve as an opportunity for team collaboration, growth, and reputation-building. Whether you win or not, the process of preparing your submission can serve as a valuable opportunity for introspection and reflection.
The Global Agency Awards highlights that the process of preparing award submissions also benefits your business internally. “It forces rigorous evaluation of your work, documentation of results, and reflection on what made campaigns successful. These insights inform future work and help build institutional knowledge about effective approaches.”
It’s a good opportunity to benchmark your team’s performance and drive future excellence.
“Before diving into submission requirements and deadlines, remember that award entries are fundamentally about storytelling. You’re not just showcasing what you created; you’re demonstrating how your work solved a real business challenge, moved audiences, and delivered measurable results. The best entries combine creative excellence with strategic thinking and proven impact.”
Entering your business for excellence awards is not just about winning – it’s an opportunity to recognise and celebrate your team’s hard work. It’s about credibility, exposure, motivation, and growth. The experience and process of working together to submit your entry can prove to be very valuable – one that can reveal insights, ideas and innovation that can take your business to new heights.
The Standard Bank Top Women Awards honour outstanding women and organisations that have made significant strides in gender empowerment, creating inclusive and equitable workplaces.
“The award represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion for the work we do. For me, it symbolises values I hold dear – innovation, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact. It is also a validation of the agency’s growth and the strides we’ve made in the industry, particularly as a female-led business in a competitive space. I also feel the recognition will bolster our reputation, open new doors for collaborations and partnerships, and demonstrate our agency’s ability to lead and innovate.” – Brenda Khumalo, Founder and CEO of Lobengula Advertising and winner of the Standard Bank Top Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2024.
This year’s awards will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 2 December.
Entries for the awards in various categories close on 30 October.
Enter the awards now for the opportunity to be recognised as a leader in advancing gender equality.
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