AFR Best Places to Work
Showcase Your Workplace Excellence with AFR Best Places to Work
The AFR Best Places to Work list, run in collaboration with Bendelta, celebrates organisations leading the way in workplace innovation, wellbeing, and equality. These are the employers redefining what great work looks like — from pioneering flexibility to building cultures that boost productivity, creativity, and focus.
If your organisation is setting the standard for how people thrive at work, this is your chance to share your story with the Financial Review’s 3.5 million readers — and be recognised as one of Australia’s most forward-thinking workplaces.
Benefits of Entering
- National recognition: Feature in Financial Review print, online, and extended coverage by AFR’s leading journalists.
- Attract top talent: Showcase your culture to potential hires and stand out as an employer of choice.
- Boost retention: Energise and inspire your current employees with public recognition.
- Industry benchmarking: Receive a detailed, data-driven assessment from Bendelta, including comparisons to other entrants.
- Collaboration opportunities: Connect with other leading workplaces and share best practices.
Key Information
Categories
- Agriculture, Mining & Utilities
- Banking, Superannuation & Financial Services
- Government, Education & NFP
- Health Industries
- Manufacturing & Consumer Goods
- Media & Marketing
- Professional Services
- And many more…
New in 2026:
- Organisational size awards within each industry category (small, medium, large) for fairer competition.
- Special awards including the Bendelta ‘BEING’ awards and the overall Best Place to Work.
Key Dates
- Nominations open: Tuesday 19 August 2025
- Nominations close: Thursday 9 October 2025
- Shortlist announced: Friday 24 October 2025
Entry Requirements
- Open to organisations across Australia in eligible industry categories.
- Technology companies should select their main industry category before nominating for Technology.
Entry Fee (excl. GST)
- Up to 99 employees / NFP: $2,900
- 100–499 employees: $4,500
- 500+ employees: $5,800
Why Enter?
Whether or not you make the final list, every entrant receives a tailored benchmarking report from Bendelta — a valuable resource to guide future workplace strategy. By entering, you’re not just competing for recognition; you’re gaining insight into how your organisation measures up, and how to keep building a workplace where people want to be.
Ready to Put Your Culture in the Spotlight?
Green Door Co can help you craft a compelling submission that captures your workplace’s unique strengths and stands out to the judging panel.
Contact us today to get started.
