Certification, Employee Recognition
#CertificationNationDay was more than a hashtag — it was a global celebration of trust, pride, and belonging at work.
On October 16, 2025, thousands of Great Place To Work® Certified™ companies across the globe came together to spotlight what made their workplaces exceptional.
The day was filled with energy, gratitude, and a shared belief in the Great Place To Work Effect — that when people thrive at work, business performance follows, and the positive impact extends far beyond the workplace.
The Power Behind the Great Place To Work Effect
Certification Nation Day honors organizations that have earned Great Place To Work Certification™, a recognition built on the voices of employees. These companies go beyond business as usual — they foster cultures of trust where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work.
By celebrating Certified workplaces, we highlight the leaders who listen, the teams who collaborate, and the cultures that turn trust into results. Great workplaces don’t just create happier employees — they create stronger businesses, lasting impact, and a foundation for growth.
“What happens when leaders listen to the wisdom of their people? They build workplaces where every employee is seen, heard, and included. Certification Nation Day reminds us that the best cultures aren’t built at the top — they’re built by every person in the organization.”
– Michael C. Bush, CEO, Great Place To Work
Celebrating the Impact of Great Workplaces
From heartfelt employee shoutouts to team-wide celebrations, Certified companies came together to honor the cultures they’ve built. Across social platforms, the energy reflected a growing global movement redefining success through trust, purpose, and connection.
This year’s celebration reminded us that great workplaces aren’t defined by location or industry — they’re defined by how you make people feel.
When employees are trusted and inspired, it creates a ripple effect that drives stronger performance, deeper loyalty, and lasting impact.
Highlights from Certified Companies
Royal Neighbors of America highlighted their Certification with a heartfelt post recognizing the values and people that make their workplace culture thrive.
Benefit Cosmetics celebrated their “Benefam” with a joyful post reflecting their inclusive, empowering workplace.
Degenkolb Engineers showcased a video of team members sharing what makes their workplace great — proving that trust and connection fuel performance.
The Academy group posted a slideshow celebrating Certification and their pride being part of something bigger.
These stories demonstrate the impact of great workplaces, showing how pride and trust amplify performance, strengthen connection, and inspire others to build great workplaces
Spotlighting Change and the People Driving It
The “One Thing We Changed”
Certified companies were invited to share one meaningful change they made after earning Certification — from improved onboarding and leadership transparency to emotional well-being initiatives. These examples highlight how intentional actions can create a thriving, high-trust workplace.
Swipe through the carousel to see companies spotlighting the one thing they changed in the past year.
The “Culture Catalyst”
Paired with “One Thing We Changed,” Culture Catalyst celebrates the individuals driving these changes — the leaders and team members turning ideas into action.
Certification isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting point for lasting cultural transformation.
Swipe through the carousel to see the people making an impact as Culture Catalysts!
Why Companies Choose Certification
Great Place To Work Certification is more than just a badge — it’s a strategic tool for building better workplaces and stronger businesses. Organizations pursue Certification to gain valuable insights about the employee experience and demonstrate commitment to high-trust cultures.
The impact of a great employee experience is measurable. Companies with high-trust cultures:
- Outperform in the stock market
- Generate more revenue per employee
- Attract and retain more talent
- Unlock innovation, collaboration, and discretionary effort
Certification gives leaders a clear view of what’s working and where to improve. For employees, it signals that their voices matter. And for the broader world, it shows that great workplaces aren’t just possible — they’re already happening.
Join the movement
Certification Nation Day is both a celebration and an invitation. If your organization is committed to building a workplace where people are engaged, motivated, and at their best, Great Place To Work Certification is the place to start.
Getting Certified is straightforward and based directly on employee feedback. Beyond recognition, Certification serves as a launchpad for growth — providing insights, trusted branding, and national recognition that help companies attract top talent, strengthen culture, and drive lasting business impact.
Ready to show the world what makes your workplace great? Learn more about how to get Certified and join us for next year’s celebration.
Get recognized for your culture
Gain accolades for your workplace environment and attract top talent who share your values.
