How to Enter the 2026 Culthos Culture Awards
Exceptional culture doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built. The Culthos Culture Awards recognize the organisations leading with intention, clarity, and care. If your workplace is putting values into action, this is your moment to be seen.
Nominations open March 2026!
The Culthos Culture Awards shine a spotlight on organisations that treat culture as a business asset, and shape it with intention, clarity, and consistency. From how they treat their people to how they live their values, these are the workplaces setting new standards for what good looks like in South Africa.
Whether you're a small team with heart or a large company rethinking tradition, this is your moment to be seen.
In 2025, workplace culture is more than a competitive advantage, it's a business imperative. As organisations navigate economic shifts, evolving employee expectations, and growing demands for transparency and purpose, those that invest in culture will lead the way.
The Culthos Culture Awards provide a platform to recognise the companies, and the people behind them, who are proving that values-led cultures
don’t just feel good, they deliver real results.
WHY ENTER THE 2026
CULTHOS CULTURE AWARDS?
benefits
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In a competitive market, culture is your edge. Recognition from Culthos signals to current and future employees that your organisation prioritises people, and backs it up with action.
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Whether it’s future hires or boardroom stakeholders, a third-party endorsement from a respected culture consultancy helps validate the work you’re already doing.
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Good culture deserves the spotlight. Winning opens doors for positive media stories, LinkedIn engagement, and reputation-building moments that go beyond a press release.
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Being nominated is a win in itself. It shows your team that their efforts are being seen, and helps rally everyone around the values you’re building from.
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Your culture journey isn’t just recognition for your team, it’s a signal to the whole market. By leading with intention, you help raise the bar for what’s possible at work. Every achievement becomes an example others can follow, sparking new ideas and inspiring workplaces that put people and progress first.
what we’re
looking for
At Culthos, we celebrate workplaces where culture isn’t just talked about. It’s seen in every decision, behaviour, and outcome.
We’re looking for organisations that:
Live their values at every level, from leadership to the front lines
Put people first in how they communicate, support, and grow their teams
Build trust and psychological safety into the rhythm of work
Innovate with purpose by adapting, learning, and improving for real results
Create spaces where inclusion, wellbeing, and belonging are part of daily life
Whether you’re a start-up, scale-up, or established enterprise, we want to see how you make culture real through policies, behaviours, rituals, or everyday moments that matter.
If your workplace is setting a new standard for what’s possible, we want to hear your story.
2026 category preview
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Culture x Brand
Recognising organisations where brand values and company culture work hand in hand, creating a seamless experience for both employees and customers.
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People-First Leadership
Honouring leaders and teams who put people at the centre of their strategy, building trust, safety, and shared purpose.
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Employee Wellbeing & Belonging
Spotlighting workplaces that prioritise holistic wellbeing, inclusion, and a genuine sense of belonging for all
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Sustainable Workplaces
Celebrating organisations weaving environmental responsibility and sustainable practices into the everyday culture of work.
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Culture Communication
For those using innovative storytelling, internal comms, or creative engagement to bring culture and values to life.
judging panel
Our judging panel will feature respected leaders and experts in organisational culture, HR, business, and creative strategy. We’re assembling a diverse group of voices who know what great culture looks and feels like across industries.
Full panel to be announced.
We’re opening the Expression of Interest List for the inaugural 2026 Culthos Culture Awards.
If you’re interested in taking part or want to learn more as the program develops, register your interest below.
Everyone who registers will receive early updates, key dates, and priority access when entries officially open in March 2026.