Celebrating the 2025 Belonging Awards: A New Benchmark for Exemplary Organizations

The 2025 Belonging Awards: Elevating Workplace Inclusion

On October 2, 2025, the 2025 Belonging Awards were officially announced in Shanghai, China, a prestigious event organized by the Employer Branding Institute, a leader in employer brand communication. These awards aim to recognize organizations that place a strong emphasis on 'belonging' within their workplace strategies, creating environments where every employee feels respected, acknowledged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

This year's awards saw a remarkable participation from 694 esteemed national and international companies, including notable names such as Rémy Cointreau, Mercedes-Benz, BOSCH, and HSBC. In total, these companies submitted an impressive 47,192 applications across ten key categories, involving 21 performance dimensions and evaluated with 112 indicators. Ultimately, 72 distinguished companies stood out from their peers and were recognized as exemplary employers in the realms of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

The awards ceremony took place on August 25th in Datong, Shanxi Province, celebrating businesses that demonstrate innovative, systematic, and comprehensive practices in DEI, affecting both their internal culture and external reputation.Companies from over 50 countries and 97 sectors showcased their commitment to these values, aligning with a global movement focused on enhancing workplace equity and diversity.

The overarching aim of the Belonging Awards is to identify and reward businesses that genuinely prioritize belonging in their core strategies, providing employees with opportunities to thrive. The rigorous six-month application process emphasizes the increasing importance of fostering DEI initiatives in today's challenging market landscape.

The announcement of the 2025 Belonging Awards represents a significant progression for organizations aiming to bolster their diversity and inclusion efforts. It reflects their dedication to innovation and growth, despite the tumultuous market environment. By recognizing these companies, the awards provide a clear perspective on their investments and advancements regarding DEI, helping to meet escalating global regulations surrounding compliance and transparency.

For those looking to enhance their position in the market, these awards serve as a vital tool to expand core competencies related to diversity and inclusion while raising the visibility of the honored employers' brands.

The Employer Branding Institute, which orchestrated this event, is renowned for its vital role in promoting global employer branding strategies amongst HR professionals and industry leaders. With a network of over 2,000 members, including more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies, the institute plays a pivotal role in advancing practices that yield meaningful impacts within the realm of workplace culture and employee engagement.

The 2025 Belonging Awards not only celebrate corporate excellence but also unleash the potential for transformative growth within organizations across the globe. As companies compete for top talent, understanding and implementing strategies for a diverse and inclusive workforce has never been more critical.

Organizations recognized during the ceremony stand as beacons for what it means to create truly inclusive workplaces. They offer a blueprint for others to emulate, showing how businesses can intertwine social responsibility with effective talent management, thereby setting new industry standards. As these leaders pave the way forward, the implementation of strategies that foster belonging will undoubtedly lead to a stronger, more equitable future for all.