Your Commitment. Our recognition.
Awarding Excellence
in Public Service
Honoring the
Leaders Who
Inspire Communities
Public sector organizations work tirelessly to create innovative, engaged, and supportive workplaces that attract and retain top talent. The Top Public Sector Employer (TPSE) Awards celebrate these efforts, recognizing organizations that go above and beyond to create exceptional environments for their employees and communities.
Why Apply for the TPSE Awards?
Celebrate Your Team’s Hard Work
Behind every thriving community are public servants who care deeply about the people they serve. The TPSE Awards recognize public sector organizations—local, county, and state governments, along with other public entities—that create inspiring workplaces where employees feel valued and supported.
Attract and Keep the Best Talent
Winning a TPSE Award sends a powerful message to future team members: "This is a place where you’ll be respected, supported and empowered to do your best work." It's more than just a recognition—your award will be a symbol of excellence that fuels employee pride, strengthens engagement, and enhances recruitment and retention, making your organization a destination for top talent.
Earn Recognition That Lasts
Winning represents a moment in the spotlight and the start of a legacy. With nationwide media recognition and the prestigious TPSE credentials, your organization’s achievements will be showcased, celebrated, and forever etched in the hearts of your team and community.
Unlock New Opportunities
Awardees unlock access to exclusive competitive grants to fund programs that inspire and recognize employees. It’s a powerful opportunity to reinvest in your most important resource—your people—fueling their growth, passion, and commitment to excellence.
The TPSE Award Program is an annual program honoring innovative public organizations excelling in employee engagement, leadership, and workplace excellence. Evaluated across seven categories, winners gain national recognition, grant eligibility, and enhanced recruitment credibility.
Applications open in early April 2025, showcasing achievements that inspire excellence and elevate employee-focused local government and public service initiatives.
How the TPSE Awards Work
Your time is valuable. That’s why the TPSE application process is thorough yet efficient—from start to finish:
Complete a streamlined award application that evaluates your organization across 20 carefully weighted criteria.
Apply With Confidence:
Applications are reviewed by a committee of accomplished public sector administrative and human resource professionals to ensure fairness and transparency.
Receive Expert Review:
Organizations meeting the score threshold are honored as TPSE awardees and join an elite group of top-tier public sector employers.
Join a Community of Excellence:
The TPSE Award Program is open to all public sector organizations, including municipalities, counties, state agencies, and other government entities within the United States. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to fostering employee engagement, inclusive practices, and innovative workplace policies. Both first-time and repeat applicants are encouraged to apply. Organizations of all sizes are welcome, with application fees scaled accordingly.
The TPSE Awards are more than just recognition—they’re a movement to spotlight the innovative, people-focused work happening in public service. Be part of the inaugural cohort and inspire others to follow your lead.
