Quantum Workplace has been honored with a significant recognition, securing a spot among the Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces in North America for 2026. The company achieved an impressive overall ranking of #11 and distinguished itself further by ranking #3 among mid-sized organizations. This accolade underscores Quantum Workplace’s commitment to fostering a thriving internal culture, a mission that directly aligns with its core business of empowering other organizations to do the same through its employee experience solutions.
The Inspiring Workplaces Awards are a prestigious annual program that celebrates companies demonstrating exceptional employee experiences and robust workplace cultures. The 2026 awards for North America evaluated a wide array of organizations, assessing their commitment to creating environments where employees feel aligned with a larger purpose, empowered to take ownership, experience meaningful growth, and feel genuinely valued. The judging process, conducted by an independent panel, scrutinizes evidence presented by organizations regarding their leadership accessibility, inclusivity, employee voice mechanisms, recognition practices, development opportunities, and the tangible application of their culture in daily operations.
This recognition is particularly meaningful for Quantum Workplace as it reflects the company’s dedication to "practicing what they preach." The organization, whose mission is to empower every team to thrive, holds itself to the same high standards it helps its clients achieve. This internal commitment to a thriving culture is the bedrock upon which its employee engagement and performance management tools are built.
"Our mission is to empower every team to thrive. Every team. Including ours," stated Cyndi Brassette, author of the announcement and likely a representative from Quantum Workplace’s internal communications or leadership team. "We believe that thriving doesn’t happen by accident. A thriving team is one where people are aligned around something bigger than themselves, empowered to take real ownership, growing in ways that matter to them, and valued—not in a generic way, but personally and genuinely."
The judges’ feedback highlighted Quantum Workplace’s authentic and aligned people strategy, which is demonstrably integrated throughout the organization. Specific praise was given for the clear connection between purpose, leadership, employee experience, and culture, further substantiated by strong engagement data and a consistent effort to solicit and act upon employee feedback. The judges specifically noted the organization’s leadership accessibility, employee voice practices, the effectiveness of its onboarding experience, and its focus on meaningful development and recognition as standout elements.
"Quantum Workplace presents a highly aligned and authentic people strategy that is clearly lived throughout the organization. The connection between purpose, leadership, employee experience, and culture is evident, supported by strong engagement data and a consistent commitment to listening and acting on employee feedback. Particularly impressive are the organisation’s leadership accessibility, employee voice practices, onboarding experience, and focus on meaningful development and recognition," read a portion of the judges’ commentary. Another excerpt further emphasized, "Quantum Workplace demonstrates a culture built on trust, transparency, and genuine care for employees. Overall, this is a mature, people-first organization with a clear sense of purpose and a strong employee experience that appears deeply embedded in everyday practice."
The award also shines a spotlight on Quantum Workplace’s unique internal culture, characterized by its employees who refer to themselves as "Qwirks." This nomenclature is more than a nickname; it represents a philosophy that encourages individuals to embrace their authentic selves, bringing their unique perspectives and personalities to the workplace. The "Qwirkiness" ethos champions the idea that individual differences are assets, not liabilities, fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to be themselves while remaining dedicated to their work. This internal philosophy directly influences the company’s product development, which is rooted in the principle that every individual voice is valuable and deserves to be heard.
This internal ethos is guided by four core values and five guiding attributes: curiosity, hustle, flexibility, grit, and care. These principles are elaborated upon on the company’s website, providing a transparent look into the operational and cultural underpinnings that drive their success.
The company also extended congratulations to several of its customers who also made the Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces list: Hudl, MarketStar, and United Federal Credit Union. This highlights Quantum Workplace’s success in enabling other organizations to cultivate similar positive work environments.
The Judging Criteria: A Deep Dive into Employee Experience
The Inspiring Workplaces Awards employ a rigorous evaluation framework designed to identify organizations that excel in creating environments where employees not only work but truly thrive. The independent judging panel assesses submissions based on a comprehensive set of criteria, providing a holistic view of an organization’s commitment to its people. Key areas of focus include:
- Leadership Accessibility and Authenticity: Judges evaluate how approachable and transparent leadership is, and whether their actions consistently align with the company’s stated values. This includes assessing leadership’s involvement in employee initiatives and their willingness to engage in open dialogue.
- Inclusion and Belonging: The assessment delves into how effectively organizations foster an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and valued, regardless of their background or identity. This involves examining policies, practices, and cultural norms that promote diversity and equity.
- Employee Voice and Feedback Mechanisms: A critical component of the judging process is understanding how organizations actively solicit, listen to, and act upon employee feedback. This includes the effectiveness of surveys, town halls, suggestion boxes, and other channels for employee input, as well as the demonstrable impact of this feedback on organizational changes.
- Development and Growth Opportunities: Judges look for evidence of robust programs and initiatives that support employee learning, skill development, and career progression. This encompasses training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways for internal advancement.
- Recognition and Appreciation: The awards consider how organizations acknowledge and reward employee contributions. This includes both formal recognition programs and informal gestures of appreciation, with an emphasis on genuine and personalized acknowledgment.
- Culture in Practice: Ultimately, the judges seek to understand how organizational values and culture are not just theoretical concepts but are actively lived and demonstrated in the day-to-day experiences of employees. This involves examining how the company’s mission, vision, and values translate into tangible actions and behaviors.
Qwirks Share Their Experiences: A Testament to Culture
Quantum Workplace actively seeks feedback from its employees, and in light of this recognition, several "Qwirks" shared their perspectives on what makes their workplace inspiring. These personal testimonials offer a ground-level view of the culture that the judges observed.
Ryan Herdman, an Account Executive, expressed, "Quantum Workplace inspires me to be the best version of myself because I’m surrounded by people who challenge, support, and trust one another to grow. It’s even more rewarding knowing that our products make a real difference by helping organizations create better experiences for their employees." This sentiment highlights the peer-to-peer support and the tangible impact of their work as key motivators.
Marinna Hunt, a Customer Support Specialist, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Quantum Workplace inspires me by surrounding me with people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. The dedication my team brings every day motivates me to show up and give my best in return. When you love what you do and the people you do it with, putting in the effort feels natural." Her words emphasize the collective drive and the positive emotional connection to her colleagues and work.
Carter Brehm, a Software Developer, reflected on the company’s commitment to employee development and collaboration: "Quantum Workplace inspires me because we’re focused on helping each and everyone do their best work, and lead by example! Working across teams & disciplines to solve complex problems pushes me to continuously adapt, communicate, and be a better teammate." This points to the stimulating nature of the work and the collaborative problem-solving approach.
Carrie Hughes, a Customer Implementation Manager, highlighted the balance of autonomy and support: "QW gives me the autonomy to be myself and work how I work best, while continually encouraging me to grow and reach higher. I always feel supported when I’m taking on something challenging, knowing that I have the freedom to occasionally stumble while in pursuit of growth, and am constantly motivated by those around me to never stop evolving and learning. Being surrounded by so many brilliant, inspiring people is just one thing that makes being a Qwirk amazing!" This underscores the importance of a growth mindset, psychological safety, and the influence of talented colleagues.
Abel Avila, another Software Developer, focused on the supportive environment and the empowerment of employee voice: "Quantum Workplace inspires me to be the best version of myself because of the people. There’s a genuine culture of support where teammates consistently go the extra mile for one another, and everyone takes pride in building a product that makes a real impact for our customers. What stands out most is that employees truly have a voice. Leadership listens to ideas, values feedback, and turns great suggestions into action, creating an environment where people feel empowered to grow and contribute." His statement reinforces the value of collegiality, customer impact, and the tangible effect of employee input.
Finally, Sivakumar Kailasam, a Principal Engineer, emphasized the synergy of people, trust, and work-life balance: "For me, it’s the people who make up QW. Everyone is incredibly supportive, there’s a strong sense of trust and autonomy, and I’m constantly learning from peers who challenge me to improve. Having that kind of environment along with a healthy work-life balance makes it easy to bring my best every day." This testimonial brings to the forefront the critical elements of a positive work environment: strong relationships, trust, continuous learning, and sustainable work practices.
Fostering Belonging: The Role of the Diversity Council
A significant factor contributing to Quantum Workplace’s inspiring culture is its dedicated Diversity Council. This internal body plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the company’s commitment to inclusivity is not merely aspirational but actively implemented. Comprised of five to seven Qwirks, alongside the VP of People and the CEO, the council provides strategic guidance to leadership, drives tangible initiatives, and champions the principles of belonging across the entire organization. Their efforts are strategically focused on four key areas: talent, community, awareness, and voice. This structured approach ensures that the pursuit of an inclusive environment is ongoing and multifaceted, acknowledging that belonging is a continuous journey that requires sustained attention, accountability, and care.
The Broader Impact: Practicing What They Build
The recognition of Quantum Workplace as a Top 100 Inspiring Workplace carries significant implications for both the company and the broader business landscape. The fact that the very qualities celebrated by the award – effective listening, acting on feedback, robust development, meaningful recognition, and a culture where individuals feel valued – are precisely what Quantum Workplace helps its clients cultivate, is a powerful testament to their integrated approach.
This alignment between internal practice and external offering is not coincidental; it is a deliberate strategy. By living these principles internally, Quantum Workplace gains firsthand experience and credibility, allowing them to authentically guide their customers in building similar thriving environments. This creates a virtuous cycle where the company’s own employee experience informs and strengthens its product development and customer consulting.
The implications extend beyond Quantum Workplace. In an era where employee well-being and workplace culture are increasingly scrutinized, this award serves as a benchmark for other organizations. It underscores the tangible business benefits of prioritizing people, including enhanced employee engagement, higher retention rates, and improved overall organizational performance. As the nature of work continues to evolve, companies like Quantum Workplace, which demonstrate a deep commitment to fostering inspiring and inclusive environments, are poised to lead the way in shaping the future of work. Their success suggests that a people-centric approach, coupled with innovative solutions, is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage in today’s competitive global market.
