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HRCI Named a Top Workplace in Greater Washington for the Third Year in a Row

Some recognitions feel especially meaningful. This is one of them. 

HRCI has been named a Top Workplaces 2026 honoree by WTOP News for the third consecutive year. What makes this award different from others is where it comes from: not a panel of judges or an application process, but the people who work here. The honor is based entirely on confidential employee feedback collected by Energage, an independent employee engagement platform. 

In other words, our team said this.  

What employees are saying 

The survey measures the employee experience across several key themes, and HRCI ranked in the top 25% of companies for: 

  • Having a trusted leader
  • Being an open-minded organization
  • Supporting work-life balance
  • Going in the right direction
  • Making employees feel appreciated
  • Encouraging new ideas and innovation 

HRCI also landed in the top 5% of all companies for supportive managers and cross-team cooperation, a remarkable result for any organization, and especially notable for one where most employees work remotely. 

Building that kind of connection across a distributed team doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of intentional culture-building: clear communication, genuine investment in people, and a shared sense of purpose. 

Why this matters to us 

At HRCI, we've spent decades helping HR professionals grow, lead, and shape better workplaces. It's work we take seriously, and it shapes how we show up for each other internally, too.  

Ruth Hartgen, PHR, director of HR at HRCI, put it well: “We’ve been intentional in creating an environment that prioritizes engagement and well-being, especially in a largely remote team, and we are focused on continuing to nurture it. Employee feedback remains central to how we strengthen and evolve our culture.” 

Hearing that our team feels respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work is a reminder of why that alignment matters. 

Looking ahead 

Winning this award three years running isn't something we take for granted. We're proud of the culture our team has built together, and we're committed to continuing to grow and improve. The work of creating a great workplace is never finished, and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

Join Our Team 

If you're looking for a place where your work matters and your well-being is taken seriously, we'd love to hear from you. Explore our open opportunities and learn more about life at HRCI. 

 

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