BALANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Balance Excellence Award is an annual recognition for companies that systematically, authentically, and long-term implement work-life balance strategies, with the aim of improving employee wellbeing and sustainable business success. The award is presented within Balance Conference 2026, which will be held on April 16, 2026 in Sarajevo with the goal of:

Recognizing best practices

We highlight companies that lead in implementing work-life balance strategies

Encouraging development of sustainable policies

We motivate organizations to adopt long-term employee wellbeing strategies

Promoting a culture of care

We promote a culture that values people, not just performance

WHO CAN APPLY AND JURY COMPOSITION

Balance Excellence Award applications are open to:

  • Companies of all sizes (micro, small, medium, and large enterprises)
  • Domestic and international companies operating in the region
  • Companies from the private and public sectors

One company may submit one application.

Applications are evaluated by an independent expert jury, composed of:

  • HR professionals
  • Employer branding experts
  • Compliance, wellbeing, and organizational culture specialists

Jury decisions are final and irrevocable.

APPLICATION METHOD

You can apply in two ways:

Option 1

Video Application

Duration:

Up to 3 minutes

Format:

Free (interview, presentation, storytelling)

Content:

  • Company's approach to work-life balance culture
  • Key policies, strategies, and tools
  • Real challenges and achieved results
  • Employee testimonials (recommended and highly valued)
Option 2

Presentation

Format:

PowerPoint/PDF

Recommended length:

Up to 15 slides

Recommended content:

  • Work-life balance strategy and philosophy
  • Specific measures and benefits for employees
  • Work flexibility, wellbeing initiatives, leadership support
  • How to track effects (surveys, KPIs, employee feedback)
  • Examples of good practices and internal results

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The independent expert jury will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:

Authenticity and real implementation

Not declarative policies, but practices in everyday work

Impact on employees

Satisfaction, motivation, balance, psychological safety

Employee involvement

Employee voice, testimonials, culture of trust

Sustainability and long-term approach

Continuous development, not one-time initiatives

Innovation and adaptability

Adapting to people's needs and modern ways of working

Measurability and transparency

Clear success indicators and open communication about results

AWARD CEREMONY

Awards presented at the conference

  • 1

    Applications from the top three companies will be briefly presented to the audience

  • 2

    Their key practices and results will be highlighted

  • 3

    Awards will be ceremoniously presented before conference participants and media. If no one from the awarded company attends the ceremony, the award will be delivered to the company's headquarters or sent by mail.

STANDARD FOR INTEGRITY AND VALUE

The goal of Balance Excellence Award is to draw attention to employees and programs that companies implement to retain existing and attract new talent. We aim to set a regional standard, promote value and integrity, not commercial interest.

For this reason:

Applying for Balance Excellence Award is free

No fee is charged for participation in the competition or for receiving the award

Participation in the Balance Excellence Award program does not require purchasing conference tickets