Walker Sands Named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune, Honored for its People-First Culture and Dedication to Employee Growth and Inclusion

Walker Sands, a leading integrated B2B growth services agency, has once again been recognized as one of the best places to work in Chicagoland, earning a spot on the Chicago Tribune’s 2025 Top Workplaces list. This recognition marks the fifth time the agency has received the prestigious honor, underscoring its long-standing commitment to creating a people-first culture built on inclusion, well-being, and professional growth.

The Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces list is one of the most respected measures of employee satisfaction and organizational culture in the region. The rankings are based exclusively on employee feedback collected through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, an independent technology company specializing in employee engagement research. The survey evaluates several key drivers of workplace excellence, including employee satisfaction, respect, support, communication, growth opportunities, and trust in leadership.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

A Culture Rooted in People and Purpose

For Walker Sands, this recognition serves as a testament to its unwavering focus on its people — the driving force behind its innovation, client success, and continued growth. Founded on the belief that empowered, supported employees create extraordinary outcomes, the agency’s culture encourages authenticity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

“At Walker Sands, our people have always been the heart of our success,” said Allison Ward, Chief People Officer at Walker Sands. “When every team member feels trusted, supported, and inspired, they create exceptional work that accelerates growth for our clients and for the firm. This honor and recognition from The Chicago Tribune affirm the culture our team works hard to sustain every day.”

Walker Sands’ “people-first” philosophy is woven into every aspect of its business — from its values and leadership approach to its benefits and professional development programs. The company’s cultural framework, built around its core values of “Learn, Support, Do,” fosters an environment where curiosity, empathy, and action go hand-in-hand. Employees are encouraged not only to pursue personal and professional development but also to contribute to a shared mission that impacts clients and communities alike.

Employee Experience: Built on Trust, Growth, and Belonging

Walker Sands continues to prioritize employee well-being, flexibility, and inclusion through an evolving set of initiatives designed to meet the needs of a modern, diverse workforce. The agency’s benefits and programs reflect its belief that when employees are supported both personally and professionally, they deliver their best work.

Key highlights of the agency’s employee experience include:

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO): Empowering employees to take the time they need for rest, travel, or personal matters without strict limitations.
• Hybrid-First Work Model: Combining the best of in-office collaboration with remote flexibility to accommodate individual work styles and family needs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: Comprehensive parental leave, caregiver support, and family planning resources to ensure balance at every life stage.
• Five-Year Sabbatical Program: Offering long-tenured employees a unique opportunity to take extended time off for personal growth, travel, or volunteer work.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Providing spaces for underrepresented communities and allies to connect, support one another, and influence organizational culture.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: A robust strategy that promotes equitable hiring, inclusive leadership training, and ongoing dialogue across all levels of the company.
• Continuous Learning and Development: Including mentorship programs, leadership training, and both formal and informal opportunities to upskill and grow.

Beyond these tangible benefits, Walker Sands places equal emphasis on connection and fun. From team-building events and community service projects to creative internal campaigns and social gatherings, the agency nurtures an atmosphere of camaraderie where employees can celebrate achievements, explore ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

Living the Values: Learn. Support. Do.

At the core of Walker Sands’ enduring success is a simple yet powerful set of values: Learn, Support, Do. These guiding principles shape how employees interact, collaborate, and innovate — ensuring that the agency’s growth is not just financial but deeply human.

• Learn: Every project is an opportunity to explore, ask questions, and expand understanding. Continuous curiosity fuels innovation and keeps the agency ahead of industry trends.
• Support: Employees are encouraged to uplift each other and their clients, fostering an inclusive environment where teamwork and empathy are foundational.
• Do: Action-oriented thinking drives real outcomes. Whether in delivering exceptional client results or pursuing community impact, Walker Sands empowers employees to turn ideas into results.

This value system is reinforced through transparent leadership, open communication, and shared accountability. From company-wide town halls to smaller team check-ins, Walker Sands ensures that every employee has a voice and feels part of the agency’s collective journey.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

In today’s business environment, diversity and inclusion are not just moral imperatives — they are key drivers of creativity and innovation. Walker Sands has embraced this philosophy through measurable initiatives that prioritize equitable opportunity and representation.

The agency’s DEI Council, made up of employees across roles and levels, works collaboratively with leadership to strengthen inclusion practices and create space for dialogue and learning. Ongoing workshops, inclusive hiring practices, and cultural celebrations have helped shape an environment where diverse perspectives are seen as a competitive advantage.

By fostering a sense of belonging, Walker Sands ensures that every individual — regardless of background, identity, or experience — can bring their authentic self to work and feel valued for their unique contributions.

Empowering Growth Through Learning

Walker Sands’ focus on growth extends beyond clients to its own people. The agency’s mentorship programs pair emerging talent with experienced leaders, providing guidance, skill development, and career navigation support. Employees also have access to internal and external learning opportunities, from professional certifications and conferences to informal “lunch and learn” sessions.

The company’s belief in lifelong learning is part of what sets it apart as a Top Workplace. By investing in its people, Walker Sands not only builds stronger teams but also cultivates leaders who embody its culture of curiosity, empathy, and impact.

Looking Ahead: A Culture of Continuous Excellence

As Walker Sands celebrates its fifth Top Workplace award, the agency remains focused on evolving its culture to meet the changing needs of its workforce. In an era of shifting work dynamics, Walker Sands continues to explore new ways to empower employees — through flexibility, inclusion, and meaningful work.

“This recognition is not just about the past — it’s about what comes next,” added Ward. “We’re constantly learning from our people and from the world around us. Our goal is to keep building a culture where every employee can thrive, contribute, and feel proud to be part of something bigger.”

For Walker Sands, success is measured not just by business results but by the collective well-being and fulfillment of its team. The 2025 Top Workplace award reflects that belief — and stands as proof that when an organization truly listens to its people, excellence follows naturally.

About Walker Sands

Walker Sands is an integrated B2B growth services agency with expertise in strategy, data, content, creative, strategic communications and digital marketing. The agency’s Outcome-based Marketing approach helps B2B brands grow, build reputation, generate demand, drive engagement and strengthen market position. A 10-time Inc. 5000 honoree, Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing B2B agencies in the world, proudly serving 100+ clients from offices in Chicago, Seattle and Boston

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