Mid-Day emerges among India’s happiest places to work in 2026

Mid-Day`s HR Team receiving the award

Mid-Day has been recognised as a winner at the Happiest Places to Work Awards 2026 in the 251-500 employee size category. Mumbai's very own publication has been recognised for its initiatives aimed at employee well-being, workplace culture, inclusion and engagement.

The 2026 awards saw participation from more than 60 companies. The evaluation process included employee happiness surveys, culture audits of workplace initiatives and public forum signals. Organisations that scored 7 or above in the happiness survey and completed the culture audit within the stipulated deadline were shortlisted for jury review.

A total of 10 awards were presented across six employee-size categories and four special jury categories. The company-size categories covered organisations with fewer than 50 employees, 51-100, 101-250, 251-500, 501-1,000 and more than 1,000 employees.

Mid-Day grabs top position in mid-size category

Mid-Day's recognition in the mid-size category highlighted several employee-focused initiatives, including Inkspire and The Thank Tank, which focus on recognition, and Ad Buzz, aimed at creative employee engagement.

The organisation's Chai Pe Charcha initiative, which encourages open and hierarchy-free conversations, was also highlighted by the jury. Its commitment to inclusion and employee care was reflected in initiatives such as Joy of Giving, which extends support to staff, housekeeping personnel and contract workers.

The jury also took note of women's well-being initiatives, including Kehkashan and StrongHer, while Launchpad, a structured induction programme for interns and fresh graduates, was recognised as another initiative contributing to employee experience.

The awards were evaluated by a jury chaired by Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Group, along with Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM India, APAC & MENA; Harit Nagpal, MD & CEO, Tata Play; Pavitra Singh, CHRO & VP, PepsiCo India & South Asia; Nitu Bhushan, Director Human Resources, South Asia, Nestlé; Pushp Kumar Nayar, Director HR, BPCL; Sunita Cherian, former Chief Culture Officer and Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources, Wipro; Dr Prajjal Saha, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, HR Katha; and Raj Nayak, Founder and MD, House of Cheer & Happiest Places to Work.

The recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of Mid-Day's employees in fostering a workplace rooted in happiness, recognition, participation and meaningful connection.