Press Releases
Cliftons Celebrates Third Consecutive Win as One of Australia’s Best Places to Work
SYDNEY – 10 April 2025: Cliftons is proud to be recognised again as one of Australia and New Zealand’s Best Places to Work. This annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review and BOSS Magazine, based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Bendelta based on their BEING Human at Work model. The competition evaluates and ranks workplaces based on their policies, culture and employee experience.
We were honoured to place 5th in the ‘Retail, Hospitality, Tourism & Entertainment’ industry category. This year marks our third consecutive year of receiving this recognition - with judges commending Cliftons for our incredibly strong submission (and employee survey responses), and on pioneering exceptional workplace practices and driving meaningful change.
“This recognition is a reflection of our people-first philosophy,” says Vanessa Green, CEO of Cliftons Event Solutions. “At Cliftons, our people are the heartbeat of our business, bringing to life every event, every client interaction, and every experience. Creating a workplace where our team can thrive personally and professionally is a responsibility we take seriously—and I’m so proud of the environment we continue to build together.”
One of the standout initiatives contributing to this year’s award is Cliftons’ revamped recruitment and onboarding experience, designed to deliver a consistent, engaging, and values-aligned journey for every new hire.
“In a fast-moving, people-driven business like ours—spread across multiple locations—it’s essential that our onboarding experience reflects who we are, no matter where someone joins from,” says Athena Chintis, Director of People and Culture. “We knew we had an opportunity to improve consistency and connection, especially in those first critical touchpoints.”
In response, Cliftons redesigned the entire candidate and onboarding journey. During recruitment, candidates now receive clear, engaging materials—such as hiring manager profiles, culture insights, and practical tips—designed to build confidence and excitement about joining Cliftons. Once appointed, the onboarding experience is rolled out through a structured but personalised framework, which includes a dedicated buddy, staged pre- and post-start content delivered iteratively through our system, and a new ‘Manager’s Guide to Onboarding’ to support leaders in setting new hires up for success.
This initiative was shaped by feedback and data analysis, which identified gaps in onboarding consistency and a need for deeper connection during the early stages of employment. Since launching in early 2024, feedback from new hires has been positive, with 100% of employees surveyed after their first week saying they felt welcome and confident in their decision to join Cliftons. By Week 12, every new hire reported a strong sense of belonging.
This initiative builds on a broader ecosystem of people-focused programs at Cliftons, including:
- 3-day paid break before starting (to refresh before onboarding)
- Quarterly ‘Me Days’ for wellbeing and personal time
- ‘All Roles Flex’ and ‘Reconnect with Family and Friends’ remote work options
- Tailored development plans to foster growth and development
- Regular 1:1 discussions
- Skills-based hiring practices
“Our team’s engagement, creativity and care are the reason we’re recognised as a Best Place to Work—and it’s why our clients keep coming back,” Green adds. “We’re incredibly proud of this recognition, and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
The full list of honourees can be viewed here: https://www.afr.com/lists-and-awards/best-places-to-work
About Cliftons Event Solutions
For over 25 years, Cliftons has been the go-to destination for creating remarkable events. Bringing together spaces, people and technology, we provide a one-stop shop for all your event management needs, using our contemporary venues and partner venues globally to suit events big and small. Through our in-house team and trusted partnerships, Cliftons can take care of all aspects of project management, audio visual, marketing, team building, speakers and event logistics. We make seamless global event planning, management and delivery effortless.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Freya Lundgren, Cliftons.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Cliftons Event Solutions acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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