Smokeball has been named the #1 Best Workplace in Australia (Medium Category) on Great Place to Work’s 2026 list. This builds on our achievement earlier this year when we were recognised as the #1 Best Workplace in Tech in Australia for 2026.
We prioritise having a strong culture at Smokeball and we’re proud that our results reflect that. Although we try to provide resources, opportunities, and activities for our team to help, it really comes down to our people. The way they show up every day, back each other, and do work they’re proud of.
Read on to discover how Smokeball got to #1 on the Best Workplace in Australia list.
What is Great Place to Work?
Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. They work with organisations to assess their culture and provide globally-recognised certification.
The Trust Index Survey is their confidential employee engagement survey backed by three decades of research that provides a real-time reflection of a company’s culture. Only companies that obtain positive results of 65% or higher can earn the Great Place to Work Certification.
In March 2026, 145 Smokeballers took the Trust Index Survey anonymously to share their honest input on trust, pride, and camaraderie at Smokeball. The results from that proved our people think we’re a pretty Great Place to Work.
What made Smokeball the #1 Best Place to Work?
The results from Great Place to Work’s Trust Index Survey showed that 99% of the employees surveyed said Smokeball is a great place to work. Overall, we received a 96% average across the full survey, well above the typical benchmark of 65%.
What stood out to us from the results was the overall sense of belonging our team indicated they feel at Smokeball. Key focus areas to support this — community, camaraderie, justice, team, and hospitality — all scored at 97% and above. All focused areas scored at 91% and above.
Every core measure also lifted year-on-year, some highlights including:
- Trust: 96% (up from 91% in 2025)
- Pride: 97% (up from 91%)
- Camaraderie: 99% (up from 93%)
Five statements scored a perfect 100% from those surveyed, including:
- “This is a physically safe place to work.”
- “People here are treated fairly regardless of their gender.”
- “People here are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation.”
- “When you join the company, you are made to feel welcome.”
- “People here are treated fairly regardless of their age.”
We’re proud of the consistency and growth shown. We’re just as committed to the areas where we can keep improving. Even though our opportunity areas still landed at 91% or higher, it shows us there is still further room to grow and they give us a clear baseline to build on.
“We started Smokeball 13 years ago and wanted to prove that nice guys can finish first - it’s a big part of our culture. This award is such great recognition of that journey.”
— Hunter Steele, Co-founder & CEO
Smokeball’s culture is built by our people
Our team's happiness and supporting their sense of belonging are at the core of our success. It’s not branded swag and pizza parties that make a culture, it’s:
- Providing opportunities for our people to connect with one another, grow in their careers, learn, and have fun together.
- Ensuring we have initiatives, and access to programs that support our team’s mental and physical health, such as flexible working arrangements and wellness workshops.
- Celebrating individual and team achievements publicly and recognising them beyond saying “good job”.
- Honouring our company values.
This award has come at a meaningful moment in Smokeball’s history. We have just launched our brand refresh where we announced our new tagline: Powering People-Law. This focus on providing a product that gives time back to lawyers so they can help more people is linked with our overall idea of community. Both internally and externally, we’re about people and communities.
A strong brand and a great workplace are built the same way: from the inside out.
“This recognition belongs to every Smokeballer. It reflects the trust, pride, and belonging our people feel, and the culture they help build every day.”
— Maria Koralis, Global Head of People and Culture
A special thank you
This win belongs to our team. Thank you to every Smokeballer who shared their voice in this year’s survey and to everyone who makes Smokeball a place people want to be.
This isn’t a finish line. It’s something we will keep building, together.
Want to join the team?
We’re hiring. If this sounds like a place you’d like to work, take a look at our open roles.
