NEW YORK CITY—A good number of real estate firms have figured in annual rankings of top workplaces. The trouble is, these compendiums tend to group dissimilar companies together, and comparing a real estate services firm to, say, an accountancy or an Internet browser is something of an apples-to-oranges proposition. Real Estate Forum intends to change that, with its inaugural Best Places to Work contest focused squarely on US commercial real estate.

With initial nominations due by Sunday, Nov. 5 and the nomination period running through December, the contest is an invitation for industry members to weigh in on their own organizations. Based on the data Forum collects from individual companies and their staff, Forum will seek to determine which companies in this industry can claim the most rewarding workplaces and satisfied employees. The results will highlight the magazine's 2018 launch issue, with the company that receives the highest overall score gracing the cover.

Companies that stand out in specific areas will be recognized as well as the overall winner. These areas will include diversity initiatives, community outreach and most family-friendly environment.