The nomination period for the 17th annual Top Workplaces program has been extended to Aug. 16.

So far, about 250 companies in Orange County have signed up to participate in the free program.

Later this summer, workplaces will be evaluated by their employees using a short, 24-question survey. There is no obligation to buy any product or service.

Nominees will be surveyed through September.

Any organization with 35 or more employees in O.C. is eligible to participate. It can be public, private, nonprofit or government.

For online nominations, go to ocregister.com/nominate.

To nominate by phone, call 714-442-2768.

The names of the winners will be published in December.

Last year, The Orange County Register honored 146 top workplaces at a gala held at the Irvine Improv at Spectrum Center.