HR.com has announced the winners of its 2026 Employee Experience Awards, honoring technologies and human resources leaders that demonstrate measurable impact in elevating workforce engagement and performance. The awards recognize innovations that position HR as a strategic driver of organizational culture.
The Best Employee Experience Platform Award was given to Semos Cloud for its People and Culture Intelligence Platform. This unified AI-powered solution integrates Total Rewards, Employee Communications, and Talent Development. With deep integration into leading HR systems including SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Cloud HCM, the platform helps organizations increase engagement, reduce turnover, and strengthen manager effectiveness.
Kimberly Cole, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at 9th Way Insignia, received the Most Engaging Employee Experience Award. Cole has redefined employee experience through programs that enhance engagement, development, and retention. Her initiatives include the CyberSmart professional development program and a 360-degree performance review system that expands growth opportunities. Through values-based recognition, high-touch onboarding, and ongoing connection strategies, she fosters trust, visibility, and loyalty, contributing to near-zero voluntary turnover.
"Employee experience has become a critical driver of organizational success," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. "This year's award winners are setting a new standard by combining innovation, technology, and human-centered strategies to create workplaces where employees can truly thrive."
The recognition of these winners highlights the evolving role of HR from administrative function to strategic business partner. As organizations face ongoing challenges with talent retention and engagement, the approaches demonstrated by award winners provide actionable models for other companies. The integration of AI-powered platforms with existing HR systems represents a significant technological advancement, while leadership initiatives focused on continuous development and recognition address fundamental human needs in the workplace.
For more information about the awards program, visit https://www.hr.com/awards. The complete list of winners and their achievements demonstrates the growing importance of employee experience as a competitive differentiator in today's business environment. These award-winning approaches offer evidence that strategic investment in employee experience delivers measurable returns through reduced turnover, increased engagement, and stronger organizational performance.
