HR.com has announced the winners of the 2026 Employee Experience Awards, honoring organizations and leaders that are transforming the workplace through innovative technologies and human-centered strategies. The awards highlight the growing importance of employee experience as a driver of organizational success, with this year's winners setting new benchmarks for engagement, retention, and performance.
The Best Employee Experience Platform Award was presented to Semos Cloud for its People and Culture Intelligence Platform. This AI-powered solution integrates Total Rewards, Employee Communications, and Talent Development into a unified system, enabling organizations to boost engagement, reduce turnover, and enhance manager effectiveness. The platform deep integration with leading HR systems such as SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Cloud HCM positions HR as a strategic driver of culture and performance.
The Most Engaging Employee Experience Award was given to Kimberly Cole, EVP of Human Capital at 9th Way Insignia. 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, which expand growth opportunities and deliver measurable results. Through values-based recognition, high-touch onboarding, and ongoing connection strategies, she has fostered trust, visibility, and loyalty, contributing to near-zero voluntary turnover and setting a new standard for HR excellence.
“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 awards underscore a broader trend: organizations that prioritize employee experience are seeing tangible benefits in productivity, retention, and overall business outcomes. As the workforce evolves, investments in integrated technology and empathetic leadership are becoming essential for attracting and retaining top talent. For more information on all award winners, visit HR.com Awards.
