HR.com has announced the winners of the 2026 Employee Experience Awards, honoring organizations and leaders that are setting new standards for workplace culture and performance. The awards highlight the growing importance of employee experience as a driver of organizational success, with this year's recipients demonstrating measurable impact through technology integration and strategic HR initiatives.
The Best Employee Experience Platform Award was awarded to Semos Cloud for its People and Culture Intelligence Platform. The platform unifies Total Rewards, Employee Communications, and Talent Development in a single AI-powered solution, integrating deeply with leading HR systems such as SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Cloud HCM. By leveraging this technology, organizations can increase engagement, reduce turnover, and strengthen manager effectiveness, positioning HR as a strategic driver of culture and performance.
The Most Engaging Employee Experience Award was presented 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: companies that prioritize employee experience see tangible benefits in retention, productivity, and overall business outcomes. By recognizing leaders like Semos Cloud and Kimberly Cole, HR.com aims to inspire other organizations to adopt similar approaches. For more information on the awards and a full list of winners, visit HR.com Awards.
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