HR.com has announced the winners of the 2026 Employee Experience Awards, honoring technologies and HR leaders that are shaping the future of work. The awards spotlight innovations that integrate artificial intelligence with human-centered strategies to improve engagement, retention, and overall workforce performance.
Receiving the Best Employee Experience Platform Award is Semos Cloud for its People and Culture Intelligence Platform. The platform unifies Total Rewards, Employee Communications, and Talent Development into a single AI-powered solution. It integrates deeply with major HR systems such as SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Cloud HCM, allowing organizations to increase engagement, reduce turnover, and strengthen manager effectiveness. By positioning HR as a strategic driver of culture and performance, the platform addresses the growing demand for holistic employee experience solutions.
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 fosters trust, visibility, and loyalty. These efforts have contributed to near-zero voluntary turnover, 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 the importance of leveraging technology to address key HR challenges. As organizations continue to navigate hybrid work models and evolving employee expectations, the recognition of platforms like Semos Cloud and leaders like Kimberly Cole signals a shift toward more integrated, data-driven approaches to employee experience. The full list of winners can be viewed on HR.com Awards.
