HR.com has announced the winners of the 2026 Employee Experience Awards, recognizing technologies and HR leaders that are elevating the employee experience and delivering measurable impact across the workforce. The awards highlight innovations that combine artificial intelligence, integration, and human-centered strategies to improve engagement, retention, and manager effectiveness.
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 such as SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Cloud HCM. The platform enables organizations to increase engagement, reduce turnover, and strengthen manager effectiveness, positioning HR as a strategic driver of culture and performance. For more details on the platform, visit HR.com Awards.
The Most Engaging Employee Experience Award was presented to Kimberly Cole, EVP of Human Capital at 9th Way Insignia. Cole is redefining 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—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.”
HR.com, the largest network of HR professionals, is committed to helping HR professionals advance and build meaningful careers. Over 2 million HR professionals rely on HR.com for career development, networking, and compliance. Offerings include 300+ leading-edge HR Research Institute industry studies, innovative professional education with 500+ annual webcasts and virtual courses, and the most comprehensive HR exam prep program for SHRM/HRCI certification. For more information, visit the HR.com website.


