HR.com has announced the winners of its 2026 Employee Experience Awards, recognizing technologies and HR leaders that are transforming workplace culture and delivering measurable business outcomes. The awards, detailed on the HR.com Awards page, highlight two standout recipients: Semos Cloud for its People and Culture Intelligence Platform and Kimberly Cole, EVP of Human Capital at 9th Way Insignia, for her employee engagement initiatives.
The Best Employee Experience Platform Award was given to Semos Cloud for its unified, AI-powered platform that integrates Total Rewards, Employee Communications, and Talent Development. The platform's deep integration with leading HR systems such as SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Cloud HCM allows organizations to increase engagement, reduce turnover, and strengthen manager effectiveness. By positioning HR as a strategic driver of culture and performance, Semos Cloud's solution aims to address the growing demand for cohesive employee experience tools.
Kimberly Cole received the Most Engaging Employee Experience Award for her work at 9th Way Insignia, where she 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, Cole has fostered trust, visibility, and loyalty, contributing to near-zero voluntary turnover. Her approach sets a new standard for HR excellence, according to HR.com.
“Employee experience has become a critical driver of organizational success,” said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, in the announcement. “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 reflect a broader trend in human resources, where employee experience is increasingly linked to business outcomes such as retention, productivity, and talent acquisition. As organizations navigate hybrid work models and evolving employee expectations, technologies like Semos Cloud's platform and leadership practices exemplified by Cole are becoming essential. HR.com, which describes itself as the largest network of HR professionals, serves over 2 million members with resources including research, webcasts, and certification exam prep. The full list of award winners is available on the HR.com Awards website.
