HR.com has announced the winners of its 2026 Employee Experience Awards, recognizing technologies and HR leaders that are elevating the employee experience and delivering measurable impact. The awards underscore the growing importance of employee experience as a critical driver of organizational success.
The Best Employee Experience Platform Award was presented to Semos Cloud for its People and Culture Intelligence Platform. This unified AI-powered solution integrates Total Rewards, Employee Communications, and Talent Development, and offers deep integration with leading HR systems such as SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Cloud HCM. The platform helps organizations 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 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 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.”
For more information about the awards and a full list of winners, visit HR.com Awards. HR.com is the largest network of HR professionals, offering resources including industry studies, webcasts, certification exam prep, and conferences to help HR professionals advance their careers. More details are available at HR.com.
The recognition of Semos Cloud and Kimberly Cole highlights the increasing focus on employee experience as a strategic priority. As organizations continue to navigate talent challenges, these award winners demonstrate how technology and human-centered leadership can drive engagement, retention, and overall business performance.
