AI Achievement Categories (New for 2026)

These categories recognize achievements in the use of artificial intelligence and digital innovation to transform human resources, talent, learning and the employee experience while maintaining responsible and ethical practices.

The information requirements for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since January 1 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words).  Required
b. Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2024 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words).  Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant.  If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words).  Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words).  Optional

 
Optional (but highly recommended), add to your entry up to 10 webpage links and up to 10 document uploads to support your case to the judges.  These might be press articles, press releases, videos, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example. 

H01     AI in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Achievement
Recognizing notable single achievements or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 where AI has been used to support DEIB goals in the workplace. Nominations should describe how AI contributed to identifying gaps, reducing bias, improving representation, or fostering inclusion, with clear attention to ethical safeguards and outcomes.

H02     AI in Learning and Skills Development Achievement
Recognizing a notable single achievement or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 in the use of artificial intelligence to enhance learning, skills development, or workforce capability building.

H03     AI-Driven Workforce Planning and Analytics Achievement
Recognizing notable single achievements or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 in the use of AI-driven analytics, forecasting, or modeling to support workforce planning, capacity planning, or future skills needs. Nominations should demonstrate how AI insights improved decision-making, agility, or organizational readiness.

H04     AI-Enabled Performance and Career Management Achievement
Recognizing notable single achievements or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 where AI has supported performance management, goal setting, feedback, or career development. Nominations should demonstrate how AI improved transparency, coaching, or career progression while supporting fair and responsible evaluation.

H05     AI-Enhanced Recruitment and Hiring Achievement
Recognizing notable single achievements or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 where AI has been used to improve recruitment, candidate matching, screening, or hiring processes. Nominations should address efficiency, quality of hire, candidate experience, and steps taken to mitigate bias and ensure fairness.

H06     AI for Employee Engagement and Experience Achievement
Recognizing notable single achievements or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 where AI has been used to enhance employee engagement, listening, feedback, or workplace experience. Examples include sentiment analysis, intelligent surveys, personalized communications, or AI-driven insights that led to measurable improvements in engagement or retention.

H07     AI-Powered HR Operations and Service Delivery Achievement
Recognizing notable single achievements or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 where AI has improved HR operations or service delivery. Examples include virtual HR assistants, intelligent case management, or automation of HR processes that enhanced accuracy, speed, employee satisfaction, or scalability.

H08     AI-Powered Talent and Internal Mobility Achievement
Recognizing a notable single achievement or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 in the use of artificial intelligence to support talent identification, skills matching, workforce planning, or internal mobility.

H09     AI Workforce Innovation Team of the Year
Recognizing an HR, people analytics, or cross-functional team that demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration in implementing AI-driven workforce initiatives since the beginning of 2024. Nominations should highlight governance, adoption, measurable impact, and responsible AI practices.

H10     AI Workforce Leader of the Year
Recognizing an individual HR, people, or workforce leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing the responsible use of AI in human resources since the beginning of 2024. Nominations should describe vision, execution, ethical leadership, and organizational impact.

H11     Ethical AI and People Data Governance Achievement
Recognizing a notable single achievement or a series of achievements since the beginning of 2024 related to the responsible design, governance, and use of artificial intelligence, algorithms, and people data in human resources.

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