Human Resources Awards Categories

Includes all human resources functions. 
   Nominations that won in the 2025 ABAs may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 ABAs. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won.  If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories for the 2025 ABAs will include

a. An essay of up to 650 words describing the nominee's accomplishments since January 1 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same.

b. In bullet-list form, a brief summary (up to 150 words) of up to ten (10) of the chief accomplishments of the nominee since the beginning of 2024.

c. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges.

L01. Achievement in Employee Wellbeing Programs (new for 2026): 
Celebrates successful programs or policies focused on employee mental health, work-life balance, wellness, or emotional support.

L02. Best Use of Technology in Human Resources (new for 2026): 
Honors outstanding implementation of technology—such as AI, automation, analytics, or platforms—that improved HR efficiency, decision-making, or employee experience. 

L03. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Program of the Year (new for 2026): 
Recognizes a DEI initiative that has significantly enhanced organizational diversity, improved inclusion practices, or demonstrated impact across gender, ethnicity, age, or other groups.

L04. Human Resources Department of the Year
If you wish to nominate your entire HR organization, enter this category.

L05. Human Resources Team of the Year
If you wish to nominate some subset of your entire HR organization, such as a particular training or benefits-management team, nominate them in this category.

L06. Human Resources Executive of the Year

L07. Most Innovative Human Resources Initiative (new for 2026): 
Recognizes a creative HR strategy or initiative that led to measurable improvements in talent acquisition, retention, engagement, or performance.

L08. Remote Work Culture Excellence (new for 2026): 
Honors HR practices and strategies that created an outstanding remote or hybrid work environment, fostering productivity, engagement, and well-being.