Recognizing achievements since the beginning of 2024 in all human resources functions.

Nominations that won in the 2025 International Business Awards® may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. 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 in the 2026 competition include:

1. A written essay of up to 4,900 characters describing the nominee's accomplishments since 1 January 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:
a. Describe the nominee's accomplishments since 1 January 2024 (up to 4,900 characters). Required
b. In bullet-list form (up to 1,150 characters), a brief summary of up to ten (10) of the nominee's chief achievements since 1 January 2024. Required
c. 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 1,500 characters). Optional

2. 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.

F01. Human Resources Department of the Year
Recognizes the recent achievements of everyone who works in HR functions in your organization, regardless of function, location, seniority or position.

F02. Human Resources Team of the Year
Recognizes some subset of your entire HR organization, such as a specific benefits management, recruiting, orientation or training team. The team may be multidisciplinary, may span multiple organizations (your own organization, client organizations, and agency or vendor organizations, for example), and may be a permanent team or a temporary team that was assembled only for a specific task or assignment.

F03. Human Resources Executive of the Year
Recognizes the achievements of individual HR executives.

F04. 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.

F05. 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.

F06. 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.

F07. 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.