These categories recognize innovation in the management and practice of human resources since July 1, 2023.

Nominations that won in the 2025 edition of the awards may be resubmitted for consideration to the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be resubmitted to the 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 include
a. An essay of up to 3,500 characters describing the nominee's innovative achievements since July 1, 2023.
b. 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. Award for Innovation in Employee Engagement (New for 2026)
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

L02. Award for Innovation in Human Resources Management, Planning & Practice
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

L03. Award for Innovation in Inclusive Workplace Practices (New for 2026)
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

L04. Award for the Innovative Use of Technology in Human Resources
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

L05. Award for Most Innovative HR Department / Team of the Year
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries

L06. Award for Innovation in Workforce Upskilling and Reskilling (New for 2026)
a. Computer Industries
b. Financial Services Industries
c. Other Service Industries
d. Telecommunications Industries
e. Government
f. Non-Profit
g. Public Enterprise
h. All Other Industries