Human Resources Categories
Includes all human resources functions.
Nominations that won in the 2026 ABAs may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2027 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 2027 ABAs will include
a. An essay of up to 4,900 characters describing the nominee’s accomplishments since January 1 2025, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same.
b. In bullet-list form, a brief summary (up to 1,150 characters) of up to ten (10) of the chief accomplishments of the nominee since the beginning of 2025.
c. 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, or images, for example.
L01. Achievement in Employee Wellbeing Programs:
Celebrates successful programs or policies focused on employee mental health, work-life balance, wellness, or emotional support.
L02. Achievement in Learning & Development (New for 2027):
Recognizes an outstanding employee learning, training, upskilling, or reskilling initiative that strengthened workforce capabilities and organizational performance.
L03. Achievement in Talent Acquisition & Recruitment (New for 2027)
Another major HR discipline that currently doesn’t have an obvious home.
L04. Best Use of Technology in Human Resources :
Honors outstanding implementation of technology—such as AI, automation, analytics, or platforms—that improved HR efficiency, decision-making, or employee experience.
L05. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Program of the Year :
Recognizes a DEI initiative that has significantly enhanced organizational diversity, improved inclusion practices, or demonstrated impact across gender, ethnicity, age, or other groups.
L06. Human Resources Department of the Year
If you wish to nominate your entire HR organization, enter this category.
L07. 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.
L08. Human Resources Executive of the Year
L09. Most Innovative Human Resources Initiative:
Recognizes a creative HR strategy or initiative that led to measurable improvements in talent acquisition, retention, engagement, or performance.
L10. Remote Work Culture Excellence :
Honors HR practices and strategies that created an outstanding remote or hybrid work environment, fostering productivity, engagement, and well-being.