ADP has revealed the finalists for its prestigious 2026 HCM Distinction Awards. The program honors large employers that are at the forefront of transforming work, demonstrating excellence in Human Capital Management (HCM) and leading workplace innovation by leveraging technology to create more agile, engaging, and people-centric organizations.
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ADP names finalists for the 2026 HCM Distinction Awards, recognizing leaders in workplace innovation and HCM excellence.
Awards celebrate organizations leveraging HCM technology to drive agility, culture, innovation, and enhanced employee experience.
Winners will be announced at the ADP Meeting of the Minds conference in Orlando from April 14-17, 2026.
Finalists include Delta Airlines, AECOM, Four Seasons, Zimmer Biomet, and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, among others.
The awards highlight a shift towards people-centric innovation and AI-powered transformation in the workplace.
ADP positions the awards as a benchmark for how leading organizations are reimagining work and creating meaningful moments for employees.
The HCM Distinction Awards serve as a key industry benchmark, identifying organizations that are not just adapting to change but actively shaping the future of work. This year's program focuses on how companies use HCM technology as a strategic lever to achieve critical business outcomes, from organizational agility and global performance to building deeply engaged cultures. The selected finalists represent a vanguard of employers who have distinguished themselves by placing people at the center of their innovation strategies.
The awards are divided into five distinct categories, each targeting a core pillar of modern HCM strategy. The finalists in each category are:
Agility at Work Award: Recognizing organizations that excel in adaptability and responsiveness. Finalists are Herc Rentals, Mizkan, and Northwood Investors.
Culture at Work Award: Honoring companies that foster exceptional, people-centric workplace environments. Finalists are Delta Airlines, Ricoh USA, and Thrive Restaurant Group.
Global Solutions at Work Award: Celebrating excellence in managing and enabling a worldwide workforce. Finalists are AECOM, Four Seasons Resorts and Hotels, and Zimmer Biomet.
Innovation at Work Award: Applauding pioneers in implementing novel HCM practices and technologies. Finalists are Hensley Beverage Company, LRS, and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Talent at Work Award: Acknowledging leaders in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Finalists are AEG Vision, Carlisle Companies, and Charter Schools USA.
The winners for each category will be unveiled at the upcoming ADP Meeting of the Minds conference, scheduled for April 14-17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. This event, a cornerstone of the HCM industry for over four decades, provides a platform for inspiration, education, and networking. It connects HR and business leaders with the latest ADP technologies and offers recognition for best-in-class initiatives like those demonstrated by the award finalists.
The theme of this year's awards underscores a significant industry trend: the integration of advanced technology with a steadfast focus on human outcomes. "We applaud each of these organizations for reimagining work in an AI-powered world," said Jimmy Adams, president of National Account Services at ADP. He highlighted that the transformation driven by these companies creates "everyday moments that matter for their people," which in turn fuels business success. This sentiment reflects a broader shift where HCM excellence is measured by how well technology enables more meaningful and successful work experiences.
The announcement of the 2026 HCM Distinction Award finalists provides a clear snapshot of current priorities in large-scale people management. By celebrating achievements in agility, culture, global execution, innovation, and talent, ADP is highlighting the multifaceted role of HCM in driving business forward. These organizations set a standard for how to leverage technology not as a simple automation tool, but as a foundational system for building resilient, adaptive, and deeply human workplaces in an era defined by rapid change and AI integration.
About ADP (NASDAQ: ADP)
ADP has been shaping the world of work with innovation and expertise for more than 75 years. As a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, ADP continuously works to solve business challenges for our clients and their workers, from simple, easy-to-use tools for small businesses to fully integrated platforms for global enterprises — and everything in between. Always Designing for People means we're focused on just that – people. We use our unmatched AI-driven insights and proven expertise to design innovative solutions that help people achieve greater success at work. More than 1.1 million clients across 140+ countries rely on ADP's exceptional service to support their people and drive their business forward. HR, Talent, Time Management, Benefits, Compliance, and Payroll.
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