SHRM HR EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024

The SHRM HR Excellence Awards have been instituted as an exemplary platform to recognize organizations that put people first, deliver future-focused excellence in the field of People Management and understand the importance of human capital as a key contributor to business outcomes.

These awards honor the pioneering and innovative people management practices that impact not just organizations but also businesses, society and the profession as a whole.

What’s new in 2024?

Over the last 12 years, we have made incremental changes to the Awards Process in keeping with the needs of the evolving business landscape. In 2024, in its 13th edition, the SHRM HR Excellence Awards have been reinvented to keep up with the ever-changing dynamics of our workplaces.

We invite you and your organizations to apply for the SHRM HR Excellence Awards in its 13th consecutive year. These awards are founded on the philosophy to recognize organizations, which have excelled in bringing NEXT into their people practices and empowered HR to become a Trusted Advisor.

These Awards will also celebrate and honor organizations that work passionately towards raising the bar for the profession through constant innovation.

Why your organization should enter the SHRM HR Excellence Awards

As an Award Winner, your organization will be recognized and feted as a Leader in NEXT People Practices. In addition, these Awards will establish:

Your position as a trailblazer

SHRM HR Excellence Awards recognize your organization’s practices as a benchmark of the highest quality within the HR community, be it national, global or virtual.

An opportunity to advance the profession

These unique Awards will acknowledge how organizations and their teams have contributed to the advancement of the HR profession through innovative thought processes, impactful implementation and commitment.

A framework to measure your organization’s performance

SHRM HR Excellence Awards identify and recognize existing and emerging areas in HR, which will have significant and widespread implications for the profession in the coming years. The Awards framework and platform allows you to present the evidence of what your organization and teams do in a measurable manner.

An opportunity to inspire other organizations and professionals

Your work will inspire other organizations to aim for the next level and set higher quality standards for the entire profession.

Eligibility Criteria

Enterprises

The Enterprises Track of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards celebrates the achievements of large corporations, multinational companies, & conglomerates that lead the way in People Management excellence.

PSEs

The PSEs Track of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards acknowledges and honors the outstanding contributions of Public Sector Enterprises in the realm of People
Management.

Start-Ups/MSMEs

The Start-Ups/MSMEs Track of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards recognizes & celebrates the exemplary achievements of Start-Ups & Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprises in the field of People Management.

Start-Ups/MSMEs

Eligibility Criteria:

    • Start-Ups and Organizations classified as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) according to the criteria established by the government under the MSME Development Act

    OR

    • Organizations which have reported less than INR 1,250 crores as turnover in their audited Financial Statements for FY 2023-24.
    • Any organization with turnover in excess of INR 1,250 crores will have to necessarily apply in the enterprise track of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards of 2024.
    • Any organization categorized as a Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) will not be allowed to participate in the Start-Ups/MSMEs track.
    • Evidence of compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing organizations, including registration and certification requirements.
    • Demonstrated implementation of HR practices tailored to the specific needs and constraints of Start-Ups and MSMEs, considering factors such as limited resources, scalability, and market dynamics.
    • Clear evidence of fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture conducive to employee growth, development, and well-being.
    • Note: Organizations participating in this track will need to submit either the proof of their turnover being less than INR 1,250 crores in their audited Financial Statements for FY 2023-24 or an MSME certificate issued by the Government of India. This proof is required to be submitted along with the application forms and collaterals.

Definition:

The Start-Ups and MSMEs Track of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards recognizes and celebrates the exemplary achievements of Start-Ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the field of People Management. These organizations play a crucial role in driving economic growth, employment generation, and entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging markets like our own. This track honours Start-Ups and MSMEs that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and strategic HR management, despite the challenges inherent in their size and scale.

PSEs (Public Sector Enterprises)

Eligibility Criteria:

Organizations categorized as Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) or government-owned corporations, operating across all industrial sectors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing PSE operations.

Evidence of adherence to the legal framework governing PSEs, including governance structures, transparency requirements, and accountability mechanisms.

Demonstrated implementation of HR practices aligned with the principles of public service, social equity, inclusivity, and sustainable development, as mandated by relevant legislation and government policies.

Clear evidence of promoting workforce diversity, equal opportunity, and employee welfare in compliance with labor laws and regulations.

Definition:

The PSEs Track of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards acknowledges and honors the outstanding contributions of Public Sector Enterprises in the realm of People Management. PSEs, as government-owned entities, operate with a mandate to serve the public interest and contribute to national development objectives. This track celebrates PSEs that exemplify excellence in HR practices while adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks governing their operations. These organizations prioritize transparency, accountability, and social responsibility, ensuring fair treatment, employee well-being, and sustainable development in alignment with statutory requirements and government mandates.

Enterprises

Eligibility Criteria:

    • Organizations categorized as Enterprises, encompassing large corporations, multinational companies, conglomerates, and other entities operating across various industries and sectors, in accordance with company law and regulatory requirements.
    • Evidence of compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing enterprise operations, including corporate governance, labor standards, and environmental regulations.
    • Demonstrated implementation of strategic HR initiatives aimed at driving organizational agility, innovation, and competitiveness, in line with statutory obligations and industry best practices.
    • Clear evidence of commitment to employee development, engagement, and well-being, while delivering sustainable business outcomes in compliance with labor laws, health and safety regulations, and other relevant legislation.

Definition:

The Enterprises Track of the SHRM HR Excellence Awards celebrates the achievements of large corporations, multinational companies, and conglomerates that lead the way in People Management excellence. These organizations operate on a global scale and are subject to complex regulatory frameworks governing corporate governance, labor relations, and environmental stewardship. This track highlights enterprises that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and strategic HR management, while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. These organizations prioritize human capital development, diversity, inclusion, and ethical leadership, driving sustainable growth and creating long-term value for stakeholders, across various company sizes.

Categories

Application Process

Evaluation Framework

20th

June

Live Webcast 1 - Ask the Experts - Navigating the Application
Process

(4-5 PM)

10th

July

Live Webcast 2 - What Winners Do Differently!

(4-5 PM)

19th

July

2nd Awards Helpdesk - A query resolution support
service for applicant organizations

1-hour helpdesk (12 PM - 1 PM)

26th

July

3rd Awards Helpdesk - A query resolution support
service for applicant organizations

1-hour helpdesk (4 PM - 5 PM)

31st

July

4th Awards Helpdesk - A query resolution support
service for applicant organizations

2-hours helpdesk (3 PM - 5 PM)

Past Winners

SHRM India HR Excellence Awards
Past Winner Case Studies

Glimpses from the Past

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Download Case studies

Excellence in Developing Emerging Leaders

The “Excellence in Developing Emerging Leaders” award recognizes organizations with a future-proof leadership development strategy.  Winning entries will showcase a blend of technology-powered learning and strong competency frameworks to cultivate adaptable and innovative leaders. Submissions should demonstrate a focus on continuous learning amongst leaders, ultimately impacting organizational performance and long-term success.

Excellence in Learning and Development

The “Excellence in Learning and Development” award recognizes organizations that champion a future-focused learning and development (L&D) culture. Winning entries will showcase innovative approaches that leverage technology to deliver personalized, engaging, and measurable learning experiences. Submissions should demonstrate a commitment to developing critical skills aligned with evolving business needs, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ultimately driving improved employee performance and organizational success.

Excellence in Community Impact

The “Excellence in Community Impact” award recognizes HR initiatives that demonstrate outstanding commitment to fostering positive change across key pillars – community engagement, social responsibility, sustainability, and governance impact. Candidates will be evaluated based on their ability to engage with and support local communities, promote social inclusion and equity, implement sustainable practices, and uphold high standards of ethical governance. Organizations must showcase innovative strategies that not only address immediate community needs but also contribute to long-term social and environmental well-being, making a lasting impact on society through people-driven initiatives.

Excellence in Inclusion, Equity & Diversity

The “Excellence in Inclusion, Equity & Diversity” award honours excellence in enhancing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with the organization’s vision, resulting in positive organizational outcomes. This category seeks concise descriptions outlining strategies that foster a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming environment, contributing to the organization’s success.

Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce

The “Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce” award recognizes organizations that excel in managing a hybrid workforce.  Winning submissions will detail a documented strategy for fostering communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging across both remote and in-office employees.  The strategy should outline its implementation and be applicable to a work team of several people, a specific remote office/plant, or a hybrid model across multiple locations.  Submissions should demonstrate measurable results in areas such as employee engagement, productivity, and talent retention, and clearly explain how key management processes differ from traditional on-site workforce management.

Excellence in Leveraging HR Technology

The “Excellence in Leveraging HR Technology” award recognizes excellence in HR technology solutions that significantly improves HR processes, fosters a positive employee experience, and demonstrates a measurable impact on key business metrics like recruitment, retention, or cost and productivity savings.  A strong emphasis will be placed on leveraging technology to scale, sustain and innovate human centred experiences yielding value for the organization and its business goals.

Excellence in Total Rewards

The “Excellence in Total Rewards” award recognizes outstanding commitment to holistic employee compensation and benefits strategies. Criteria include innovative approaches to reward design, alignment with organizational values and goals, demonstrable impact on employee satisfaction and retention, and sustainability in maintaining competitive, fair, and inclusive total rewards packages. Organizations must demonstrate effectiveness, creativity, and overall impact of the organization’s total rewards program in fostering employee well-being and organizational success.  

Excellence in Talent Acquisition

The “Excellence in Talent Acquisition” award recognizes organizations that champion a future-focused and human-centric approach to attracting and acquiring top talent. Organizations must showcase a future-forward and adaptive talent acquisition strategy that leverages cutting-edge technology and data analytics, while innovating through the hiring lifecycle, displaying its breadth and depth of acquisition expertise and operational excellence.

Excellence in Managing Employees’ Performance

The “Excellence in Managing Employees’ Performance” award recognizes organizations that excel in performance management, prioritizing employee development alongside evaluation. Winning entries will showcase innovative approaches that leverage data, communication, and technology to strategically enhance human capital. Submissions should demonstrate measurable contributions to talent development and organizational success, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance.

Excellence in People Analytics

The “Excellence in People Analytics” award recognizes excellence in people analytics that drives strategic decision-making. Winning submissions will showcase robust data practices, advanced analytical skills for identifying trends, and effective communication of insights to align talent management with business goals. A strong emphasis will be placed on leveraging technology while fostering a data-driven culture across the organization.

Excellence in Organization Development

The “Excellence in Organization Development” award recognizes organizations that champion a future-oriented approach to organization development (OD). Participating organizations must showcase a data-driven and evidence-based strategy that leverages people analytics to measure the impact of OD initiatives. Submissions should demonstrate a focus on cultivating a high-performance culture, fostering employee well-being and continuous learning. Organizations must also showcase excellence in aligning OD practices with a dynamic business strategy, ultimately driving sustainable competitive advantage through a future-proofed workforce.

Excellence in Developing Emerging Leaders

The “Excellence in Developing Emerging Leaders” award recognizes organizations with a future-proof leadership development strategy.  Winning entries will showcase a blend of technology-powered learning and strong competency frameworks to cultivate adaptable and innovative leaders. Submissions should demonstrate a focus on continuous learning amongst leaders, ultimately impacting organizational performance and long-term success.

Excellence in Learning and Development

The “Excellence in Learning and Development” award recognizes organizations that champion a future-focused learning and development (L&D) culture. Winning entries will showcase innovative approaches that leverage technology to deliver personalized, engaging, and measurable learning experiences. Submissions should demonstrate a commitment to developing critical skills aligned with evolving business needs, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ultimately driving improved employee performance and organizational success.

Excellence in Community Impact

The “Excellence in Community Impact” award recognizes HR initiatives that demonstrate outstanding commitment to fostering positive change across key pillars – community engagement, social responsibility, sustainability, and governance impact. Candidates will be evaluated based on their ability to engage with and support local communities, promote social inclusion and equity, implement sustainable practices, and uphold high standards of ethical governance. Organizations must showcase innovative strategies that not only address immediate community needs but also contribute to long-term social and environmental well-being, making a lasting impact on society through people-driven initiatives.

Excellence in Inclusion, Equity & Diversity

The “Excellence in Inclusion, Equity & Diversity” award honours excellence in enhancing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with the organization’s vision, resulting in positive organizational outcomes. This category seeks concise descriptions outlining strategies that foster a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming environment, contributing to the organization’s success.

Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce

The “Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce” award recognizes organizations that excel in managing a hybrid workforce.  Winning submissions will detail a documented strategy for fostering communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging across both remote and in-office employees.  The strategy should outline its implementation and be applicable to a work team of several people, a specific remote office/plant, or a hybrid model across multiple locations.  Submissions should demonstrate measurable results in areas such as employee engagement, productivity, and talent retention, and clearly explain how key management processes differ from traditional on-site workforce management.

Excellence in Benefits and Wellness

The “Excellence in Benefits and Wellness” award celebrates exceptional dedication to comprehensive employee benefits and wellness initiatives. Criteria encompass inventive strategies for benefits provision, congruence with organizational principles and objectives, measurable enhancement of employee well-being and retention rates, and steadfastness in delivering competitive, equitable, and inclusive benefits packages. Organizations must exhibit the efficacy, originality, and overarching influence of their benefits and wellness programs in nurturing both employee welfare and organizational prosperity.

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Excellence in Developing Emerging Leaders
INNOVATION

Customization and personalization

Development of senior leadership

Delivery methods impacting motivation and satisfaction

SUSTAINABILITY

Strategic alignment

Leadership competency framework

Assessment, feedback and experience mechanisms

IMPACT

Measurable impact on effective leadership

Depth in leadership development

Impact on succession planning

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Learning and Development
INNOVATION

Customization and personalization

Learning platforms and technology

Delivery methods impacting motivation and satisfaction

SUSTAINABILITY

Strategic alignment and needs assessment

Learning framework

Content quality, feedback and governance mechanism

IMPACT

Engagement and participation rates

Measurement of learning effectiveness

Impact on performance

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Community Impact
INNOVATION

Social and environmental stewardship

Health and well-being initiatives

Social collaborations and partnerships

SUSTAINABILITY

ESG alignment in business operations

Employee involvement

Stakeholder alignment and practice integration

IMPACT

Dimensions of community impact

Measurable social impact

Thought Leadership

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Inclusion, Equity and Diversity
INNOVATION

Accessibility and accommodations

Empowerment Initiatives

Community Awareness and Engagement

SUSTAINABILITY

IED Interventions

Transparency and communication

Inclusion policies and practices

IMPACT

Diversity representation

Special benefits and supportive practices

Handling bias

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce
INNOVATION

Employee engagement & culture

Distributed Working leadership

Employee well-being initiatives

SUSTAINABILITY

Work practices and communication strategies

Performance management and employee development alignment

Tech / other infrastructure, and crisis preparedness

IMPACT

Employee feedback and engagement metrics

Integration with People Practices

Impact on talent pipeline

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Leveraging HR Technology
INNOVATION

Strategic alignment

User interface and experience

Automation and adaptation

SUSTAINABILITY

Data accuracy, security and privacy

Scalability, flexibility and accessibility

Integration with HR processes/systems

IMPACT

Cost effectiveness and productivity impact

Employee and stakeholder satisfaction

Continuous improvement updates

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Total Rewards
INNOVATION

Creative solutions based on employee feedback

Technology integration

Flexibility and adaptability (internal & external)

SUSTAINABILITY

Long-term viability

Resource efficiency

Employee well-being

IMPACT

Employee attraction and retention

Financial and performance metrics

Human capital impact

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Talent Acquisition
INNOVATION

New recruiting channels

New technologies

New operating models

SUSTAINABILITY

Long-term TA strategy

Strategy for long-term business sustainability

Business risk mitigation and compliance

IMPACT

Quality of hire

Cost and efficiency impact

Time to fill and time to hire

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Managing Employees’ Performance
INNOVATION

Promoting culture oriented behaviour

Linkage to compensation and rewards

Developmental plans

SUSTAINABILITY

Goal alignment and clarity of performance criteria

Manager effectiveness and feedback check-ins

Consistency of performance ratings

IMPACT

Evaluation impact

Developmental impact

Social capital impact

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in People Analytics
INNOVATION

Depth of practice

Maturity of practice

Scale through tech and AI

SUSTAINABILITY

Business goal alignment

HR practice alignment

Data governance

IMPACT

Level of analytics

Correlation to HR practice impact

Cost benefit

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Organization Development
INNOVATION

Employee motivation

Social capital and culture

Employee engagement and satisfaction

SUSTAINABILITY

Task and compliance

Turnover and productivity

Process and system governance

IMPACT

Impact on customers

Impact on revenue

Impact on employees

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice

Excellence in Benefits and Wellness
INNOVATION

Creative solutions based on feedback

Leveraging Technology

Flexibility and adaptability (internal & external)

SUSTAINABILITY

Long-term viability

Resource efficiency

Employee well-being

IMPACT

Employee attraction and engagement

Financial and performance metrics

Human capital impact

Each evaluation criteria is clearly defined in detail in the “Application Form” and highlights excellence in a specific domain

Jury will look for excellence in practice & evidence to substantiate that is critical

Each evaluation criteria is assessed on depth & breadth of excellence encompassing design, delivery mechanism, implementation, tracking & governance across the practice