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SHRM HR EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025

The SHRM HR Excellence Awards celebrate organizations that place people at the heart of their success, driving innovation and excellence in people management. These awards acknowledge the groundbreaking practices that not only shape organizational growth but also contribute to broader business and societal outcomes. By recognizing leadership in human capital, we honor those setting the standard for future-focused, people-first practices that elevate both the profession and its impact.

Raising the Bar for People Practices

Over the last 13 years, we have made incremental changes to the Awards Process in keeping with the needs of the evolving business landscape. In 2025, in its 14th 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 14th 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 Should You Nominate Your Organization for 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 2024-25.
    • 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 2025.
    • 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 2024-25 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

24th

July

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

7th

August

Live Webcast 2 - What Winners Do Differently!

12th

August

1st Awards Helpdesk - A query resolution support
service for applicant organizations

19th

August

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

29th

August

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

2024 Winners

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SHRM India HR Excellence Awards -
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

Excellence in Inclusion & Diversity

The “Excellence in Inclusion & 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.
Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce

The “Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce” award recognizes organizations that excel in managing a workforce spread across diverse locations/ geographies. Winning submissions will detail a documented strategy for fostering communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging across employees based out of all locations townships/ The strategy should outline its implementation and be applicable to a work team of several people across multiple locations/ townships. 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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.  

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.
Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
DOWNLOAD FORM
Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
DOWNLOAD FORM
Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
DOWNLOAD FORM
Group 4

Excellence in Inclusion & Diversity

The “Excellence in Inclusion & 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.
Evaluation Parameters
DOWNLOAD FORM
Group 4

Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce

The “Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce” award recognizes organizations that excel in managing a workforce spread across diverse locations/ geographies. Winning submissions will detail a documented strategy for fostering communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging across employees based out of all locations townships/ The strategy should outline its implementation and be applicable to a work team of several people across multiple locations/ townships. 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.

Evaluation Parameters
DOWNLOAD FORM
Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
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Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
DOWNLOAD FORM
Group 4

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.

Evaluation Parameters
DOWNLOAD FORM
Excellence in Developing Emerging Leaders
INNOVATION

New Models of Talent Discovery

Tech-Enabled Development Ecosystems

Experience-Led Growth Opportunities

SUSTAINABILITY

Integrated Talent Architecture

Scalability and Governance Mechanisms

Culture-Driven Development Approaches

IMPACT

Business-Aligned Leadership Outcomes

Strengthened Internal Leadership Pipeline

Employee Perception and Engagement Outcomes

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

Customized and Role-Based Learning Approaches

Technology-Enabled Learning Solutions

New Delivery Methods Enhancing Learner Motivation

SUSTAINABILITY

Integrated and Aligned Learning Strategy

Scalable Learning Models

Continuous Learning Infrastructure

IMPACT

Improved Workforce Readiness and Productivity

Career Progression and Internal Mobility

Employee Engagement and Learning Experience

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

Novel Approaches to Community Impact

Integration of Technology or Digital Tools

Employee-led Innovation

SUSTAINABILITY

Strategic Alignment

Longevity and Scalability

Governance and Institutionalization

IMPACT

Tangible Community Outcomes

Employee Engagement and Enablement

Reputational and Strategic Value

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 & Diversity
INNOVATION

Pioneering Inclusion Programs and Practices

Leveraging Technology to Advance Inclusion

Innovative Talent Sourcing and Development

SUSTAINABILITY

Strategic Integration and Leadership Commitment

Robust Governance and Accountability

Continuous Improvement through Data and Feedback

IMPACT

Improved Representation and Equity

Inclusive Culture Outcomes

Business Outcomes linked to Inclusion

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

Innovative Workforce Models and Structures

Digital Tools for Seamless Collaboration and Productivity

Reimagining Employee Experience for Distributed Teams

SUSTAINABILITY

Structured Policies and Governance for Long-Term Distributed Work

Managerial Readiness and Team Enablement

Tech infrastructure, cyber security and crisis preparedness

IMPACT

Business Continuity and Strategic Advantage

Increased Productivity and Performance

Stronger Engagement and Retention in Distributed Setups

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

Innovative Use Cases with Strategic Value

Reimagined HR Processes and Experience Design

Frugal Innovation in HR Tech

SUSTAINABILITY

Long-Term Technology Vision and Governance

Scalable and Interoperable Systems

Capability Building and Change Readiness

IMPACT

Alignment with Business Outcomes

Improved Process Efficiency and Employee Experience

Agility and Responsiveness to Workforce Needs

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

Disruptive and Personalized Reward Architectures

Redefining Value Beyond Pay

Tech-Enabled Reward Innovation

SUSTAINABILITY

Strategic Alignment and Long-Term Viability

Resource Efficiency in Rewards Management

Governance and Compliance

IMPACT

Business Outcomes Alignment

Inclusive and Equitable Rewards Impact

Employee Value Perception

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

Disruptive Talent Strategies

Tech-Enabled Hiring Transformation

Candidate-Centric Experience

SUSTAINABILITY

Integration with Business Strategy and Workforce Planning

Long-term Talent Pipeline Development

Robust Governance and Process Institutionalization

IMPACT

Contribution to Business Goals

Cost and efficiency impact

Measurable Hiring Outcomes

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

Progressive Performance Frameworks

Technology-Driven Performance Enablement

Employee-Inclusive Design

SUSTAINABILITY

Alignment with Organizational Culture and Strategy

Scalable and Consistent Processes

Ongoing Review and Adaptability

IMPACT

Improved Individual and Team Outcomes

Enhanced Employee Experience and Perceived Fairness

Talent Growth and Internal Movement

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

Cutting-Edge Analytical Approaches

Next-Gen Data Integration

Innovative Insight Communication

SUSTAINABILITY

Business and HR Alignment

Robust Data Governance

Continuous Capability Building

IMPACT

Data-Driven Business Decisions

Enhanced Workforce Outcomes

Strategic Talent 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 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