Finalists showcase outstanding people practices that drive sustained improvements in business performance and productivity
The CIPD has revealed its shortlisted finalists for the 2026 HR Awards in Ireland, featuring organisations across every sector that are leading initiatives to improve employee experience and boost business performance.
These annual awards, sponsored by Sanderson, celebrate the outstanding achievements of HR professionals and people teams across Ireland that are dedicated to shaping better work and working lives.
It’s a valuable opportunity for teams to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the highest professional standards. Many previous finalists tell us that it has helped strengthen their influence and impact, both internally and externally.
“Winning elevated Metamo’s status across the credit union sector and positioned us as leaders in HR innovation and organisational transformation. CIPD endorsement signals that your work meets the highest standards of people practice.”
The 13 categories cover everything from people and culture to organisational change and HR excellence in small business. Judges reviewed hundreds of high-quality submissions this year, with learning and development (L&D) and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) categories receiving the most entries.
Three new categories for 2026 also attracted strong interest, highlighting growing momentum around reward, global and future workforce strategy and inspirational leadership.
“This year’s awards celebrate organisations that are building sustainable, inclusive and future-ready cultures. The worthy finalists showcase investment in people, skills and agile strategies that drive performance and meet evolving business and employee needs.”
This year’s finalists include organisations that have been shortlisted across multiple categories.
Boots Ireland, Tayto Snacks and Bank of Ireland each appear in four categories, highlighting their commitment to strong and consistent people practices across the board. The judges also shortlisted the Health and Safety Executive, Irish Rail and Tesco Ireland for several awards, spanning EDI, L&D and overall people excellence.
“The HR and people teams behind this shortlist are going above and beyond to meet the evolving needs of their workforce and business. Their achievements are truly something to be proud of.”
We’ll be announcing the winners in a special ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Kathryn Thomas, on 13 February 2026 at the Round Room, Mansion House, Dublin.
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