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The 7th edition of the ABSL Awards features seven categories, offering organizations a chance to be recognized across the full breadth of their work.

Each application will be assessed by the Jury panel against core principles of the Diamond Awards:  innovation, creativity, performance  and impact.

All submitted applications must refer to a case, project or initiative that concluded with visible results by July 31st, 2026.

Leader in:

Business Excellence

Recognition of organisations whose stakeholder-centricity and operational best practice deliver measurable results through continuous improvement, exceptional engagement, and best-in-class service.

The Business Excellence category recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding stakeholder-centricity and use best practices to drive competitive advantage.

These companies build operational models that deliver efficiency, quality, and accountability, resulting in consistent, measurable results that make excellence a market differentiator.

From exceptional employee engagement to unparalleled service delivery, entrants in this category stand for excellence in their strategies and operations and can prove it through data, outcomes, and impact.

In this category, the jury will award companies that foster a culture of continuous improvement to drive sustainable growth and maintain best-in-class service.

Criteria:

PROJECT GOALS AND SCOPE

What goals and scope were set for the project? How many stakeholders were engaged (single/multiple functions, local or global departments)? How long did it take to plan, design and then implement the initiative/project?

IMPLEMENTATION

Describe the approach (methodologies, processes, technologies, governance…etc.) applied and what was done/delivered at the execution phase.

ACHIEVED BENEFITS AND RESULTS

How did the implemented project affect the financial performance (cost reduction, cost avoidance)? How did the project improve your competitive advantage? Did the project bring other benefits (income stream, higher recognition…)? Please supply proof of success e.g. statistics, financial results, ratios, percentages, ROI …etc. Can the initiative be replicated in other processes/functions? Has it been deployed in other entities or at other organizations (customers)?

INNOVATION:

What was unique about this project?

Leader in:

Business Transformation

Recognition of organisations that redefine established practices through bold, AI-driven transformation, responding to shifting market demands with agility and delivering clear value for stakeholders.

The Business Transformation category celebrates innovation, agility, and resilience.

From AI-driven strategies and digitalization to operational improvements that redefine business, entrants highlight bold initiatives that have driven their organizations to higher efficiency and clear value for stakeholders.

In this category, the jury will recognize companies demonstrating exceptional initiative in redefining established practices, deploying AI and advanced technologies, responding to shifting market demands, and delivering solutions that set the benchmark for the sector.

Criteria:

PROJECT GOALS AND SCOPE:

What was the backgound of the project? What goals and scope were set for the project? Were ther any stakeholders engaged (single/multiple functions, departments)? How long did it take to plan, design and then implement the initiative/project?

IMPLEMENTATION

Describe the approach (methodologies, processes, technologies, governance…etc.) applied and what was done/delivered at the execution phase.

ACHIEVED RESULTS AND BENEFITS:

What change did the project make accross the organization? How did it affect efficiency, financial performance, competitive advantage? What were the internal results and impact? Please supply proof of success e.g. statistics, financial results, ratios, percentages, ROI…etc.

FUTURE:

Indicate the future plans for the project. Can any other organizations benefit from your company experience?

Leader in:

Talent Development & Education

Recognition of organisations whose investment in upskilling, career development, and future skills extends beyond their own walls through educational partnerships that shape the workforce of tomorrow.

The Talent Development & Education category showcases companies that invest in their people through upskilling, reskilling, succession planning, and career development schemes that build future skills, from digital fluency to AI literacy.

These companies also extend their impact beyond their own walls by collaborating with schools and universities through mentorship, educational partnerships, and initiatives that shape the next generation of sector professionals.

In this category, the jury will award companies that drive educational impact within and outside their organizations, empowering their existing talent while building the workforce of tomorrow.

Criteria

PROJECT GOALS AND SCOPE:

What goals and scope were set for the project? How many stakeholders were engaged (single/multiple functions, local or global departments)? How long did it take to plan, design and then implement the initiative/project?

ACHIEVED RESULTS:

How did the initiative influence the retention of talents, develop your teams or attract new resources potential into your company? How did it impact the business services sector? How did you measure the success of the project?

PARTNERSHIPS BUILD:

Were any partnerships established as part of the project and how did they work?

FUTURE:

Indicate the future plans for this initiative.

Leader in:

Vibrant Workplace

Recognition of organisations that foster belonging and well-being through bold initiatives that unite teams and deliver measurable impact on employee experience.

The Vibrant Workplace category recognizes organizations that foster dynamic, engaged communities – encouraging ownership, initiative, and positive change from within.

These companies create workplaces where people genuinely belong, whether in the office, at home, or anywhere in between.

They also invest in their people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, going beyond standard benefits to build cultures that deliver real, measurable impact on employee experience.

In this category, the jury will award companies that create sustainable, vibrant workplace cultures through bold, out-of-the-box initiatives that unite teams and empower people – wherever they work.

Criteria

PROJECT GOAL AND SCOPE:

What goals and scope were set for the project? NHow many stakeholders were engaged (single/multiple functions, local or global departments)? How long did it take to plan, design and then implement the initiative/project?

ACHIEVED RESULTS AND BENEFITS:

How did the initiative help improve the working environment? How did the initiative foster interactions/integration among employees? How was it perceived by the staff? How have you measured (quantified) the end results for your organization and company, e.g. employee satisfaction. employee engagement, attrition rate, …etc?

INNOVATION:

What was unique about the project?

FUTURE:

Indicate the future plans for this initiative.

 

Leader in:

Bridging Generations

Recognition of organisations that retain the expertise of the silver generation while integrating tomorrow’s talent through knowledge transfer, reverse mentoring, and inclusive practices that give every generation a role to play.

The Bridging Generations category recognizes organizations that foster collaboration and inclusion across generations.

These companies create pathways for the silver generation by retaining experienced professionals, enabling knowledge transfer, and recognizing the value of seasoned expertise.

They also support the integration of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, ensuring the workplace evolves to meet the expectations and strengths of tomorrow’s talent.

In this category, the jury will award programs focused on skills development, reverse mentoring, knowledge transfer, and inclusive practices that bridge generational gaps – building future-ready teams where every generation has a role to play.

Criteria:

PROJECT GOAL AND SCOPE

What was the backgound of the project? What goals and scope were set for the project? How many stakeholders were engaged (single/multiple functions, local or global departments)? How long did it take to plan, design and then implement the initiative/project?

IMPLEMENTATION

Describe the approach (methodologies, processes, technologies, governance…etc.) applied and what was done/delivered at the execution phase.

ACHIEVED RESULTS AND BENEFITS

How did the initiative influence the age profile and range of talent, through knowledge transfer, reverse mentoring, or team development?
What was the impact on employees across generations – on retention, engagement, and employer branding?
What was the impact on the company’s operations and business?

INNOVATION

What was unique and new in the approach, implementation, communication of the project?

FUTURE

Indicate the future plans for this initiative.

Leader in:

Technology Impact

Recognition of organizations that pioneer AI, automation, and emerging technologies, turning tech ambition into tangible business impact and setting new benchmarks for the sector.

The Technology Impact category recognizes companies at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive meaningful, measurable innovation.

These organizations do not just adopt cutting-edge solutions; they pioneer them, using AI, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and stakeholder experience.

From process-transforming digital tools to bold experiments that redefine what’s possible in the sector, entrants in this category showcase groundbreaking initiatives that set new benchmarks for the industry.

In this category, the jury will award companies that demonstrate technological ambition and the ability to turn innovation into tangible business impact. These companies shape the future of the sector and inspire others to follow.

Criteria:

PROJECT GOALS AND SCOPE:

What was the backgound of the project? What goals and scope were set for the project? How many stakeholders were engaged (single/multiple functions, local or global departments)? How long did it take to plan, design and then implement the initiative/project?

IMPLEMENTATION:

Describe the approach (methodologies, processes, technologies, governance…etc.) applied and what was done/delivered at the execution phase.

INNOVATION:

What change did the project make? How did it affect efficiency, financial performance, competitive advantage? Did the project bring other benefits? Please supply proof of success e.g. statistics, financial results, ratios, percentages, ROI…etc. Can the initiative be replicated in other processes/functions? Has it been deployed in other entities or at other organizations (customers)?

FUTURE:

What are the future plans and potential for the initiative?

Leader in:

Social Impact

This category awards companies and leaders who recognize that business success is measured not only by financial performance but also by the positive difference they make.

The Social Impact category honors organizations that transcend traditional business goals to create lasting, measurable change in their communities and environments.

These companies partner with communities, non-profits, and government agencies to address social challenges.

Through ethics, philanthropy, volunteering, and sustainable initiatives, they integrate social responsibility into their operations as a strategic commitment.

In this category – awarded live by the audience at the ABSL Diamonds – focus is on those whose impact extends beyond their own walls – driving systemic change, inspiring others to act, and leaving a meaningful mark on society.

Criteria:

PROJECT LOCATION

Poland

TIMEFRAME

All submitted applications must refer to a case, project or initiative that started and concluded with visible results in the period between July 1st 2024– July 31st, 2026.

APPLICANT’S INVOLVEMENT

The role of the applicant should involve but not be limited to:
  • Expertise/counseling, volunteering
  • Provision of other resources (including human resources)
  • Must be one of the stakeholders involved in the project
  • The project does not need to be initiated by the applicant
  • The project cannot be limited to financial support

Remember to identify other key stakeholders and donors involved in the delivery and participation of the project.

SUBMISSION

Entries in this category will be held in the form of a video clip. Requirements include:

  • mp4 format (horizontal recording – if recorded by mobile handset)
  • aspect ratio – 16:9
  • length – up to max 90 sec
  • must present at least one benefit/outcome/impact of the project
  • narrative in English (or translation provided)
  • contain intro and outro of the clip
  • cannot contain any commercial/sales content