The winners of the 2026 Payroll Awards were announced during HR.com's Future of Payroll Virtual Event on February 11, honoring outstanding achievements in payroll management, strategy, and implementation. This year's award recipients represent exceptional solutions, programs, and individuals who have made a significant impact in a rapidly evolving work environment. From navigating shifting labor laws to leveraging AI and emerging technologies, these winners have demonstrated innovation, excellence, and a commitment to advancing the HR profession.
Instant Financial was named Payroll Solution of the Year for transforming how hourly workers get paid by providing daily access to wages and tips at no cost. Its platform combines earned wage access, digital tips, and instant pay via banks, mobile wallets, or paycards, serving industries including restaurant, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and staffing. This recognition highlights the company's commitment to innovation, responsible financial solutions, and improving employee financial wellness while supporting recruitment and retention efforts across multiple sectors.
Otsuka America, Inc., Payroll Center of Excellence (PCOE) received the Payroll Team of the Year award under the leadership of Amanda Kassler and Gladys Ospina. The team has set a new benchmark for modern payroll operations through strategic transformation, measurable impact, and commitment to innovation and scalability. Their work in governance, compliance, and advancing the payroll profession reflects what HR.com describes as the gold standard in payroll operations, delivering significant value through daily excellence in execution.
Crystal Diaz, Sr. Human Resources Generalist at McCoy Rockford, was honored as Payroll Professional of the Year for her strategic leadership, innovation, and commitment to compliance and employee impact. Her ability to deliver results at scale while maintaining high standards demonstrates how individual professionals can make substantial positive differences in organizational payroll operations.
HR.com CEO Debbie McGrath emphasized the broader significance of these awards, stating that "Payroll management and technology are critical drivers of business success. Accurate, efficient payroll operations not only ensure compliance and employee satisfaction but also empower organizations to innovate, scale, and compete in today's rapidly changing workforce." This perspective underscores how payroll excellence extends beyond administrative function to become a strategic advantage in talent management and organizational competitiveness.
The awards recognize achievements across three categories that collectively address the complete payroll ecosystem: technological solutions that improve worker financial access, team implementations that establish operational excellence, and individual professionals who drive innovation and compliance. Winners were selected from a competitive field of nominees demonstrating measurable impact in their respective areas. Additional information about HR.com's recognition programs can be found at https://www.hr.com/awards.
For organizations navigating today's complex workforce landscape, these award-winning approaches offer models for addressing pressing challenges including worker financial stress, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The recognition of daily wage access solutions reflects growing attention to financial wellness as a component of employee retention, particularly in industries with high hourly workforce turnover. Meanwhile, the team and individual awards highlight how strategic payroll management contributes to organizational resilience and competitive positioning through reliable, innovative operations that support both employee needs and business objectives.
