Since 1991, the Optimas Awards have been a source of ideas, direction and inspiration for human resources professionals. The Optimas Awards celebrate HR’s success at solving some of the biggest business challenges of our time. Each year, the Optimas Awards are given by Workforce magazine to recognize human resources and workforce management initiatives that achieve business results for the organization.
The 2018 Optimas Awards nominations are now open.
You can download the worksheet here.
QUESTIONS:
If you have any questions about the awards, selection process or nomination form, contact Rick Bell at rbell@workforce.com.
How to Enter
How to Enter the Optimas Awards
Step 1: Login to the nomination entry portal.
Step 2: Select the category you wish to enter.
Step 3: Submit entry details for each entry. You will be required to enter nominee information (the person or company being nominated for an award), nominator information (the person to contact regarding status of the nomination) and a set of nomination questions.
Step 4: Pay entry fee and finalize submission.
For any questions regarding the awards, please send an email to rbell@workforce.com.
The Optimas Awards are recognition awards across a range of categories, recognizing workforce management initiatives at organizations worldwide.


Nomination FAQs
Award Basics
Judging FAQs
A panel of judges has been established for each category of awards to ensure the submission can be judged consistently and fairly. Winners will be determined by averaging scores assigned by judges to each entry. In the event of a tie, a select group of judges will review competing entries to determine winners.
- Is there a clearly identified business issue?
- Are there quantifiable data that help clarify this business issue?
- Is there a strong HR component to the solution of the business issue?
- What is the HR program and how does it address the business issue?
- What are the quantifiable business results of the HR program?
- What are the nonmeasurable results that have a payoff to the organization?
- Does this initiative serve as a model for other organizations?
- Does this program demonstrate how HR has an impact on the business results of the organization?
- How long has the program been in place?
7 (Breakthrough and/or Role Model): Initiatives considered “breakthroughs” and/or “role models” for human resources and workforce management initiatives that achieve business results for the organization.
4-6 (Outstanding): Initiatives that did an outstanding job, met or exceeded all of the criteria as described and accomplished all goals. The complexity was significant and significantly impacted business results.
2-3 (Meets the criteria): Initiatives that met the criteria, but did not or could not provide clear of reliable evidence to identify initiatives as breakthrough or outstanding.
0-1 (Does not meet the criteria): Did not meet the criteria established or failed to document how the criteria were met.