Applaud Triumphs at Global Tech & AI Awards for HR Innovation in 2025

In a notable recognition of innovation in human resources, Applaud has been awarded the prestigious flagship AI Award at the Global Tech & AI Awards 2025. The London-based HR-focused company has made headlines by seamlessly integrating generative AI into its operations, thereby significantly enhancing the workplace experience for employees and HR teams alike.

Judged amongst eight international finalists, Applaud stood out not for gimmicky features but for its concrete contributions to HR processes. The company’s effectiveness was highlighted by its implementation at Smith+Nephew, where Applaud's People+Connect platform successfully merged existing systems like Workday, ServiceNow, and Saba into a single, user-friendly hub. This transformation resulted in the deployment of a 24/7 AI Assistant capable of managing thousands of multilingual inquiries monthly, drastically reducing the number of support tickets and improving satisfaction scores within just three months. Crucially, this was achieved while maintaining stringent domain controls and ensuring that no customer data was used for training machine learning models.

Ivan Harding, Co-Founder and CEO of Applaud, emphasized the essential needs of employees, stating, "Employees aren't looking for gimmicks; they just want answers fast." The award serves as a validation of Applaud's philosophy that prioritizes employee needs, ensuring that tech serves people rather than complicating their experiences. He further articulated the company's commitment with their motto: "People 1st, Tech 2nd," demonstrating the importance of practical solutions that deliver real results for business' most valuable asset—their workforce.

Applaud offers a no-code, cloud-native suite applicable in a variety of HR setups, layering in advanced AI, knowledge management, employee journey mapping, and case management functionalities without burdening organizations with significant IT investments or excessive customization requirements. This characteristic empowers HR teams to offer better support to their employees, enhancing workplace productivity and morale.

Harding noted that winning the award against larger competitors showcases Applaud’s unique approach, highlighting that size doesn’t always dictate impact. By remaining small and agile, Applaud is able to quickly address everyday issues faced by HR departments and offer effective solutions tailored to their specific needs.

The recognition was bestowed at an awards ceremony held on May 14, 2025, at 155 Bishopsgate, London, an event that brought together industry leaders and innovators to celebrate ethical AI advancements that enhance productivity and reshape customer experience.

A Closer Look at Applaud

Applaud is not just another tech company; it is a transformative force in the HR landscape. Established with the mission to create a more human, intuitive, and rewarding experience for employees, the Applaud HRSD suite consolidates various HR functions into a single, easy-to-navigate platform. This design philosophy empowers employees to self-service their needs, allowing HR departments to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative burdens.

The growing recognition of Applaud’s contributions underscores a significant trend in the HR tech market—an increased focus on employee-centric solutions bolstered by cutting-edge technology. As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of modern workforce dynamics, tools like Applaud’s are becoming indispensable.

For more information on Applaud and its innovative HR solutions, visit www.applaudhr.com.