The winner of the Best HR Training Solution Award for 2026 was announced during HR.com's Future of HR Skills and Strategies Virtual Event on March 18. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in advancing skills, improving performance, and helping organizations build stronger HR teams. Rackspace Technology's AI Institute earned this distinction for its program that equips employees at all levels with the skills to confidently adopt, apply, and innovate with artificial intelligence.
This award matters because it underscores the critical role of specialized AI training in modern human resources development. As organizations increasingly integrate AI into their operations, equipping HR professionals with relevant skills becomes essential for driving innovation and maintaining competitive advantage. The program combines role-based learning, practical application, and Responsible AI principles to deliver scalable, ethical, and measurable workforce transformation. It provides certification, digital badges, and progress tracking, enabling employees to contribute to innovation while advancing organizational AI readiness from foundational literacy to advanced mastery.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond a single organization's achievement. It signals a broader industry shift toward prioritizing AI competency as a core component of HR professional development. As HR.com CEO Debbie McGrath noted, "HR training is the cornerstone of building high-performing, future-ready HR teams. We are proud to recognize this innovative, scalable AI learning program that equips employees with the skills to drive real impact and advance organizational success." This acknowledgment validates the growing consensus that AI literacy is no longer optional for HR professionals but rather a fundamental requirement for organizational success in an increasingly automated workplace.
The award also highlights the evolving standards for effective HR training solutions. Programs must now demonstrate not only skill development but also ethical considerations, scalability, and measurable outcomes. The recognition of Rackspace Technology's approach suggests that comprehensive AI training programs that address both technical proficiency and responsible implementation are becoming the benchmark for excellence in HR development. This has significant implications for how organizations approach workforce upskilling, particularly as AI continues to transform job roles and required competencies across industries. More information about HR.com awards can be found at https://www.hr.com/awards.

