At Empower 2026, we had the pleasure of recognizing clients who go above and beyond to make well-being a cornerstone of their workplace and the employee experience. Read on to learn about this year’s impressive winners.
The theme of Empower 2026, held June 9-11 in Park City, Utah, was “Where Purpose Powers Well-being.” The winners of this year’s client awards truly embody this sentiment. Their work is proof that when we intentionally define well-being as a strategic imperative, and create a culture where well-being is visible and valued, we make a tangible, measurable impact on individuals, the organization and even the communities they serve.
2026 Empower Award winners:
Well-Being Champion Network of the Year
Awarded to an organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to employee well-being and support of a strong culture of well-being through a Wellness Champion Network.
This manufacturing client is a prime example of a best-in-class Wellness Champion Network. Through a strong partnership between them and their internal teams, they have built a deeply embedded culture of health and wellness that is both scalable and sustainable.
In 2025, they achieved a significant milestone: 100% of locations with 10 or more employees now have a Wellness Champion. This accomplishment alone is remarkable, but it is further amplified by the strength and structure of the network. They now boast 290 Wellness Champions, including designated Back-up Champions to ensure continuity and coverage.
This client’s Wellness Champion Network exemplifies what is possible when leadership commitment, structured support and grassroots engagement come together. Their well-being program is not only a model of operational excellence, but a powerful demonstration of how investing in people drives measurable outcomes.
Purpose To Impact Award
Presented to an organization that has transformed their purpose-driven well-being mission into measurable human and business impact. Their commitment brings “Purpose Powers Well-Being” to life by creating a culture where well-being is visible, valued and translates into real improvement in people’s lives.
This global financial organization has cultivated a strong, integrated well-being culture supporting employees and spouses worldwide. Their program is intentionally built around five pillars: emotional, career, social, financial, and physical wellbeing. It is also delivered through coordinated monthly initiatives in partnership with DEI, Education and Development, and Employee Resource Groups.
Their well-being program prioritizes global inclusion and maintains dedicated leadership in Great Britain to support its international employees. Integrated benefits education, biometric screenings and annual flu shots further reinforce their holistic employee support.
This client is a great example of truly embedding well-being in their culture.
Innovations in Well-Being Culture Award
Given to an organization that has implemented creative and innovative approaches that align with the organizational culture and leverage leadership support to engage employees or members in well-being.
This public sector organization’s leadership team has championed their well-being program for over a decade. Not only are they committed to financially supporting the program, but they are also active well-being influencers who participate in program events to show their commitment to the wellness mission.
One of the hallmarks of their support is their annual “Beat the Boss” challenge. In this innovative event, the City Manager challenges City employees to beat his average steps over a three-week period. It’s a very fun, engaging challenge that brings the whole organization together. Challenge participation has increased year over year and in 2025, more than 950 people registered for the event. In 2026 the client plans to mix up the challenge by allowing participants to form teams that will compete against the C-suite “Bosses Team.”
Their “Beat the Boss” challenge not only encourages friendly competition among employees and leaders but demonstrates how visible leadership support for well-being can make a tangible impact on an organization.
Well-Being Leader Spotlight
Honors an individual who is a visible advocate and change-maker for well-being within their organization.
As the Senior Vice President, Head of Global Benefits and Wellness of a global financial technology company, this individual is a true promotor, supporter and champion of their program to fellow associations, executive stakeholders and the wider community.
In her role she thoughtfully evaluates both employee and organizational needs and advocates for benefit programs that will make an impact on and improve the lives of associates. She is engaged throughout the program planning and evaluation process, reviewing data trends and asking informed questions to ensure the program continues to be at the forefront of well-being programs worldwide.
Well-Being Partner Impact Award
Celebrates a partner that drives meaningful improvements in client and community well-being through integrated solutions and strong collaboration.
This health insurance client partners with employers to build workplace well-being programs that support healthier, more engaged employees. They provide holistic well-being solutions and expert guidance to help organizations design wellness strategies to address the unique needs of their workforce. They also help employers create a culture of well-being that can improve employee health, boost engagement, and support business goals.
They take a multifaceted approach to well-being that includes Whole Health, Condition Management, Mental Health, Financial Health and Substance Abuse. They offer well-being solutions to their clients and members that ultimately help people live healthier lives. We’re grateful to work with such a collaborative partner.
The Transformational Leadership in Well-Being Award
Recognizes an employer or health plan that is redefining what well-being can be. This organization consistently embeds well-being into its business strategy, demonstrating measurable, enterprise-wide impact and culture change. They show bold vision, strong leadership alignment, and a sustained, multi-year commitment to making well-being a strategic priority. Their long-term partnership and outcomes set a new standard for creating a place where people thrive with purpose.
This organization has demonstrated what it truly means to redefine well-being as a strategic business imperative.
They don’t view well-being as a program, but as an enterprise-wide strategy that evolves with its workforce and is embedded into its culture, leadership expectations and business outcomes. Their multi-year consistency, measurable enterprise-wide impact, and bold strategic vision set a new benchmark for what it means to create a workplace where people thrive.
Beyond financial performance, their culture of well-being has earned national recognition, including:
- The C. Everett Koop Award
- Platinum recognition from the National Business Group on Health
- Gold recognition from the American Heart Association
- Houston’s Healthiest Employers Award
- Numerous additional national and regional honors
Not only have they been our client, they have also been our collaborator and catalyst. They consistently partner with us to innovate, refine methodologies and push the boundaries of what well-being can achieve.
Honoring our longstanding client relationships.
In addition to recognizing these six outstanding organizations who are at the forefront of employee well-being, we also celebrated:
- Four clients who marked their 10-year anniversary milestone with us.
- Eight client individuals who have attended Empower every year since the start with the “Empowered for Life” award.
Curious about what else happened at Empower? Read more here.
