SHRMLabs Launches 2nd Annual Better Workplaces Challenge Cup, Takes Competition Global to Seek Out Most Innovative Workplace Tech Solutions

​Alexandria, Va. — Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) today announced they are now taking applications for the 2^nd Annual SHRMLabs Better Workplaces Challenge Cup, a new global competition to highlight the most innovative workplace technology solutions from companies around the world. The competition aims to bridge the gap between companies that are creating workplace technologies and end-users: HR professionals and their workforces. Applications will be accepted through the Better Workplaces Challenge Cup site starting today through January 31, 2022.

"I am looking forward to expanding this competition globally to bring together exceptional innovators from around the world," said Nick Schacht, SHRM-SCP, chief global development officer at SHRM. "Our experience is that every participant in our Better Workplaces Challenge Cup is providing real solutions to real HR challenges. Through this program, it is our goal to bring investors and innovators together and to continue to highlight companies finding creative solutions to help reconfigure the workplace to meet both employers' and employees' needs."

To enter the competition, participants are required to submit a video presentation and take part in a Q&A session with a panel of judges from local SHRM chapter leadership and SHRM staff. Competitors are evaluated on business viability, ability to create better workplaces and added value to SHRM members.

"This competition exposes HR professionals to companies from around the globe developing innovative technologies that will help build better workplaces and in turn a better world," said Alex Alonso, SHRM's Chief Knowledge Officer. "In turn, these companies have an opportunity to hear about the real-world needs, that could help transform workplaces from professionals working in HR. It's truly a win-win."

This three-round competition, leading to a $50,000 cash prize and/or other investment opportunities and prizes, kicks off with 10 virtual first rounds beginning in February of 2022. The top two start-ups from each of the first-round competitions will advance to one of two virtual semi-finals in May. From each semi-final round, two companies will emerge to the in-person final championship competition being held at SHRM's Annual Conference and Expo on June 12-15, 2022 in New Orleans.

"This challenge attracts the leading-edge products that dynamic workplaces will use today, and that all workplaces will use into the future," said Marc Goldberg, SHRM's chief technology officer. "These cutting-edge companies can also provide insights to HR leaders in their own quests to elevate their companies."

Compt, a perk stipend software company based in Boston, took home the grand prize earlier this year in the inaugural Better Workplaces Challenge Cup. The competition, launched last year, was the first of its kind in which HR practitioners had a direct role in determining the workplace innovations that are truly needed, especially during this time of great disruption in the workplace.

During the inaugural year of the competition, more than 150 organizations across the United States initially competed for the prize with five regional winners being invited to present at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo in the final round of competition.

The finalists made their last pitch to a panel of judges, including Daymond John, award-winning entrepreneur and star of ABC's Shark Tank.

To learn more about SHRMLabs, and future Better Workplaces Challenge Cup challenges, please visit  https://www.shrmlabs.com/.

About SHRM
SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org and on Twitter @SHRM.