May 29, 2026
Why the UKEXA 26 Finals Day Is Unlike Any Awards Experience You’ve Had Before
For most awards programmes, entry and recognition happen in separate worlds. You submit your work, wait, and – if you’re lucky – collect a trophy a few months later. The UK Employee Experience Awards (UKEXA) 2026 is doing something different.
This year, for the first time in several years, the awards finals take place live and in person. The pandemic pushed the finals online, but recent requests from finalists and the UKEXA steering committee made the case for bringing back the original high-energy, face-to-face experience.
On 9 July, finalists will present their case studies directly to expert judging panels at Park Plaza Riverbank, London – bringing their work to life in a way no written submission can fully capture.
That afternoon, the same teams return for the UKEXA 26 awards ceremony and evening celebrations at the same venue. One day. The full experience. And there’s still time to be part of it.
More Than a Presentation
The finals format is rigorous by design, involving 30 case studies across seven judging panels, featuring 40+ senior industry judges. Finalists present face-to-face, answer questions in the room, and represent the real people and decisions behind their work. That level of scrutiny is unique and makes a UKEXA win truly mean something.
But the opportunity extends beyond the result. For many teams, the finals day is a chance to:
- Step into a professional, high-profile environment.
- Come together as a team to take stock of your successes and share your journey.
- Demonstrate the impact of your work in-person, among senior peers.
- Build visibility and confidence in a live setting.
- Connect with fellow finalists and industry leaders who are shaping the future of workplace experience.
There are also open sessions throughout the day, giving attendees the chance to observe other finalist presentations and learn from organisations across sectors.
One Day, Complete Recognition
After presentations wrap at 3:30pm, teams have a few hours to explore London before reconvening for the awards ceremony that evening. Recognition, peer learning, team development, and celebration – it all happens in a single day.
The Field This Year So Far
The 2026 shortlist so far reflects the breadth of EX ambition across the UK right now. Bupa, Lloyds Banking Group, Octopus Energy, DHL Supply Chain, and StepChange Debt Charity are among the 18 organisations who have made the finals, alongside specialist businesses and growth-stage companies.
The full list spans global enterprises, financial services, healthcare, energy, and independent businesses. And they all have one thing in common: a genuine commitment to putting their people first.
Among the finalists, manufacturing company Verplas stands out. They took home three golds at last year’s awards and are pushing for the overall title in 2026. Their journey is a compelling one: starting from a hostile, toxic culture, they undertook a complete leadership overhaul and a sustained focus on rebuilding trust. You do not need to be a sector giant or a market leader to succeed at UKEXA – you need to show real, meaningful progress.
Verplas will be among the first guests on the EX Lore podcast, launching soon on CXM. 2026 finalists will have the opportunity to share their own story on the show – another platform to get your work heard.
There’s Still Time
Entries close on 11th June. Visit e-x-a.co.uk for full details or speak directly with our Awards Consultant, Oscar, on +44 7577 244155. You can also book a call with him here.
