About the Awards
At FriendsSquare, we believe that when people thrive, workplaces flourish.The FSQ People Excellency Awards is our way of spotlighting the individuals and organisations who are reimagining the future of work in India—with empathy, intention, and impact.
The FSQ People Excellency Awards is our tribute to HR leaders, culture innovators, and people-first organisations shaping the future of work in India.
This isn't just another award—it's a movement. A first-of-its-kind platform that celebrates the HR leaders, culture builders, and people-first powerhouses who are putting humans at the heart of business strategy.
We honour not just outcomes, but the bold ideas, inclusive mindsets, and human-centric initiatives that unlock both potential and performance.
Why Now?
Over 70% of employees say that feeling valued is the single most important factor in workplace satisfaction—and yet, recognition remains one of the most overlooked tools in building a thriving workforce
As workplaces evolve at lightning speed, one thing remains constant: it's people who power progress. In an era marked by rapid change, hybrid models, and increasing burnout, those who lead with empathy, foster belonging, and ignite innovation are not just valuable—they're essential.
Recognizing them now isn't just about handing out a trophy. It's about amplifying a message: People-first leadership matters.
Because if we don't stop to spotlight those creating positive impact today, we risk losing the very culture we're striving to build for tomorrow.
Nominate someone who's making work, work—for people. Let's honor excellence where it starts: with individuals.
Why Participate / Nominate
Award Categories
| Category Type | Award Category | Eligibility / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Awards | Emerging Talent Awards | Professionals under 40 or in early career stages showing high potential in L&D or HR |
| Mid-Level & Specialist Awards | Mid-career professionals or specialists showcasing leadership, innovation, or impact in people development | |
| Senior Leadership Awards | Senior executives driving strategic transformation and people-led excellence | |
| Diversity, Inclusion & Empowerment | Individuals actively promoting DEI and women's empowerment | |
| Entrepreneurial & Lifetime Awards | Entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, or veterans with groundbreaking or lifelong contributions to L&D | |
| Women in Leadership & Learning | Women driving transformation, mentorship, and workforce development | |
| Industry-Specific Individual Awards | Information Technology | L&D/HR/Tech leaders driving reskilling, upskilling, or digital-first learning in IT |
| Manufacturing | Professionals embedding L&D in operations, safety, and continuous improvement | |
| Business Consulting | Consultants integrating learning with client or firm strategy | |
| Hospitality | L&D professionals elevating customer service and frontline skills in hospitality | |
| Pharma | Leaders ensuring compliance, innovation, and future-ready skills in pharma | |
| Healthcare | Educators advancing patient safety, communication, and clinical education | |
| Media & Entertainment | Professionals fostering creative skills and innovation in media | |
| Design | L&D leaders enhancing creativity and design thinking | |
| Architecture | Architecture professionals promoting sustainable education | |
| Banking & Finance | L&D leaders driving tech-enabled, regulatory learning in BFSI | |
| Organisational Awards | Digital, Data & Innovation | Organisations leveraging technology, data, and innovation to transform learning |
| Team Excellence | Internal L&D teams demonstrating collaboration, transformation, and peer learning impact | |
| Culture & Strategy | Organisations embedding learning culture, agility, coaching, and mental health into workplace development |
For full details and nomination guidelines, please download the Award Category Guide.
Download GuideJudging Process & Criteria
Nominee Proposal Submission
1st March 2026
Final entries are collected and locked in for further evaluation steps.
Initial Screening
Our team reviews all submissions to confirm eligibility across the defined criteria.
Jury Evaluation
Expert panel assesses shortlisted entries using predefined criteria and scoring guidelines.
Awards Day and Winner Reveal
21st March 2026
The awaited moment when winners are revealed and gather to celebrate their achievements.
How our Awards Work
📝 Judging Criteria
We focus on unique accomplishments, ethical standards, innovation, and measurable impact.
💡 Pertinent Fairness & Integrity
Judges adhere to the competition's ethical code. Each nomination is evaluated on merit.
🔒 Confidentiality
All details submitted are kept strictly confidential by our team and judges.
How Judging Works
Grand Jury
- Finalists are assessed by the grand jury to select the ultimate winners.
- Winners are revealed and celebrated at the award ceremony.
Thorough Review Process
- Expert judges bring deep industry insight to evaluate all entries.
- A rigorous two-tier process narrows submissions to the top 5 per category.
Meet the Jury
FAQ
- Select your award categories.
- Submit your nomination and supporting evidence.
- Evaluation by our expert jury.
- Celebrate your success at the Grand Gala in Delhi.
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