SHRM’s ParagonLabs Kicks off National Competition in Search of Best Workplace Technologies

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, ParagonLabs, a workplace innovation lab powered by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), announced the first ever Better Workplaces Challenge Cup, a national competition for startup enterprises to present forward-thinking workplace tech innovations directly to HR and business professionals from around the country. This is a groundbreaking competition in the field of human resources (HR).

ParagonLabs created the Challenge Cup to spur the development of technologies that can propel the HR profession and enhance the workplace. The Challenge Cup is part of ParagonLabs’ efforts to bridge a long existing gap between HR and workplace tech innovators. Through 19 local and five regional rounds of competition taking place February to May 2021, the judges will look for innovations that solve today's most pressing workplace challenges. The tech creation must directly work towards building better workplaces, such as solutions to improve diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, employee communication and engagement, health and wellness, leadership development, performance management, or other matters that impact the workplace.

As startups move from the regional to the final round, the competitors will receive mentoring from workplace experts. Five finalists will present their idea at SHRM’s Annual Conference & Expo, June 20-23, virtually and in Chicago.

“Technology has undoubtedly taken center stage this year – showcasing its remarkable capabilities to enhance how we work. Organizations have counted on it to support their workforces and help maneuver the challenges of working amid a global pandemic. Both business leaders and employees are seeing the potential firsthand to bolster performance if they have the right technologies in place,” said Guillermo Corea, managing director of ParagonLabs.

Corea added: “This competition will open the door even wider for startups to harness the insights of HR to see how these technologies will standup in the workplace. It’s an opportunity to test these innovations in front of the very people who know the workplace best.”

In Chicago, the finalists will present to a panel of judges comprised of HR and business leaders in front of an audience of investors, HR professionals, fellow innovators and leading media organizations. The winner of the Better Workplaces Challenge Cup will receive a cash prize of $50,000 and learn about investment opportunities to get their innovation off the ground and in workplaces everywhere.

Learn more about the Better Workplaces Challenge Cup.

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.