Thomas & Company’s SHIELD Analytics for UCM Named a 2026 Top HR Product of the Year by HR Executive

Award-winning analytics solution helps employers turn unemployment claims data into actionable insights for smarter, more strategic cost management.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thomas & Company today shared that SHIELD Analytics for UCM has been named a Top HR Product by HR Executive, one of only 14 solutions to earn the designation for 2026.

Hosted by HR Executive and HR Tech, the annual Top HR Products competition aims to uncover the most impactful and forward-thinking technologies introduced into the market over the last year. Each submission is reviewed by a panel of esteemed judges and then assessed for innovation, functionality, ease of use and value to HR organizations. After a rigorous evaluation and live product demonstration, SHIELD Analytics for UCM was recognized as a Top HR Product of 2026.

As employers face rising pressure to control costs, improve compliance and make faster workforce decisions, unemployment cost management can no longer rely on disconnected reports or reactive workflows. SHIELD Analytics for UCM meets a clear market need by turning complex unemployment data into actionable insights, giving HR and finance teams the visibility they need to identify trends, reduce unnecessary costs and manage claims with greater confidence. The solution helps organizations move from hindsight to foresight, improving outcomes while strengthening the strategic value of their UCM programs.

SHIELD Analytics for UCM gives employers a centralized, intuitive view of their unemployment claims and cost data, transforming complex program information into clear dashboards and reporting. The tool enables organizations to slice and analyze data across multiple organizational levels, from enterprise-wide performance to individual locations, helping teams identify trends, uncover opportunities, and better understand cost drivers.

By comparing current results against past performance, and industry peers, employers can more clearly measure impact, evaluate claims outcomes and make more informed decisions to manage unemployment costs proactively and strategically.

“SHIELD Analytics for UCM was built in direct response to what we heard from our clients: they needed a clearer, more flexible way to understand their unemployment claims data and use it to make better decisions,” said Bob Austin, SVP of Employer Services at Thomas & Company. “By giving employers the ability to drill into insights based on their own business structures and compare performance over time, we’re helping them move beyond reporting to more proactive, strategic unemployment cost management.”

Jill Barth, returning judge and HR Tech Editor for HR Executive, shared, “Something that stood out to the judges this year was the variety of ways HR tech is evolving to meet the realities of today’s workplace. The 2026 Top HR Product winners go beyond innovation for innovation’s sake – they are turning new capabilities into practical solutions for both HR teams and their people.”

Thomas & Company will be honored on Monday, October 19, during the HR Icons Awards Evening at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the night before HR Tech 2026. Those attending the conference will have the opportunity to see Thomas & Company’s award-winning SHIELD Analytics for UCM in action by visiting Booth No. 1908 during expo hours Tuesday, October 20 to Thursday, October 22.

More information about Thomas & Company’s SHIELD Analytics for UCM is available at https://thomas-and-company.com/shield-analytics/.

About HR Executive

Established in 1987, HR Executive is the premier global media company covering strategic issues in HR. Part of the Arc network, HR Executive provides more than 175,000 subscribers with news, content and analysis of global HR trends. HR Executive is where HR professionals go when they need to know, providing in-depth coverage on all facets of human resource management, including recruiting, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, learning and development, employment law, talent management, the latest technologies and more. Visit hrexecutive.com.

About HR Tech

HR Tech is the industry's premier event series showcasing breakthrough HR technologies, with its flagship U.S. conference serving as its cornerstone since 1997. HR Tech in the U.S. features the world's largest expo of innovative HR solutions, live product demonstrations and the industry’s preeminent startup competition. The HR Tech portfolio has expanded globally with additional annual events in Europe and Asia, creating a worldwide network of innovation hubs that shape the future of work.

HR Tech is part of the event arm of HR Executive, a prestigious global media company established in 1987 that delivers news, content and analysis of strategic HR trends to more than 220,000 subscribers worldwide. The synergy between the events and media channels enables the brands to create a comprehensive knowledge ecosystem that addresses all aspects of human resource management, establishing the organization as the definitive authority for visionary HR leaders. Visit www.HRTechConference.com to learn more.

About Thomas Company

Thomas & Company is a leading provider of value-added employer services and innovative solutions to support employee relations programs. The company is an industry leader in unemployment cost management, employment and wage verifications, and tax credit solutions, serving clients with unmatched expertise and dedication for over 30 years. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Thomas & Company empowers organizations to navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve their business objectives.

For more information about Thomas & Company, visit thomas-and-company.com or follow the company’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/thomas-and-company-inc/.

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