After receiving 150+ nominations in its inaugural year, national awards program returns to honor three hourly workers with $1,000 Visa gift cards
ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Instant Financial, the fintech company modernizing payments for hourly workers and their employers, today launched its annual Workforce Warriors Awards, a national recognition program honoring hourly workers who go above and beyond every day. The awards program is now accepting nominations from employers, coworkers, community members and hourly workers themselves.
The program returns after a successful inaugural year that drew 150+ nominations highlighting hourly workers whose dedication, compassion and commitment made an impact on their workplaces and communities.
This year's awards come as many hourly workers continue to face significant financial pressures. Instant Financial's 2026 research found that 75% of hourly workers are living paycheck to paycheck, underscoring the challenges facing the workforce that keeps many of America's industries running.
"Last year, we received incredible nominations that reminded us just how many hourly workers are quietly going above and beyond every day," said Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial. "These workers are the backbone of our economy, but their hard work and dedication too often go unnoticed. Workforce Warriors is our opportunity to celebrate them, share their stories and provide our winners with $1,000 that we hope can make a meaningful difference."
Nominees are evaluated on their dedication, impact and the ways they go above and beyond in their roles. Three winners will each receive a $1,000 Visa gift card and will be celebrated across Instant's digital platforms.
The program runs in three phases:
- Round 1: Nominations open. Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 10th.
- Round 2: Top 10 announced. Ten finalists will be highlighted on Nov. 18th.
- Round 3: Winners announced. A judging panel will select three Workforce Warrior winners, each receiving a $1,000 Visa gift card. Winners are announced on Dec. 9th.
The 2026 judging panel features leaders across business, human resources and media:
- Tal Clark, CEO, Instant Financial
- Cherryh Cansler, Editor, Fast Casual
- Benjamin Elliott, U.S. CFO, Randstad
- Laura McLand, VP of Human Resources, Sun Holdings
- Brent Skinner, Executive Community Lead, HR.com
Do you know an hourly worker who deserves recognition? Nominations are now open through Nov. 10th, 2026. Visit instant.co/workforce-warrior/ to share their story and nominate a Workforce Warrior. Hourly workers may also nominate themselves.
About Instant Financial
Instant Financial is a fintech company modernizing payments and earned wage access for hourly workers and their employers. We provide earned wage access, digital tips, a tips calculator, and instant payments via banks, mobile wallets, or paycards, along with financial wellness services—giving frontline workers control over how and when they get paid. As the first company to offer earned wage access through a paycard, Instant has helped workers in restaurants, retail, hospitality, and beyond access over $8 billion in earnings and $5 billion in tips at no or low cost. Learn more atinstant.co.
Instant is a single-source payment solution provider, distinct from a bank. The card (i.e. the Instant Visa Debit Card or the Instant Virtual Card) is issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa, U.S.A. Inc. All other trademarks and service marks belong to their respective owners.
Media Contact
Hela Sheth, Instant Financial, 1 6789381318, [email protected], instant.co
SOURCE Instant Financial
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