The Human Touch: How an AI Leader Won on Workplace Culture

IRVING, Texas – February 09, 2026 – In an industry defined by algorithms and autonomous systems, workflow automation leader XBP Global Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: XBP) has achieved a distinction that underscores a different kind of intelligence: human connection. The company was recently named to Newsweek’s prestigious list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community 2026, an honor that highlights its commitment to fostering a deeply inclusive and supportive environment for its approximately 11,000 employees worldwide.

This recognition places XBP Global, a company at the forefront of deploying agentic AI and hyper-automation for over 2,500 clients, in a unique spotlight. It suggests that in the race to build the future of work, the most successful companies may be those that master the delicate balance between technological advancement and human-centric values. The award, granted in partnership with the Plant-A Insights Group, isn't a simple popularity contest; it's the result of a rigorous, data-driven analysis designed to identify organizations that are genuinely getting culture right.

Behind the Badge: The Rigor of a 'Greatest Workplace' Award

The Newsweek recognition is more than a plaque for the lobby; it represents a significant, third-party validation of a company's internal health. The methodology employed by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights is built on a foundation of large-scale, independent research. A primary component involves extensive, confidential surveys of employees, gathering direct feedback on their day-to-day experiences.

This process dives deep into the core tenets of a positive workplace, evaluating factors like inclusivity, perceived fairness, mutual respect between colleagues and management, and a shared alignment with company values. The research also analyzes the sense of psychological safety—the critical feeling that employees can voice ideas and concerns without fear of reprisal. This employee-sourced data is then combined with a thorough analysis of publicly available information, such as corporate social responsibility reports and stated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, to form a comprehensive picture.

For a company to earn a spot on the list for Culture, Belonging & Community, it must demonstrate a consistent, intentional effort to create an environment where all employees feel valued, heard, and connected. This data-driven approach lends significant weight to the award, signaling to the market, prospective talent, and clients that a company’s claims about its culture are backed by evidence.

Culture as a Core Operating System

For XBP Global, this recognition reinforces a philosophy that culture is not an ancillary HR program but a fundamental business driver. The company operates in a highly competitive sector where innovation, accountability, and flawless execution are paramount. The leadership's perspective is that these outcomes are a direct result of a well-nurtured internal environment.

“At XBP Global, culture is not a program, it’s how we show up for our people every day,” said Sandeep Sapru, President – Americas and Asia, XBP Global. “We believe that innovation, accountability, and execution are strongest when people feel a genuine sense of belonging and purpose. This recognition reinforces our commitment to building a workplace where individuals are empowered to do meaningful work, grow their careers, and contribute to something larger than themselves.”

This statement frames culture as a strategic asset, directly linking the feeling of belonging to tangible business results. In the world of AI and automation, where the work involves reimagining and often eliminating repetitive human tasks, fostering a sense of purpose is critical. By empowering employees to focus on higher-value, meaningful work, the company not only improves its service offerings but also enhances job satisfaction and professional growth for its team. This creates a virtuous cycle where an engaged workforce drives technological innovation, which in turn creates more opportunities for impactful work.

A Strategic Edge in the Fierce War for Talent

The timing of this award is particularly significant. The technology sector, especially in specialized fields like agentic AI, is embroiled in a fierce and ongoing “war for talent.” Companies are no longer competing on salary and stock options alone. Today’s top engineers, data scientists, and strategists are increasingly drawn to organizations with strong, positive cultures and a demonstrated commitment to employee well-being.

In this landscape, the Newsweek award serves as a powerful recruitment tool. It provides a competitive differentiator when stacked against other major players in the automation space, such as UIPath, ServiceNow, and Automation Anywhere, which also heavily invest in and promote their own workplace cultures. For a candidate weighing multiple offers, this external validation can be a decisive factor, signaling a workplace that prioritizes its people.

Furthermore, the benefits extend to talent retention. High turnover is costly and disruptive, particularly in knowledge-based industries. A culture of belonging and community directly combats this by fostering loyalty and engagement. Employees who feel connected to their colleagues and a larger mission are more likely to be motivated, productive, and committed to the organization's long-term success. This stability is not only good for morale but is also a signal of operational strength to investors and clients who rely on XBP Global’s expertise for mission-critical digital transformations.

A Blueprint for the Evolving Workplace

XBP Global’s achievement offers a potential blueprint for other organizations navigating the complexities of the modern economy. The award highlights a growing consensus that the future of work is not a zero-sum game between technology and humanity. As Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief at Newsweek, noted, the paradigm has shifted.

“Today’s employees seek environments where they feel valued, heard and connected—workplaces that prioritize culture, foster genuine belonging and build strong communities,” Cunningham stated. “Companies that embrace these principles don’t just attract top talent; they create spaces where people from all walks of life can collaborate, innovate and thrive.”

This perspective is crucial as more industries adopt AI and automation. The companies that will lead in this new era will be those that successfully integrate advanced technology while simultaneously elevating their investment in human capital. By proving that a culture of belonging can coexist with and even fuel a high-tech, high-performance business model, XBP Global demonstrates that the most intelligent workflows are ultimately powered by people. In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, this achievement serves as a powerful reminder that the most valuable asset in any organization remains its people.