Bright Horizons Recognized for Excellence in Candidate Experience with Third Consecutive CandE Award

women interviewing

September 15, 2026 – Bright Horizons, a leading global provider of high-quality early education and childcare, back-up care, and workforce education services, has been recognized as a 2026 CandE winner for the third consecutive year in the Global Candidate Experience Benchmark Research and Awards Program. 

The Candidate Experience (CandE) Benchmark Research and Awards Program is the first program of its kind focused on the elevation and promotion of a quality candidate experience. Also known as The CandEs, the program was founded by Talent Board in 2011 and is now part of Survale. The CandE Benchmark Research Program delivers annual recruiting and hiring industry benchmark research that highlights accountability, fairness and the business impact of candidate experience. 

“How we engage candidates matters because it shapes their first impression of Bright Horizons and reflects our culture of caring,” said Stephanie Worley, Vice President, Talent Acquisition at Bright Horizons. “We are committed to creating experiences that are welcoming, inclusive, and authentic from the very beginning. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our Talent Acquisition team and their unwavering focus on delivering exceptional experiences that reflect who we are and the difference we strive to make every day.”

The Candidate Experience (CandE) Benchmark Research and Awards Program is for employers hiring anywhere around the world (North American, EMEA, APAC, and Latin American). The CandE Benchmark Research and Awards Program are comprised of two primary steps: the employer self-assessment survey; and the candidate surveys. To be considered for an award, an employer must successfully complete both steps and meet all criteria. Employers that meet the criteria for both steps and have above average (benchmark) positive candidate ratings and CandE Scores, are awarded a CandE Award and a CandE Award Winner designation stamp.

"In a slower hiring market, every candidate interaction is a chance to strengthen your employer brand — or weaken it. A thoughtful experience today builds the trust you’ll need tomorrow,” said Ron Machamer, Client Strategy Manager at Survale. “This year’s CandE Awards winners have again demonstrated their commitment to making impactful process improvements and we are delighted to recognize their work in raising the bar in recruitment and candidate experience.”

All CandE Award Winners will be recognized at this year’s virtual CandE Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

About Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Bright Horizons® is a leading provider of high-quality early education and child care, back-up care, and workforce education services. For 40 years, we have partnered with employers to support workforces by providing services that help working families and employees thrive personally and professionally. Bright Horizons operates approximately 1,000 early education and child care centers in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia and India, and serves more than 1,450 of the world’s leading employers. Bright Horizons’ early education and child care centers, back-up child and elder care, and workforce education programs help employees succeed at each life and career stage. For more information, go to www.brighthorizons.com.