Awardco Brings MCP Support to Claude, Copilot, Gemini and Glean

MCP connects AI assistants to Awardco data

Awardco introduced what it describes as the first Model Context Protocol connector in employee recognition earlier this year, releasing it to beta customers in early 2026. The company said the full MCP capability is now available for multiple large language models after months of beta testing focused on capability and security.

Powered by Awardco Intelligence, the connector lets users work with their own recognition and engagement data in plain language instead of relying on dashboards. Awardco said the MCP is available in conjunction with Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini and Glean.

Users can draft actions, with approval required

According to Awardco, the connector can help users draft and send recognitions, look up recognitions, people, reports and analytics, and draft a recognition program. Recognition messages are sent only with human input, review and final approval, while recognition programs are saved as drafts for human review and confirmation.

These functions are designed to make workforce signals and recognition information accessible through an organization's existing AI assistant. Awardco said the connector allows HR leaders and employees to work with their data in plain language, while keeping people involved in decisions and actions.

Permissions and data controls remain in place

Awardco said access to its MCP is bounded by design. The connector acts as the person using it, carries that person's existing Awardco permissions and grants no new ones. The company also said the MCP does not act on its own assumptions and that every action requires human confirmation.

The connector does not read survey responses, according to Awardco, and does not act independently. Customer data is never used to train third-party AI models, the company said.

“Our customers have spent years building recognition data that says something real about their people, and most of it has remained locked in dashboards,” Steve Sonnenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Awardco, said. “This brings that insight to where our customers already work, and it drafts while they decide, and crucially the final call stays with the admin every time.”

What the release means for Awardco customers

The release gives organizations using Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini or Glean a way to access Awardco recognition and engagement workflows through those assistants, while preserving existing permissions and requiring confirmation for actions. It also extends the beta connector into full MCP capability for the supported assistants named by the company.

At RCGNZ Summit 2026, Awardco also introduced enhancements across recognition, engagement, connection and rewards, and teased a new incentives product called Awardco Incentivize. The company said these developments are leading toward a record-breaking 2027.