The HRCI Research Hub brings together original studies, workforce polling, reports, and expert analysis, so you can act on what's happening now and prepare for what's next.
The State of HR Featured ReportsRecovery as a Workforce Strategy
Drawing on HRCI research, workforce data, and expert insight, this report examines the workplace impact of substance use disorder and the practical steps HR can take to strengthen culture, manager readiness, benefits, policies, and recovery support.
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Original research and expert analysis on the issues shaping HR today, from workforce safety and emerging technology to DEI and employee well-being.
From return-to-office decisions and hybrid work to contractors and other non-traditional workers, this HRCI report explores the latest research and how HR can use data to make more informed, evidence-based workplace decisions.
From career paths to culture, this research identifies what actually separates HR professionals who are just getting by from those who are truly fulfilled—and what leaders can do to close that gap and build a more committed team.
This research uncovers where professional development is falling short, from misaligned training priorities to gaps in AI readiness, and what it takes to build a workforce equipped for what's next.
From bullying, political tension to substance use and violence prevention, this research covers workplace safety—what the data reveals, what's at stake, and what you can do to reduce risk and build a more resilient organization.
The State of HR
Based on HRCI’s survey of thousands of HR professionals, the State of HR report examines the issues defining the profession today. From AI and workplace culture to talent, leadership, and career growth, the report reveals how HR teams are adapting to change and preparing for the future. Explore the data, trends, and insights shaping the world of work below.
Download the Full ReportState of HR Spotlight Reports
Half of HR professionals work in environments marked by polarized viewpoints, and 4 in 10 describe their stress as extreme or high. Find out what the data reveals about conflict, mental health, and what it means for your organization.
HR professionals are broadly optimistic about their field — but over 4 in 10 are considering careers outside of it. Explore what's driving both the enthusiasm and the tension, and what it takes to build a team of true HR believers.
71% of HR professionals use AI regularly, yet more than half say implementing new technology is the area they feel least prepared to handle. See where the preparation gap is widest and what needs to change now.
83% of HR professionals believe remote work benefits organizations—but the debate is far from settled. Get the data on where HR stands on flexibility, productivity, and the return-to-office conversation.
More Insights for HR Professionals
Explore the issues shaping HR today and get the data you need to lead with confidence, make informed decisions, and move the profession forward.
Recovery friendly workplaces reduce absenteeism, improve retention, and strengthen workplace culture—yet most organizations haven't made meaningful progress. This HRCI and Fors Marsh research reveals why: stigma, undertrained HR teams, and weak leadership buy-in top the list. Understand where the gaps are and what organizations that get it right do differently.
Earning an HRCI certification builds earning power. Within four years, the median HRCI certificant earns 33% more than they did before getting certified. That's double the salary growth of comparable HR professionals over the same period. See what the data shows about the career and financial impact of HRCI certification.
HR is ready to lead, but is the organization ready to let it? This 2024 HRCI and MindEdge research report surfaces a striking disconnect: while 88% of HR professionals believe HR should drive business strategy, only half say leadership agrees. Add in underfunding, understaffing, and persistent burnout, and the case for rethinking HR's role has never been stronger.
AI is reshaping the workplace, and HR professionals are watching closely. This HRCI and MindEdge survey of HR practitioners reveals how the profession is navigating AI adoption, persistent burnout, rising turnover, and the evolving push and pull of remote work. Find out where your peers stand, and what the data means for the work you do every day.
Browse our complete library of research reports, guides, and frameworks. Whether you're building a business case, navigating a workforce challenge, or staying ahead of what's next, the intelligence you need is here.
From rising absenteeism to safety risks, HRCI research reveals how extreme weather is reshaping workforce management and what HR can do now.
Over three-quarters of HR professionals use AI weekly, but most have had little to no training. Learn how to build real confidence and capability starting today.
Explore how HR can turn AI adoption into a strategic advantage—balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.
This research-backed guide gives HR professionals the data and practical steps to build a recovery-friendly culture that reduces risk and supports your people.
The report explores the realities of managing DEI programs in today’s climate—where values alignment, stakeholder trust, and business performance are all on the line.
This report provides critical insights and actionable strategies for HR leaders to foster a more harmonious and productive work environment.
HRCI webinars go beyond the basics. Each session unpacks the trends, data, and real-world strategies HR professionals need to lead with confidence today and adapt to what's coming next.
News and perspectives on the issues driving the HR profession forward.
Human resources professionals have experienced their fair share of disruptive HR trends in the past couple of years, but that disruption isn’t slowing.
The pace of change is only picking up, and the latest trends indicate that 2022 will bring more pressure on HR to design strategic solutions to overarching labor problems. Companies are laying out their post-pandemic business strategies, employees are resigning at record rates and, amid the upheaval, we still need to identify leaders to take our companies to the next level.
HR plays a vital role in solving these challenges. Here are some of the disruptive HR trends you need to be prepared for in 2022.
During COVID-19, HR’s role in driving the business strategy has been reactive. For decades, HR professionals have been working toward their “seat at the table,” but the pandemic really brought HR to the forefront in a big way. Among the biggest disruptive trends will be the business’s increased reliance on HR to make strategic talent management decisions related to internal mobility, engagement and retention.
In 2022, HR will proactively look at the business strategy and develop a talent strategy to support business priorities. This requires a conversation between HR and other business leaders, who must come together to set the business strategy for the future of work.
The labor market will remain employee-driven in 2022. Employees are resigning at record rates, and turnover is projected to remain high. Employers will have to revisit their branding and value propositions to retain their top performers.
HR will have to design a total rewards strategy that drives retention. Developing clearer paths for internal mobility, for example, can help keep employees engaged and moving forward within the company. Additional benefits to attract employees include support for mental health and financial wellness, as well as additional paid time off for religious observances and bereavement.
HR leaders will have to focus on building a company culture that enriches employee experiences and feeds their sense of purpose. “It’s such a time of uncertainty,” says Ralph Kellogg, Assistant Vice President of HR at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. “You have to make the work environment as certain and inviting as possible.”
And it’s not just the employee experience you need to think about. Candidate experience will remain a priority in 2022, especially if the labor market remains tight. Recent research from Talent Board found that 57% of candidates shared negative experiences with their inner circles, and 32% shared negative experiences publicly online. Conversely, 75% and 50% shared positive experiences with their inner circles and publicly online, respectively.
The experiences you provide can have a significant impact on your ability to continue attracting top talent.
The workplace itself will continue evolving in 2022. Artificial intelligence and HR technology disruptions will remain constant. As companies decide their long-term remote and hybrid work policies and the workforce continues to evolve, HR must help redefine the qualities needed to lead in these changing circumstances.
In digital environments, managers will need to facilitate work and support employees without micromanaging them. In performance management conversations, for example, managers should be able to help facilitate work while staying alert to signs of burnout.
“Soft” skills such as emotional intelligence will be important to seek out and foster in future leadership candidates. “It takes intention to check in with [employees] and make sure that they're OK,” Kellogg says.
The composition of the workforce is changing — across generations, abilities and other demographics. To lead diverse workforces, leaders themselves need to come from diverse backgrounds.
With so many disruptive HR trends converging in 2022, HR professionals have opportunities to step up and lead their workforces forward.