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.
By Barry Lawrence, HRCI Staff Blogger
Automobile innovator Henry Ford once asked, “Why is it every time I ask for a pair of hands, they come with a brain attached?”
Today, more than 60 years into the digital revolution, Ford’s remarks seem quaint at best. Companies recognize the importance of managing collective brainpower – the people or human resources that now drive critical business functions in the knowledge economy.
But what is it that really sets the stage for successful people management practices at high-performance organizations where “thinking workers” are the difference between good and great?
HR Best Practices Matter
New research commissioned by HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) and Top Employers Institute, Emerging Evidence: Business Performance and the Validation of HR Best Practices, sheds light on the importance of adopting HR best practices that are:
“Best practices in general have the most impact on business performance if they are embraced company-wide, starting at the top, and adopted smartly and sensitively by expert individuals,” according to the report.
Read more about the value of HR best practices in this breakthrough report from HRCI and Top Employers.
Certification Matters
The report also provides good news for the certification community! Certification – both at the organizational and individual level – is positively correlated with important measures of business performance.
The report notes that HRCI credentials assist companies in identifying professionals who have the knowledge and practice-based experience needed to make meaningful HR best practice decisions. At the same time, certification with Top Employers ensures leadership to implement best practices across the organization.
Businesses Are the Winners
The new findings provide exciting examples about the ROI value of HRCI certification. The analysis of nearly 100 companies, with more than five HR professionals with HRCI credentials, found that:
HRCI certification may also impact job satisfaction throughout an organization. A similar analysis of the Glassdoor ratings of more than 200 companies found that:
Similar results were found for organizations receiving certifications from Top Employers. Multinational companies with certifications from Top Employers also had significantly higher stock prices, compound revenue growth and job satisfaction ratings.
HR Driving Results
Other recent studies, such as an HRCI-commissioned analysis from the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO), have also found similar linkages between certification and increased business value.
In addition to providing HR professionals with numerous career advantages, supervisors in the HumRRO study reported that HRCI-certified practitioners perform at higher levels of excellence, are more effective at carrying out strategic HR tasks and have more experience in core HR bodies of knowledge.
“Our findings build on previous research to deliver the clear message that exceptional human resource management – from applying HR best practices to the competencies of the HR professionals who design and implement them – can demonstrably and positively contribute to the bottom line,” said Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink in the press release announcement.