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.
The Biden Administration has announced the deadline for federal contractors to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, while a lawsuit has been filed challenging the requirement that federal employees be vaccinated. The Administration also plans to focus on protecting workers from extreme heat while the Labor Department has finalized the tipped worker regulation and released the annual employee benefits report.
Federal Contractor Vaccine Deadlines Announced – The Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce has issued guidance setting December 8th as the deadline for employees of federal contractors to receive COVID-19 vaccinations unless they are entitled to an accommodation. The taskforce had previously set November 22nd as the deadline for federal employees to be fully vaccinated.
Contractors may be required to provide an accommodation to their employees who communicated that they are not vaccinated against COVID-19 due to a disability or a sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance.
A lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for Washington by military and civilian employees challenging the requirement that federal employees be vaccinated. There have been several other lawsuits challenging vaccine mandates filed by employees against both governments and the private sector. Additionally, the Arizona attorney general has filed the first lawsuit challenging the requirement that employers with at least 100 employees be vaccinated or subject to weekly testing, with other attorney generals are expected to file similar lawsuits.
Administration Announces Steps to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat – As part of a broader initiative to respond to extreme heat, the Biden Administration released a fact sheet that includes several steps that will be implemented to protect workers. The fact sheet observed that “Heat is a growing workplace hazard, with the climate crisis making extreme heat more frequent and severe.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be initiating a rulemaking process focused on heat illness prevention in outdoor and indoor work settings. An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will be published soon in the Federal Register soliciting comments on this issue.
OSHA plans to launch a new enforcement initiative to protect workers in hazardous indoor and outdoor work settings. OSHA will prioritize interventions and workplace inspections on days when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees. OSHA’s efforts to educate and assist employers with heat illness prevention will be expanded.
OSHA also will be developing a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat inspections that will target high-risk industries and focus resources and staff on heat inspections. The goal is to complete the NEP prior to Summer 2022. Finally, a Heat Illness Prevention Work Group is being formed as part of the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health. The work group will provide a better understanding of the challenges and best practices in protecting workers from heat hazards.
DOL Finalizes Tipped Workers Regulation – The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized a regulation allowing it to assess civil money penalties against employers who take the tips earned by their employees. The revised regulation becomes effective on November 23, 2021. In announcing the revised regulation, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh stated, “Workers who depend on tipped wages are every bit as entitled to expect to keep what they’ve earned as other workers.”
According to DOL, the regulation withdraws the provisions concerning civil money penalties that was included in the 2020 final tip rule that would have allowed the department to assess civil money penalties for violations only when employers kept the tips of their workers, and the violations were either repeated or willful.
The revised regulation, based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 allows DOL to impose civil money penalties up to $1,100 when employers keep employees’ tips in violation of the law regardless of whether violations are repeated or willful. Managers are only allowed to keep tips when they receive the tips directly from customers for service, they “directly and solely provided.”
BLS Issues Employee Benefits Report – The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued its 2021 employee benefits report that is based on information provided by a total of 7,439 organizations with 6,007 being in the private sector and 1,432 from state and local government. Highlights from the BLS report include:
Neil Reichenberg is the former executive director of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. He is an attorney, a frequent writer and speaker on public policy and human resource issues, and an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University. For questions or additional information, contact Reichenberg at neilreichenberg@yahoo.com.