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.
Congress took bipartisan action to ban forcing those alleging sexual harassment or sexual assault to pursue their claims through arbitration. The White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment issued a report with recommendations to promote employee organizing and collective bargaining. Ahead of National Caregivers Day, the US Department of Labor advised that healthcare workers have experienced a 249% increase in injury and illness rates. The Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board have entered a partnership to share information and conduct joint investigations and enforcement while the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance launched the Hiring to Reimagine Equity (HIRE) initiative.
Congress Passes Bill Banning Arbitration in Sexual Harassment Cases – The Congress has passed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 (H.R. 4445, S. 2342). The primary sponsors of the legislation are Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). There was bipartisan approval of the legislation, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 335 – 97, and the Senate by voice vote. The bill amends the Federal Arbitration Act to invalidate arbitration agreements that preclude a party from filing a lawsuit in court in sexual harassment or sexual assault cases. make pre-dispute arbitration clauses and waivers unenforceable in sexual harassment and sexual assault cases brought under federal or state law. Following Senate passage, Senator Gillibrand stated, “This bill is one of the most significant workplace reforms in the last 50 years and is a major step forward toward changing a system that uses secrecy to protect perpetrators and silence survivors.” President Biden indicated that he intends to sign the legislation.
Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment Issues Report – The White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment issued a report containing nearly 70 recommendations designed to promote employee organizing and collective bargaining. The Task Force was established by an executive order and is chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris. The charge to the task force was to “identify executive branch policies, practices, and programs that could be used, consistent with applicable law, to promote [the] Administration’s policy of support for worker power, worker organizing, and collective bargaining.” According to Secretary of Labor Mary Walsh, “The report’s recommendations put the federal government’s policy of encouraging worker organizing and collective bargaining front and center and empowers workers to build a stronger economy and better quality of life for them and their families.”
Listed below are the four main categories of recommendations with each one containing several suggested actions designed to implement the recommendations:
The report noted that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021 only 10.3% of American workers belonged to a union. A recent Gallup survey found that 68% approve of unions, the highest level of approval since 1965. The taskforce is scheduled to submit its second report in six months.
Healthcare Workers Injury/Illness Rates Soar – The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2020, U.S. healthcare workers experienced a 249% increase in injury and illness rates. According to DOL, workers in the healthcare and social assistance industries combined, “suffered more injuries and illnesses than workers in any industry in the nation.” National Caregivers Day is observed on the third Friday in February (February 18, 2022). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognized the sacrifices caregivers have made during the pandemic and urged “healthcare employers and those in related industries to take immediate actions to help make 2022 less hazardous and reduce worker injuries and illnesses.” OSHA recommends that employers implement a proactive safety and health program that addresses hazards and trains employees.
DOL & NLRB Announce Partnership – The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor (DOL) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have entered into an agreement to strengthen their partnership by sharing information, conducting joint investigations and enforcement as well as undertaking training and education. According to Jessica Looman, DOL Acting Wage and Hour Administrator, “Collaborating with the National Labor Relations Board will expand both of our agencies’ impact and effectiveness in enforcing workplace protections and combatting misclassification and preventing retaliation against them.” The cooperative agreement will support the joint goals of the DOL and NLRB to protect workers who exercise their workplace rights and educate employers about their legal responsibilities under federal laws.
EEOC & OFCCP Launch HIRE Initiative – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP) launched the Hiring to Reimagine Equity (HIRE) initiative. The agencies hosted the first in a planned series of roundtables on January 19th. According to EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows, the “collaboration between EEOC and OFCCP will help create an economy that works for everyone.”
This initiative is designed to be a multi-year joint effort that will bring together various stakeholders and according to the sponsors is “designed to expand access to good jobs for workers from underrepresented communities and help address key hiring and recruitment challenges.” The sponsors plan to use this initiative to identify actionable strategies to promote employer practices and policies that advance equity. The EEOC and OFCCP plan to develop guidance documents that will “promote evidence-based research and innovative initiative aimed at embedding equity in recruitment and hiring practices.”
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.