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 ReportsManaging the Changing Workplace: A Framework for HR
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.
Original research and expert analysis on the issues shaping HR today, from workforce safety and emerging technology to DEI and employee well-being.
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.
From rising absenteeism to safety risks, HRCI research reveals how extreme weather is reshaping workforce management and what HR can do now.
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.
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.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping work at lightning speed. In just a few short years, we’ve gone from AI that makes predictions, to AI that can generate entire documents or images, and now to agentic AI—systems that not only think but can also take action. For HR professionals, this evolution represents both opportunity and responsibility. Understanding what agentic AI is, how it differs from traditional AI, and how it may transform HR is critical to shaping the future of the workplace.
To understand agentic AI, it helps to look at the three major types of modern AI:
For background on how AI has evolved to this point, you can explore our article A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence.
AI Cheat Sheet
The defining feature of agentic AI is autonomy. Unlike predictive analytics, which simply forecasts, or generative AI, which creates, agentic AI can take instructions and carry them out, sometimes without additional human clicks. For example, instead of just drafting an onboarding checklist, an AI agent could send the emails, request equipment, generate credentials, and schedule training sessions.
HRCI Chief Business Officer Andre Allen explains:
“Predictive AI shows us what might happen, generative AI creates something new, but agentic AI takes the next step: acting on our behalf. For HR, that means reimagining the work we do every day—shifting time from repetitive processes to higher-value human interactions.”
In an August 2025 LinkedIn poll of the HRCI audience, 39% of respondents identified “efficient inquiry handling” as the most valuable feature of an HR-focused AI chatbot. This makes sense—employees want fast, accurate answers to everyday questions about policies, benefits, or procedures, and HR professionals want to reduce the repetitive clicks behind those inquiries.
So far, most of this efficiency has come from generative AI, which powers conversational chatbots that deliver quick, well-structured responses. HRCI CHAT is one example of how generative AI is already supporting HR professionals by making knowledge more accessible, scalable, and conversational.
But this is only the beginning. The real leap forward comes with agentic AI, which doesn’t just answer questions but can also act on them.
Imagine the difference:
Instead of simply directing a new hire to an onboarding checklist, an agentic AI chatbot could send the necessary forms, trigger IT requests for equipment and access, and schedule orientation automatically, removing dozens of manual steps for the HR professional.
That shift, from answering to executing, delivers efficiency at scale, freeing HR professionals from administrative bottlenecks and improving the employee experience at the same time.
As promising as agentic AI is, HR leaders also need to be clear-eyed about the risks.
Autonomy and oversight
The more autonomy an AI agent is given, the higher the risk of unintended consequences. Agents could misinterpret instructions, expose confidential data, or introduce errors into business systems. Until the technology matures, organizations will need to keep AI agents on a short leash.
Shaping the digital workforce
HR already plays a central role in the lifecycle of human employees: hiring, onboarding, training, growth, and exit. In the future, HR will also need to play a meaningful role—alongside IT, technology, compliance, and business leaders—in guiding the lifecycle of digital employees (AI agents). That includes helping determine how responsibilities for digital workers differ from those of human employees and ensuring people practices remain at the center of this evolution.
Allen emphasizes, “For decades, HR has managed the lifecycle of human employees, from hiring through exit. Soon, there will be a responsibility to manage the lifecycle of digital employees. It won’t be HR’s role alone—this will be a shared responsibility across leadership—but HR’s perspective is essential to ensure the human element isn’t lost.”
Security and compliance
Perhaps the biggest near-term challenge is data security. Agents acting with too much autonomy could unintentionally share or delete sensitive data. HR professionals should be highly involved when decisions are made about the use of agentic AI, ensuring safeguards are in place.
For more perspective on preparing the workforce for these changes, read our blog Artificial Intelligence Literacy Is a Shared Responsibility.
It’s early days for agentic AI, but the direction is clear: workplaces will soon consist of both human and digital workforces. By understanding what agentic AI is and how it can be applied safely, HR can help ensure organizations maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
How can HR help?
At HRCI, we are committed to supporting HR professionals as they navigate this transformation. Through our AI + HR Resource Library, learning courses, and thought leadership, we’ll continue to help you explore AI in HR, so you can lead your organization confidently in the era of agentic AI.
Agentic AI represents a new frontier: AI that not only thinks but acts. For HR, this opens possibilities for automating complex workflows, enhancing employee experiences, and reimagining the future of work. But it also comes with serious responsibilities—especially around governance, ethics, and security.
By staying informed and engaged, HR professionals can ensure they’re not just reacting to these changes but contributing meaningfully to how organizations adapt. The future of work will include both human and digital employees—and HR will be an essential player in guiding both.
At HRCI, we will continue to help guide the HR community through this evolution. From articles and research to courses and our growing AI + HR Resource Library, we’re committed to being a trusted partner as you navigate the era of agentic AI.
To explore our AI in HR related resources, visit the HRCI ENGAGE AI + HR Resource Library. New resources will be added on a continual basis, so check back often.
Access is open to all HRCI ENGAGE members. If you are not yet a member, join for free today.