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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 Reports
Featured Research

Managing 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.

Remote working conference call
Did You Know?
59%
Workplace Relationship Policies
say their company does not enforce policies prohibiting romantic relationships between employees
Source: HRCI Alchemizing HR poll, January 2025
89%
Leadership Overreach
say leaders take on problems that should belong to someone else
Source: HRCI Alchemizing HR webinar poll, April 2026
55%
Political Discussions at Work
of HR professionals are somewhat, minimally, or not at all prepared to handle politically-charged discussions at work
Source: HRCI Report — Managing Political Polarization in the Workplace, 2025
Recent Reports

Original research and expert analysis on the issues shaping HR today, from workforce safety and emerging technology to DEI and employee well-being.

The Secret Ingredients of Workplace Fulfillment

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.

The Vital Role of Professional Development

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.

Small Conflicts Don't Stay Small

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.

Extreme Weather and the Workplace

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

The 2026 State of HR Report

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 Report

State of HR Spotlight Reports

Safety, Polarization, and Stress

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 and Their Outlook for HR

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.

HR Professionals and Technological Change

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.

Attitudes Toward Remote Work

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.

Professionals Problem Solving

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. 

 

Research Archive

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.

 

Ai Superpower
Strengthening AI Skills in HR

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.

Empowering the Intelligent Workplace

Explore how HR can turn AI adoption into a strategic advantage—balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.

Becoming Recovery-Friendly

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.

Diversity Initiatives in 2025

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.

Managing Political Polarization in the Workplace

This report provides critical insights and actionable strategies for HR leaders to foster a more harmonious and productive work environment. 

Webinar online learning

Beyond the Data

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.

 

HR Leads Business Blog

News and perspectives on the issues driving the HR profession forward.

Feb 10, 2026, 16:19 PM by Amy Dufrane. Ed.D., CAE, SPHR CEO, HRCI

One Year of HRCI ENGAGE: What We’ve Built and Where We’re Going Next

A one-year reflection on how the HRCI ENGAGE community has grown globally, and how shared insight, trust, and connection continue to shape the work of HR.

As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of HRCI ENGAGE, it’s a welcome opportunity to pause and reflect on what we have built together. 

If you’re not familiar, HRCI ENGAGE is HRCI’s free online community built specifically for HR professionals. HRCI ENGAGE began with the belief that meaningful progress in HR happens through shared experience, open exchange, and trust. What it has become reflects how fully this community has brought that belief to life. 

During the past year, HRCI ENGAGE has grown into a space shaped by participation. Thousands of conversations, direct connections, and discussions have taken place among HR professionals around the world—with community members representing 153 countries and territories—each one reflecting a real question asked, an insight offered, or a challenge worked through collectively. That steady engagement is what gives this community its depth and relevance. 

What stands out most is not the volume of activity, but when and how members show up. HR work often comes with moments that require practical judgment, peer perspective, and timely insight—without a built-in team to lean on. HRCI ENGAGE has become a place professionals turn to in those moments, not for theory or posturing, but for real-world experience they can apply right away. 

Many HR professionals do their work without easy access to peers who understand the realities of the role. HRCI ENGAGE helps close that gap by bringing together practitioners from different organizations, industries, and parts of the world to learn from one another and share practical experience. 

This community works because it is built on trust. HRCI ENGAGE is a moderated, purpose-built space where HR professionals from around the world connect authentically, problem-solve together, and exchange ideas grounded in the realities of the work. As the profession continues to evolve, so have the conversations; becoming broader, more nuanced, and informed by perspectives shaped across industries, regions, and workplaces. 

As we mark this milestone, we do so with both appreciation and momentum. HRCI ENGAGE continues to support HR professionals in the moments that matter most, offering practical insight, trusted peer perspective, and connection that helps people move forward with confidence. The future of HRCI ENGAGE, as always, will be shaped by this community and the work we continue to do together. 

Thank you for contributing your questions, perspectives, and experience—and for helping shape HRCI ENGAGE through the work you do here every day. 

If you haven’t yet, join HRCI ENGAGE today. We look forward to welcoming you. 

 

Related Learning & Resources 

HRCI ENGAGE  

One Year of HRCI ENGAGE