In just the past few years, employers around the world have navigated extraordinary disruption. A global pandemic reshaped how work happens. Political and social polarization entered the workplace. Organizations shifted to remote models—and in many cases, shifted back again. Now, artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining roles and expectations.
It would be understandable if HR teams—who sit at the center of these transitions—were worn out.
Instead, they are optimistic.
HRCI’s inaugural State of HR report captures insights from 4,583 HR professionals worldwide, making it the largest survey in our organization’s 50-year history. As a new flagship research initiative, the report examines how the HR profession is evolving, where departments are feeling pressure, and how leaders view the future of HR in 2026 and beyond.
The findings point to a profession that remains resilient and forward-looking. Among those surveyed:
The message is clear: despite mounting complexity, HR professionals believe in the value of their work and the future of their profession.
“As a group, HR professionals are optimistic and resilient. They understand that personnel is performance—and that how we cultivate our people is how we cultivate success.”
— Dr. Amy Dufrane, CEO of HRCI
That optimism does not mean the road ahead is simple. The research also surfaces important tensions shaping HR trends in 2026—from evolving career paths to expanding responsibilities and rising expectations around technology and strategy.
In the months ahead, we will explore these findings in greater depth, examining both the opportunities and the pressure points defining the modern HR function.
For now, one takeaway stands out: HR is not retreating in the face of change. It is adapting, evolving, and stepping forward.
Download the full 2026 State of HR report to explore the complete findings.