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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

Recovery 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.

Recovery Strategy
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.

Managing the Changing Workplace

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.

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.

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
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.

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 14, 2022, 20:48 PM by Geoff Whiting

4 Ways to Protect Your Organization's HR Data

Protecting organizational and customer data requires an understanding of what you currently hold.
Data breaches are growing more challenging to weather as they become more expensive each year, rising 6.4% in 2018, according to an IBM Security and Ponemon Institute study. 

And while big customer data breaches often make the news, internal data can also pose big risks for organizations. “People are very vigilant with customer data and credit card data, but HR’s sensitive data is often overlooked,” said Erika Lance, senior vice president of people operations at security awareness training firm KnowBe4. “HR systems have a gold mine of information and some of the greatest security risks because they hold social security numbers and bank accounts.”

Here’s how to keep your employee’s data safe.

Start With a Data Inventory

Protecting organizational and customer data requires an understanding of what you currently hold. Conduct a thorough review of HR data, sales and marketing databases, email lists and content, account information and more.

Your company may discover that it is holding sensitive information it doesn’t need to keep. Employ legal and operational teams to remove unneeded data, and  limit who can access sensitive information.

Train Staff About Common Threats

Make sure every team member has effective training on on security practices. Anyone can click a bad link or download a malicious program that infects your network.

 “Training is everything,” says Heather Clauson Haughian, founder and managing partner of law firm Culhane Meadows. “The vast majority of data breaches are now caused by social engineering, not defeating state-of-the-art security systems.  If hackers can trick employees into falling for deceptive emails, they’re going to take the easy route.”

Probe for vulnerabilities by conducting tests outside of designated training times. Target each department throughout the year with malicious emails and links as well as attacking the network directly.

“This will let you know if employees retained the information in their training and are actually using it,” recommends Adnan Raja, vice president of marketing for the compliance-focused hosting provider Atlantic.Net. “Testing may be as simple as having IT send out a phishing email to see how employees react.”

Clarify Which Laws Apply to You

Security policies must protect your company against illegal activities while meeting regulatory requirements. You may need compliance support to ensure IT and HR efforts meet legal demands of your industry, operations, location and customers.

“You may be in Chicago, but you collect data about individuals from the EU who are in Chicago, so you need to understand the implications of the GDPR,” Haughian says. “Or, if your Chicago-based company collects data about individuals from California, you need to understand the implications of the California Consumer Privacy Act and just how stringent this new law is.”

Adopt More-Secure HR Technology

 The IBM and Ponemon Institute study found using encryption technology to be one of the most significant ways to decrease data breach costs. It can also limit the impact of internal and external threats.
“HR teams specifically should implement a true HRIS (Human Resources Information System),” Lance says . “Based on our research, many other software options don’t have proper security parameters in place. Some vendors don’t even have encryption for key data. If you don’t have a solid system like that in place with payroll and benefits integrated, you can be very prone to data exposure and data breaches.”