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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 Chris Scandlen, HRCI Chief Information Officer

7 New HR Tech Platforms Worth a Second Look

Here are 7 of our picks from among the HR Technology Conference and Expo’s Top HR Products for 2020.

As your workforce and processes continue to evolve, you need HR tech that can keep pace with those changes. 

This time of year is when many HR tech vendors unveil their latest features, with the HR Technology Conference and Exposition being one of the top places to learn what’s new. This year, the event is virtual and free to attend, creating new opportunities to research and compare products while getting real-time answers to your specific questions from vendors.

In advance of the show Oct. 27-30, 2020, the experts at Human Resource Executive® and the program chair of HR Tech released their curated list of Top HR Products for 2020. 

These platforms are designed to support your digital transformation, including payroll, remote hiring, and workforce planning and development. Here are seven of our favorites from this year’s list.

ADP’s Next Gen Pay

Payroll is perhaps the most critical of HR functions, but it’s often overlooked in conversations about innovation and disruption. Next Gen Pay is ADP’s answer to the most complex payroll challenges, delivering a global payroll platform that gives organizations and employees transparency into how people are being paid and how employment and lift changes will affect take-home pay.

Cornerstone Skills Graph

Reskilling is critical to workforce planning. Cornerstone Skills Graph supports strategic workforce reskilling and features 53,000 skills pulled from across all industries. The platform leverages sophisticated artificial intelligence to determine the skills your workforce will need tomorrow — so you can plan today.

PILOT

PILOT’s software-based employee coaching utilizes automated technology to support workforce development. Employees can customize their areas of development and work on their growth in snackable, mobile-friendly bites.

Moodtracker

Moodtracker is a free employee pulse survey solution from WorkHuman that empowers employers to identify and recommend ways to improve company culture, productivity and retention. The tool allows for an unlimited number of respondents and surveys. 

Workforce Insights

Using gamified, behavioral science-based assessment tools, Workforce Insights from Pymetrics shows you how to unlock your workforce’s unique capabilities. Employees will love the streamlined dashboard, gamified assessments, and their personalized trait report, and you’ll love the comprehensive insight into your workforce’s skills DNA.

WorkVue

Blending human capital with automation isn’t easy. WorkVue from Willis Towers Watson gives you a leg up on the process by using AI to help you reimagine roles in conjunction with automation. It’s like having a crystal ball to peer into the future, see the impact technology will have on any position, and reinvent your workforce to flourish in the digital age.

Pluto

Embrace the distinctly human aspects of work with Pluto, a workforce analytics and communication platform with a particular emphasis on creating diverse and equitable workplaces. This platform offers anonymous communication between employees and leadership, and Pluto’s powerful analytics show you a path forward as you build an equitable culture.

Check out these platforms and more at the HR Technology Conference and Expo.