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 ReportsRecovery 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.
.png?sfvrsn=19b9ec76_1)
Original research and expert analysis on the issues shaping HR today, from workforce safety and emerging technology to DEI and employee well-being.
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.
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.
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.
From rising absenteeism to safety risks, HRCI research reveals how extreme weather is reshaping workforce management and what HR can do now.
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.
The 2016 Major League Baseball season kicked off last Sunday, with millions of fans heading to ballparks to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. As fans, we get to wear jerseys supporting our teams, enjoy the aroma of freshly roasted peanuts and scream at the opposing team when they score. But have you ever taken a moment to think about how human resources is involved in running a professional sports team?
Whether a team wins or loses, the game must go on. In fact, for the Chicago Cubs, six talented HR professionals ensure that the team’s front office continues to run during baseball season – and during the off-season. Whether it’s implementing a new performance management system or creating a new organization-wide values system, the HR team is continuously in motion.
Rachel O’Connell, SPHR, is assistant director of HR for the Chicago Cubs. In our article, Human Resources in Professional Sports, she shares that as a sports team, the Chicago Cubs have the exact same goal each and every year: win the World Series (as a long-suffering Cubs fan, I’m still waiting).
The business and operations sides are critical to moving the organization forward toward its ultimate goal. In fact, O’Connell says that the Chicago Cubs’ organization runs like a 100-year-old start-up in that there is a “go-go” atmosphere and a lot of energy and enthusiasm. That passion, paired with a very low turnover in staff – there’s extreme loyalty within the organization and almost everyone who works at the organization is a fan – makes for an incredibly dynamic work environment.
Staffing is a critical component to running a professional sports organization. Unlike most industries, you never know who is going to be on your team – or not – the following year. This certainly makes it hard to plan.
For the Chicago Cubs organization, there are full-time business staff and baseball staff. In addition, each season the Cubs hire hundreds of staff just for the baseball season. One of the biggest challenges for the Chicago Cubs’ HR team is that the organization’s staff isn’t always situated at the ballpark or in the front office. Many staff members, such as baseball scouts, are dispersed across the country. The HR team has to be proactive to ensure that remote staff has the same understanding of HR programs and benefits, and that they have the opportunity to ask questions of the HR team. To address this challenge, members of the HR team travel to Mesa, Ariz., the city where the Cubs hold their spring training each year and spend time with remote staff to ensure they understand everything HR.
Read more about the challenges and work of human resources in professional sports.
For more information on the intersection of human resources and professional sports, check out the following article:
The Globalization of Basketball: A Human Resources Perspective (Forefront Magazine)
Since this article was originally written, Rachel O'Connell (formerly Rachel Rush) has earned her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) credential and is now assistant director of Human Resources for the Chicago Cubs.
New to the benefits of HRCI credentials? Explore the many HR certification options you have to demonstrate your professional mastery. Need help with recertification? A number of free- and low-cost recertification options are now available.