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.
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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.
Are you ready for the holidays? For many organizations, preparations for the holiday dash began as early as August in the rush to attract the best seasonal employees.
Retailers, hotels, restaurants and other businesses say they have more seasonal job openings than ever. And many are offering significantly higher wages than they did in 2017 to compete for talent.
A survey conducted by Snag, an online job board that connects hourly workers with jobs, finds that the average seasonal worker will earn $15.40 in 2018, up nearly four dollars from 2017 seasonal wages.
The competition for talent is expected to be “fierce,” employers say. More than 3-in-4 businesses report they will offer perks such as paid time off, training and development opportunities, childcare, tuition stipends, health insurance and transportation reimbursements.
HRDIVE reports that many employers got a jump on seasonal hires. Kohls, for example, began hiring seasonal workers in August.
Harver, a pre-employment screening company, advises companies to make sure they have the necessary HR resources to attract and onboard seasonal workers. It may be smart to hire temporary HR and recruiting professionals to handle high-volume recruiting challenges.
“If your hiring team consists of just a few people,” Harver says, “the chances are high that they will struggle to keep up with hiring for the multiple seasonal vacancies in such a short time.”
Recruiting Chatbots on the Rise
Chatbots are a new way organizations are gaining a competitive advantage for talent. A chatbot is an application that allows a company to simulate a text or voice conversation. Chatbots are commonly used to respond to routine tasks or questions, but they are also used by companies to provide faster responses to customers.
Chatbots are helping recruiters at L'Oréal improve how they process the more than 2 million applications the organization receives annually, TechTarget reports.
L'Oréal is using chatbot technology developed by San Francisco-based Mya Systems to answer questions from job seekers. The transcript then becomes part of the applicant tracking systems. L'Oréal says that the chatbot’s initial vetting of candidates saves the recruiters time and allows them to spend more time focusing on the most qualified candidates.
Low Unemployment Rate
It is a challenging time for recruiting, in general, with a September unemployment rate reported at 3.7 — a 49-year-low.
This is the lowest the jobless rate has been since the Vietnam War.
Companies are hungry for talent to meet rising consumer demand. With a strong labor market and economic activity on the upswing, the Fed is forecasting that the economy will grow 3.1 percent this year — up from the 2.8 percent it projected in June.
The tight applicant market means greater competition for talent, even part-timers. Employers, HR managers and recruiters will have to be more agile and creative than ever to land top talent.