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.
In an age of technology, the movement called Giving Tuesday reminds us that we’re connected by our shared ability to collaborate and give of ourselves for the good of others. Those are the principles Giving Tuesday was founded upon, and with more than 110 community coalitions participating across 150 countries, it’s clear the organizers have tapped into something universal.
Volunteering is a great way for your employees to give back and align your organization’s social and outreach goals. Giving Tuesday connects your employees with others collaborating around the globe.
“It’s important to empower employees to not only connect their work with a larger mission, but to extend that beyond company walls — and a really impactful way of doing this is through outreach and volunteerism in the community,” says Sarah Stevens, people team senior manager at Limeade. “Giving Tuesday is an opportune time for leaders to revisit company values and discuss how they are living out those values, both inside and outside the company.”
Here are some areas to consider when encouraging your employees to participate in Giving Tuesday.
Volunteering is an excellent way for employees to give back on Giving Tuesday. But it takes up time. HR has to determine whether those hours will be covered by the organization through paid time off (PTO).
“Before promoting opportunities, be sure you are prepared with how your organization wants to treat the time employees spend volunteering,” says Christina Zurek, insights and strategy leader at ITA Group, a member company of the Incentive Marketing Association. “It’s important to be clear about whether that time will be paid or unpaid and whether volunteering should be done inside or outside of working hours.”
“Volunteerism benefits may include eight hours per year of paid volunteering time,” Stevens says. Not everyone has the bandwidth to volunteer outside of work, but incentivizing volunteering as a benefit gives everyone the chance and capacity to give back.
There are two different models to consider when encouraging employee volunteerism. The more structured model allows employees to spend their volunteer time on designated employer-selected charities. “In this case companies will often select an organization that closely aligns with their brand, purpose or mission,” Zurek says. The less-structured option allows employees to determine where they spend their hours — without corporate limits.
Which model you select depends largely on your priorities. Would you rather see engagement or alignment? “Neither one is better than the other,” Zurek says. “But you may see different levels of participation if people aren’t passionate about the organizations selected in the former, and potentially less alignment with your brand in the latter.”
After Giving Tuesday — perhaps in alignment with your organization’s end-of-the-year or holiday party — consider recognizing employee and organizational accomplishments. “That could be publicly spotlighting certain individuals or bringing in a speaker from one of the organizations you support to speak on behalf of the impact your people’s time has had in the community,” Zurek says.
Highlighting volunteering shows employees the value you place on their involvement in the community and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to giving back. And formalizing volunteering through Giving Tuesday allows your employees to align their participation with thousands of others worldwide.