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.
HR Leads Business recently caught up with Mark Fogel, SPHR, GPHR, the CEO and co-founder of Human Capital 3.0. Fogel will be featured as a Mega Session Speaker at the SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition, June 17-20, in Chicago.
In a galaxy not so far away, Fogel describes himself as "an HR Jedi master" who is on tour to spread the gospel of being brave and standing up to change the lives of others thru great HR practices." Here is a quick interview with Fogel on his mission to give back to the HR community, the value of certification and the Last HR Jedi Tour 2018.
So, Mark, can you tell us a little about who you are and what you’re doing?
MF: I am a former CHRO and currently consult, teach MBA courses and write for a few sites. I have been a regular speaker at SHRM national conferences on a variety of topics for more than a decade. My Last HR Jedi Tour is a series of presentations at four different SHRM conferences, including the conference in Chicago. I am all about HR acting and being assertive. So, my writing and presenting reflects my personality and attitude. I believe hope is not a strategy, you must create and execute on one for HR to be a true asset to your organization.
You are a former CHRO of some large organizations. How did you get into speaking and blogging?
MF: It started in 2002 when I did a couple of editorials for WorldatWork in their Workspan magazine and did my first major talk at their Annual Reward’s conference in Orlando that same year. I caught the speaking and presenting bug and have been doing both ever since. My time was limited in the beginning. However, I had time on airplanes to put my thoughts to paper and to strategize presentations. I have done traditional print magazine pieces over the years and started blogging in 2007. My conference schedule was two or three a year until 2015 when I was able to double that to half a dozen annually. Its hard to get away even for even a single day when you have a responsible role in an organization. With my consulting I can now sprinkle in a few more dates each year.
Your SHRM topic is: The Performance Review Dilemma: To Continue, Change or Eliminate — What’s an HR Practitioner to Do? Some say performance reviews are dead. What do you think?
MF: I think they are far from dead and probably will always be around. Organizations need processes to keep folks in check regarding promotions, compensation, and evaluating quantity and quality of work. Personally, I would like to ditch them or make them simple enough to do on the back of a napkin. Giving regular feedback is the key, something we all know but don’t do very well. I will expand on that during my presentation in Chicago.
Your other topic is: The Empire Strikes Back, The Dark Side of HR Part 2. What’s that about?
MF: It’s about standing up to senior executives and dealing with unethical and illegal scenarios. Unfortunately, there is plenty of material to pull from. In fact, I have already revised my slide deck twice this year as new issues and individuals pop up in the news almost weekly.
Let’s talk certification (we see you’ve had your SPHR for 16 years and your GPHR for 12). What is your take on staying certified?
MF: I have always felt it was important to show you possess a body of knowledge with certification. When I started doing strategic and global work in the early 2000s, I had very few avenues to turn to. HRCI certifications were the perfect solution. Since then I have influenced my HR teams to pursue certification as well. In fact, I have taught the SPHR/PHR prep course a couple of times. Additionally, in one of my recent roles heading an HR function, I provided a free study group to my team members who were pursuing their certification.
You’re a life-long learner and an Adjunct Professor of Distinction at Adelphi University on Long Island. Tell us why you are so focused on learning?
MF: My mom was an educator and instilled in my brother and me the importance of education from childhood to adulthood. We both pursued postgraduate degrees, and both had the opportunity to teach and give back. I love the classroom and that moment when a student "gets it." I am always reading and looking for new and interesting ideas to apply to the HR community.
We all give back in different ways. I prefer giving my spare time to learning and educating our next generation of HR leaders.
If your going to SHRM18 in Chicago, you don’t want to miss Fogel’s presentations. His discussion on performance reviews begins at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 18. His Empire Strikes Back presentation is on the Smart Stage at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19. (Times and locations are subject to change.)