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.
Many of us have taken personality quizzes to determine which “Game of Thrones” or “Stranger Things” character we are. Personality assessments have a more elevated role in talent recruitment. But, how accurate are they?
Older personality tests aren’t very accurate, research indicates. As technology develops, however, personality assessments are improving. “Current research is continually working to combine data sets to give us the most power to detect biases,” says Eric Sydell, vice president of research and innovation at Shaker International. “Over time, this intelligence is leading to assessments that are both less biased than historical psychological measures and more predictive of job performance and turnover.”
Here are three ways that technology is shaping the development of personality assessments.
New developments in personality assessments are designed to curb dishonesty. Accuracy errors in assessments often stem from a tendency by candidates to answer questions in ways they think prospective employers want them to answer. New assessments offer two positive extremes, creating more honest answers.
“Each extreme is paired with items that are equally socially desirable,” says Evan Theys, North American team lead of global products for Aon's Talent Assessment Solutions. “This ultimately creates more accurate personality profiles for candidates, and gets results that are more reflective of them and how they are most likely to behave within the workforce.”
Technology is eliminating the repetitiveness of assessments and can reduce the behaviors that cloud true personality characteristics. New assessments are responsive and adaptive to the candidate’s answers. This software makes the process more personal and offers improved, less redundant tasks.
This means the answers are more accurate and the assessments are less tedious for candidates than in the past. “Computer-adaptive testing increases the candidate experience with assessments because they're shorter,” Theys says. “Candidates don't have to deal with all of these repetitive items over and over again.”
Video assessments allow personality traits to surface more organically through conversation. Employers can ask leading questions in a recorded interview, which can move the candidate to reveal personality characteristics. These responses are then mined by the software to build a personality profile.
“One of the most promising uses of technology in personality assessments is using deep learning to score unstructured responses in the form of video, audio and text,” Sydell says. “Previously, the field’s ability to make sense of such data was limited to keyword searches and other rudimentary techniques. Now deep learning can evaluate massive amounts of information and use it to predict outcomes with a degree of accuracy far greater than previous techniques.”
In the future, Theys says, social media will play a role in profile building. “We’ll be able to leverage available data that people provide on their LinkedIn and other social pages to build comprehensive personality profiles,” he says. For now, though, there are too many concerns with privacy to be worked out before that data can be utilized.