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.
When human resources professionals fail to stay on top of the latest trends, there can be serious damage done to our employees. Forget productivity—it’s often a matter of their health and safety. This is a uniquely challenging time, as we confront everything from fostering diversity and inclusion to supporting workforce safety and mental health. If we hope to keep pace with these developments, we must embrace continuous learning.
Online HR courses can be a superb resource, providing targeted knowledge to address issues HR professionals experience in daily practice. Assuming, of course, you pick the right ones. Leading to the big question: Which courses do you need to become a better steward of employee happiness, health and safety?
Allow us to make some suggestions. Here are 5 HR courses online to take this year to help foster more inclusive, safe and healthy workplaces.
Diversity, equity and inclusion have always been important, but this year there’s an even greater imperative to support DEI initiatives. Quite simply, this is a problem that now refuses to be ignored. Diverse voices are speaking out about unacceptable working conditions and how they are excluded in the workplace. HR professionals are ethically obligated to initiate change and to support the efforts of the DEI program leader.
Not to mention it’s basic good business. Failing to foster equity or elevate diverse talent opens you up to reputational risk with real costs; consumers today shop their conscience. The damage can be so severe a recovery becomes nearly impossible. After all, if you lack diversity, you need to attract diverse candidates. But with labor in high demand, why should candidates choose a company with a troubled history over one that has consistently proven itself committed to inclusion?
Take the Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace HR course online to learn how to support DEI in your practice.
Age diversity is frequently overlooked, but we’re at an inflection point for generational differences in the workplace. HR professionals have to manage cultural differences across four generations, from Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z. Younger employees tend to want more purpose and flexibility from their work, while older employees might be more drawn to stability and resources to support their transition to retirement.
Your task: Maintain an environment that is appealing to all of these individuals, so that you can recruit the top talent from every generation. Needless to say, market research is essential if you’re going to develop a brand that appeals across generations.
Take the Recruiting Multi-Generational Employees HR course online to learn how to attract age-diverse talent.
Employee well-being has been at the forefront of HR for the past year, as HR professionals adapted work processes to maintain productivity while keeping employees safe in the midst of a global pandemic.
Now is the time to develop a comprehensive plan for long-term well-being, including physical safety, data security and mental health and wellness. Mental health is an especially hot topic due to the pandemic. Employers will be looking to your HR team for solutions. Your ability to provide them will have a major impact on your company’s future.
Take the Promoting Employee Well-Being HR course online to learn how to become a steward of workplace well-being.
Marijuana laws across the U.S. are changing. You need to know the legal landscape to prepare your organization. Whether you have employees in one state or in several across the country, HR professionals must understand the trends in laws governing marijuana use. Failing to do so may create an environment that is needlessly punitive and scares away candidates… or one where your workplace accidentally encourages illegal behavior.
Take the Marijuana in the Workplace HR course online to learn how to develop drug policies for multi-state workplaces that comply with a patchwork of marijuana legislation.
We’ve been through a polarizing last few years. Even remote workplaces aren’t immune from verbal threats and harassment, which can do lasting damage to workers. Employees in some industries, like healthcare or the service industry, are particularly prone to bullying and even outright violence from colleagues or the public.
Take the Handling Workplace Violence HR course online to learn how to optimize employee safety and minimize risks of violence to workforce health and well-being.
Limited time offer! Apply discount code BYESUMMER2021 during checkout for 15% off of our Learning Courses (excludes HRCI upSkills). Act now, this offer expires on August 31, 2021!