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.
It’s Labor Day! For most, this marks the end of summer – an opportunity for backyard barbecues and last-minute back-to-school shopping. But Labor Day’s original intent, as a holiday, is to honor the American Labor Movement, with its beginning in the 1700s.
So, what is the state of the U.S. Labor Movement in 2018?
Union Membership Has Declined
Some argue that union membership is on life support.
At its peak in 1954, union membership was over 34 percent. But since then, union membership has been on a steady decline.
In 2017, only 11 percent of U.S. workers were labor union members, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factors such as increased international competition and technological innovation have greatly weakened union participation in recent years.
More Union Challenges
An additional roadblock to union participation came in the form of a June U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
The ruling dealt a huge blow to public-sector unions – taking away a union’s power to collect fees from non-participating members. The court found it to be a First Amendment violation for a public sector union to take payments from nonconsenting members.
The impact? The ruling likely means lower wages and a 726,000 reduction in the union membership of state and local government workers, according to a study referenced by The Atlantic.
Not So Fast, Union Leaders Say
Although union membership has reached rock bottom – union leaders say they are now re-energized.
Union activists and supporters across 22 states impacted by the Supreme Court ruling, for example, recently came out in large numbers to protect the "fair share" provision, which requires nonmembers to pay fees.
It just means "unions must work harder to recruit and represent their members," says John Gallagher, a columnist with the Detroit Free Press and President of the Newspaper Guild of Detroit.
He points to the rallies as evidence of union resurgence. "[A] union that’s not in the streets is not a union," he says.
Randi Weingarten, President of the 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers, agrees. "The reports of our death are greatly exaggerated," she says in The Atlantic.
People Movements Alive and Well
Public opinion generally remains supportive of union contributions. About half of Americans – 51 percent – view the decline of union representation as a "mostly bad" thing for working people, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Unions, supporters say, protect workers from exploitation at the hands of profit-driven corporations.
On the other hand, 35 percent say the decline of unions is "mostly good." This group argues that unions do not always act in the best interests of workers and that they have outlived their usefulness. On Quora, many sides of the union debate are represented.
New Voices Emerge
Organizations have come a long way in the treatment of workers since the 1700s. Most employers today are seeking ways to empower workers, not the other way around. Still, problems emerge, as exemplified by sexual harassment complaints, pay inequity quarrels and other employee issues that have intensified in recent years.
Employees organize when workplace trust and fairness have eroded. Unions may be on the decline, but modern-day movements, such as #MeToo, Time’s Up and Occupy Wall Street (OWS), have already spawned significant change.
In 2011, OSW made income inequality a household topic. Today, 48 percent of companies say they are reviewing pay policies to eliminate compensation gaps, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
"Most importantly, regardless of whether or not the wage gap exists in any measurable form, companies, employees, and managers should do everything they can to make sure that equal work means equal pay across the board," says Challenger in a press release.
So, in honor of the Labor Day, let’s salute the efforts of unions, modern-day causes and forward-thinking organizations who work each day to challenge norms and help to make our work – and lives – better. We’re all in this together to help people and organizations excel.