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.
As HR knowledge and practice transforms, so do the credentials offered by HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). Effective August 1, 2018, HR professionals who seek to earn the Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) or Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) will see expanded areas of responsibility and knowledge on their certification exams.
Recent changes to the PHR and SPHR reflect growing complexity in HR practices. Most notably, senior-level professionals are playing expanded roles to not only create HR outcomes, but strategic business outcomes. At all levels of the profession, HR is now asked to do more to champion employee engagement and support business decisions with data-driven workforce analytics.
Candidates for the PHR and SPHR should review the new 2018 PHR Exam Content Outline and 2018 SPHR Exam Content Outline, respectively, to see the current state of key HR functional areas and competencies required for each designation.
HRCI routinely updates the exam content outlines for each of its eight credentials to reflect changes in practice and compliance. Diverse groups of HR practitioners are the driving force behind every comprehensive practice analysis study HRCI conducts. HRCI adheres to industry standards established by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) in the development of its programs. Only HRCI has human resource management credentials accredited by the NCCA.
The 2018 PHR Exam Content Outline reflects greater emphasis on the HR professional’s role in the employee experience and ability to use data to make more informed business decisions. Enhanced business management responsibilities include, for example, understanding the roles of cross-functional stakeholders and establishing relationships to influence decision-making. Enhancing the employee experience requires analyses of functional effectiveness at each stage of the employee lifecycle.
The 2018 SPHR Exam Content Outline, with greater emphasis on the alignment of workforce strategies with business outcomes, emphasizes HR planning that is aligned with an organization’s strategic plan, including the ability to analyze and assess organizational practices that impact operations and people management.
In addition to HR and business practice updates, both exam content outlines are updated to mirror the changes in new legislation, technology and social factors.
"The practice analysis for the PHR and SPHR revealed that today’s HR professionals are change agents who are 100 percent integrated into the business," says HRCI CEO Amy S. Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE. "Today’s HR practices require more holistic strategies — not just HR strategies — that drive people, innovation and business outcomes."
HR continues to be a complex and ever-evolving profession. Perhaps what is most unique about HRCI certifications is how they not only measure your current knowledge experience, but also your ability to apply and adapt competencies to respond to unforeseen changes or opportunities. It is this — the analytically backed agility to turn the unknown into advantage — that will most likely define the next generation of HR leaders.
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