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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 Reports
Featured Research

Recovery 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.

Recovery Strategy
Did You Know?
59%
Workplace Relationship Policies
say their company does not enforce policies prohibiting romantic relationships between employees
Source: HRCI Alchemizing HR poll, January 2025
89%
Leadership Overreach
say leaders take on problems that should belong to someone else
Source: HRCI Alchemizing HR webinar poll, April 2026
55%
Political Discussions at Work
of HR professionals are somewhat, minimally, or not at all prepared to handle politically-charged discussions at work
Source: HRCI Report — Managing Political Polarization in the Workplace, 2025
Recent Reports

Original research and expert analysis on the issues shaping HR today, from workforce safety and emerging technology to DEI and employee well-being.

Managing the Changing Workplace

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.

The Secret Ingredients of Workplace Fulfillment

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.

The Vital Role of Professional Development

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.

Small Conflicts Don't Stay Small

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

The 2026 State of HR Report

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 Report

State of HR Spotlight Reports

Safety, Polarization, and Stress

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 and Their Outlook for HR

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.

HR Professionals and Technological Change

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.

Attitudes Toward Remote Work

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.

Professionals Problem Solving

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. 

 

Research Archive

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.

 

Ai Superpower
Extreme Weather and the Workplace

From rising absenteeism to safety risks, HRCI research reveals how extreme weather is reshaping workforce management and what HR can do now.

Ai Superpower
Strengthening AI Skills in HR

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.

Empowering the Intelligent Workplace

Explore how HR can turn AI adoption into a strategic advantage—balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.

Becoming Recovery-Friendly

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.

Diversity Initiatives in 2025

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.

Managing Political Polarization in the Workplace

This report provides critical insights and actionable strategies for HR leaders to foster a more harmonious and productive work environment. 

Webinar online learning

Beyond the Data

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.

 

HR Leads Business Blog

News and perspectives on the issues driving the HR profession forward.

Feb 14, 2022, 20:48 PM by Teria Mahoney, HRCI Staff

The Importance of Creative Leadership in HR

Reflections on leadership, innovation, building meaningful relationships -- and so much more.

Day 3 of the California HR Conference 2019 encouraged many reflections on leadership, innovation, building meaningful relationships -- and so much more.

This morning, we kicked off the conference with a keynote presentation from Linda A. Hill, Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and Bestselling Author of Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation.  

Here are a few highlights from the day.

Bringing Creativity into Leadership

During her session, Hill asked attendants, “What do exceptional leaders of innovation do?” After a moment to ponder her question, Hill gave us an answer gleaned from interviews with and research on top-performing leaders. She has found three shared leadership perspectives. According to Hill, they are:

  • Creative abrasion consists of a marketplace of ideas that are productively challenged. It harnesses the power of conflict to move innovation forward. Innovation will not happen without diversity or constructive confrontation to push it forward. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, creative abrasion is actually a key step in the collaborative process.

  • Creative agility is the rapid-fire testing of ideas combined with design thinking. It’s characterized by the ability to create, test and adapt tools and processes quickly and efficiently. Agility focuses on planning and hypothesizing, reflection on outcomes, and adjustment based on future needs. This process keeps leaders vigilant to the needs of their community.

  • Creative resolution is characterized by integrative decision-making where diverse ideas – even opposable ones – can be combined or reconfigured to create a new solution. It takes two conflicting ideas and reconciles them. This ability to see beyond differences is a valuable trait and helps leaders to make the most of both creative abrasion and creative agility.

Hill’s presentation taught us that great leaders create and sustain a culture where innovation can continue to happen. She also found that great leaders know the importance of managing themselves, their network and team.  

Embracing Difference and Diversity

As a frequent conference attendee, I have truly enjoyed the different types of sessions and diverse content presented at the California HR Conference.  From HRCI test preparation courses, large keynote sessions, concurrent sessions, health/wellness sessions (including morning yoga and walks) to quick, 20-minute sessions offered throughout the expo hall, this conference strives to meet everyone’s needs and makes HR fun and accessible.

Having Fun Along the Way

And, if I learned one thing about my peers this week, it’s that HR professionals really know how to have a good time! To close out the conference, CAHR hosted supergroup Ezra Ray Hart. The songs brought back some high school nostalgia of watching MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) and jamming out to my favorite 90’s tunes! 

This conference has been the perfect blend of thought leadership content, networking and fun.