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.
Human resource management is a broad field that offers employment opportunities for anyone with professional ambition, regardless of the college degree they’ve completed. Colleges and universities should be aware of the wealth of opportunities for students with associate’s, bachelor’s and advanced degrees.
Certifications from HR Certification Institute ®(HRCI®) can help students progress at a faster pace. According to Glassdoor, HR is listed as a top five Best Jobs in America for 2018.
"Workers with certain technical and soft skills, such as creativity, flexibility and good judgement, are at an advantage across industries, from health care to finance to HR, to leverage advances in artificial intelligence and automation," says Glassdoor Chief Economist Dr. Andrew Chamberlain. "That’s because AI is increasingly complementing these jobs, while not replacing the people needed to do them."
It’s vital to embrace newcomers to the HR profession says Dr. Al Gorriaran, SPHR, a faculty member at Capella university’s School of Business and Technology. "HR offices are growing everywhere, particularly in the sophisticated knowledge management and talent arenas. The offices are getting bigger and we’re doing more. That means there’s more opportunity for people to work in HR and the contraction that happened in the 1990s is going in the other direction. CEOs and COOs see the benefits that HR brings to the organization in transformational terms, not just transactional terms."
3 Reasons Why Your College and University Should Partner with HRCI
Here are three reasons why your university should partner with HRCI to help advance students and professionals at all levels advance as HR leaders:
Work With HRCI to Create a New Revenue Stream
Colleges can offer courses to prepare candidates for the rigor it takes to earn one of eight prestigious HR certifications from HRCI. Towson University, for example, offers certification preparation programs for the Professional in Human Resources®(PHR®) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) SPHR® credentials from HRCI. A major factor in the university’s decision is that the PHR and SPHR are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). SHRM credentials are not.
"Its (NCCA’s) standards are consistent with those for Educational and Psychological Testing," says Vicki M. Simek, MBA, Associate Director of Continuing and Professional Studies at Towson University. "We understand that required a rigorous accreditation process on behalf of HRCI. Credential programs must be mature to apply for accreditation so that the reliability and validity data of the test scores is robust. That is important to us and to our students."
Align Certification Prep With Your Business Degree Program
Universities can combine an HR degree programs with a path to earning HRCI certification — some even make HRCI credentials part of capstone courses. The Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™) from HRCI is the perfect complement to HR study by students. The aPHR is the first-ever HR certification that can be earned without prior HR work experience.
St. John’s University's Management major offers students the option to focus on HR. St. John’s encourages students to earn the aPHR as a way to help them stand out by demonstrating knowledge of HR fundamentals and commitment to the profession.
Career-changers can also benefit. At Capella, the university is seeing a rise in the number of professionals who are interested in changing careers and joining the HR practice.
"One of the things we’re encouraging our learners to do is to prepare and take the aPHR [from HRCI] if they’ve never worked in the field and want to learn the fundamentals to be successful," Gorriaran says. Many of the career changers, he notes, are from the retail, and from the primary and secondary education fields.
Be Recognized by Top HR Professionals
Colleges and universities can reach a community of credentialed HR professionals who are hungry for additional knowledge and professional development opportunities to help them meet personal and business goals.
The UC Berkeley Extension, for example, attracts professionals from the HRCI-certified community who take the university’s courses to earn recertification credits that are required by HRCI to maintain credentials.
As you can see, there are many ways for a college to benefit from an affiliation with HRCI. Universities can offer certification preparation, make certification part of the HR curriculum, provide professional development opportunities for HRCI recertification credits or do all three!
HRCI staff can work with your university faculty and staff to help determine where your university fits best. Please email the Business Development Team at [email protected]