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.
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” – Mark Twain
Contrary to the rumor mill that’s been swirling around the Las Vegas Convention Center all week, HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is not only alive but thriving. We are an inclusive and welcoming community that offers best in class products to HR professionals at every stage in their career. In short, we are helping people rise – at every stage in their career – and that helps organizations shine.
#WheresHRCI
If you’re one of the reported 20,000 folks hanging around Las Vegas this week, you might be wondering where the HRCI booth is. HRCI actually submitted our application to exhibit as we have in previous years and were informed that we had been “respectfully declined.” Can you believe that? That decision was unfortunate and perhaps a bit petulant. But as HRCI - the largest provider of HR certifications certifying more than 500K people around the globe – this didn’t stop us. We collaborated with some of our partners like HRCP, Distinctive HR and HR.com who were delighted to have our collateral, ribbons and fun giveaways (who doesn’t love an HRCI nail file??) at their booths. We also threw a party. A really big party. And nearly 1200 wonderful HR professionals signed up to celebrate HRCI’s success and growth.
#HRCIProud
HRCI has been around for more than 44 years. That history proves we know what we’re doing when it comes to certification, and our newfound independence has unleashed the ability and agility to do so bigger and better things. We’ve strengthened partnerships with global HR associations who share our commitment to elevating HR around the world as well as the US Military – particularly the Army – and are building relationships in the veteran and military spouse communities.
Perhaps most importantly, we uniquely offer certifications for the complete HR professional life cycle. Our 2 newest certifications – the aPHR and aPHRi - are both foundational and knowledge-based and a great fit for young professionals looking to pivot into HR or anyone who is looking to accelerate their growth into a leadership role in their organization. In the era of #Metoo, we believe it’s crucial for all employees to recognize and foster great culture. These newest certifications are a springboard into HR and embody what HR is all about.
We also offer products that deliver bite-sized and portable learning on topics that are top-of-mind and relevant. upSkill covers topics like workforce analytics, risk management and information security and privacy and allows individuals to learn whenever and wherever it’s convenient for them. We are excited to launch additional topics later this year.
#HRCIFound: What can you do?
Follow us on social media. If you have an HRCI certification, be proud! You’ve earned it, and no one can take that away. Earn recertification credits at work and at events, sign up for one of our thought provoking webinars or download the latest episode of Inevitable: The Future of Work podcast. Earning those credits can feel arduous, but when you meet someone who shares those letters after your name, you can be confident that they put in just as much hard work as you did to maintain their credentials. HRCI doesn’t hand out certifications or recertification. You’ve gotta earn it.
Oh and start spreading the good, and real, news. We’re not dead. Quite the contrary, we have transformed our business. We are the HR certification organization with a purpose. We are wholly focused on you and the workforce of tomorrow to help people develop and realize their aspirations thereby making organizations and communities better, one certification, one micro-credential, one handshake and one human at a time.
P.S. In case you’re wondering about recert credits, SHRM did NOT submit this year’s conference for HRCI pre-approved credit. Not to fear, the entire conference can be self-reported and will be granted 16 General HR Credits (aPHR, aPHRi, PHR, PHRi). If you are looking for “specialized credits” you can’t double dip, but you can self-report the following:
Also, we invite you to join HRCI on June 27th from 3 – 4 pm ET as we answer all your questions on recertification with a focus on how to self report their conference credits. Register by visiting https://www.hrci.org/community/events