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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

Why We’re Shining a Light on Professional Development

We all want recognition. It’s a basic human need. We want people to recognize our hard work, our dedication, our growth and our passion.

That’s why here at HRCI, we created the Shine Campaign. It’s an opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on our credential holders, those dedicated professionals committed to lifelong learning and professional development. 

This social media campaign asks that people do just two things: submit your photo and your testimonial about why you pursued your HRCI certification and use the hashtag #HRCIShine.

“We wanted to shine a spotlight on our people to show the benefits of certification,” says Teria Mahoney, HRCI’s digital marketing manager. “We wanted to focus on real people with real stories,” she says. 

Launched March 1, the program offers individuals the opportunity to share their story and tell why they are passionate about their credentials. “Our people are very passionate about their credentials,” says Mahoney. “We wanted to give them an opportunity to share their story of how their credential has made a difference, professionally and personally, in their lives.”

Here are three reasons we wanted to highlight our amazing credential holders. 

Learn Their Unique Stories

All of our credential holders come from unique backgrounds and have different stories to tell about their professional journey. We wanted to highlight the diversity of these stories within HR and business management.

Lance Anderson, one participant in the campaign says, “I was first certified in 5/01. Just recertified at age 70. Without a masters degree, certifications are critical to advance beyond entry level.” His response highlights that many individuals continue to recertify throughout their career as they progress on their career path.

And we have people around the globe earning HRCI certifications to keep their skills up-to-date in a global marketplace. Krishnan Bangarusamy, says, “I’m based at Bangalore, India, with a passion for Human Resources and Development! [The GPHR] gave me exposure to unique global HR methods in the U.S., Canada, China, UK, Australia and the European Union.” 
This campaign is an opportunity to highlight the diversity of experiences of people in the HR world and recognize the amazing accomplishments that they bring to the industry. 

Highlight a Passion for Professional Development

Our people are passionate about professional development. This campaign puts a spotlight on individuals who are committed to lifelong learning and who are driven to continually acquire new skills and knowledge.

“For me, being an HRCI-certified HR Professional shows my dedication to my profession,” says Christie Partee. “It shows to my colleagues and contacts that I’ve taken the extra step to validate my experience and keep my knowledge current.” 

Michele Kenney agrees. “Having credentials in your field shows your dedication and continued interest in remaining at the top of your game,” she says. 

Highlighting Our Brand Ambassadors

We also want to highlight our brand ambassadors, the individuals who are champions of HRCI’s certifications because they have seen how impactful getting a certification has been for their own personal and professional growth. They champion our values -- passion, commitment and dedication to lifelong professional growth. 

“Earning my PHR certification has opened the doors to my career in HR! Now that I’ve obtained my Masters ... the next stop is my SPHR!,” says Erica Richardson. She includes the hashtag #neverstoplearning” in her response. We agree!

Share your story on how your credential has elevated you professionally and personally on social media and don’t forget to use the #HRCIShine hashtag in your post. Your photo will be featured on our website at www.hrci.org/shine.