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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 increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in daily workplace operations has sparked concerns about job displacement, particularly in administrative roles. However, a compelling case can be made that in progressive organizations, AI is not eliminating administrative positions but rather transforming them in innovative and unforeseen ways.
Central to understanding this transformation is the philosophy that AI serves as a tool for enhancement rather than replacement. This perspective shifts the narrative from one of worry to one of opportunity, emphasizing the potential for growth and development in administrative roles.
Humans bring unique strengths to the table: emotional intelligence, complex problem solving and adaptability. When paired with AI's data processing and analytical capabilities, these qualities can be amplified. The result is a workplace where administrative professionals are empowered by technology, not replaced by it. Leveraging AI as a collaborative augmenter rather than a competitor empowers employees to do less repetitive menial work, freeing up time for more strategic, creative, complicated, and interpersonal tasks that machines cannot replicate. This approach does not just lead to more cost-effective and efficient operations; it also creates opportunities for enhancing workplace experiences. This symbiotic relationship between human intuition and AI efficiency has the potential to elevate administrative roles, making them more impactful and fulfilling.
For example, a workplace experience manager is in charge of food expenses across six offices, a complex task that includes budgeting the daily cost per person, how this varies between locations, and how these expenses can be efficiently tracked and controlled. But the job also requires staffing the front desk to greet, check in, and assist visitors, which presents a challenge when trying to negotiate with vendors and optimize per-person food costs across all offices.
Automating check-in with an AI-powered virtual front desk can enhance efficiency and improve user experience without necessarily replacing human jobs. In this example, the system guides visitors through the check-in process and notifies the appropriate staff members, allowing the workplace experience manager to focus on the more strategic task of multi-office budget management. This leads to better cost oversight without sacrificing the quality of service provided to both employees and visitors.
While the efficiency gains are undeniable, agentic AI is by no means a set-it-and-forget-it strategy for workplace operations. The workplace—much like the universe—is an ever-expanding, evolving continuum of data points and patterns of unstructured data, and AI provides the power to harness this unstructured data into intelligence to support better decision-making. Large language models powering AI workplace insights will need to be governed, instructed, and trained (by humans) to generate increasingly better and more relevant output. Administrators and facility teams are more adept at extracting this intelligence will deliver greater business value than those who cannot or will not.
Within this evolving dynamic, administrative professionals are developing new skills to thrive in an AI-enhanced workplace. These include data analysis, AI system management, advanced problem solving, and strategic thinking. New roles are emerging: former receptionists are expanding their responsibilities to include complex tasks like budget management, employee engagement initiatives, and workspace optimization.
As generative AI becomes more widely adopted and integrated into workplaces (or any business operation), what will differentiate highly skilled administrators from the pack is their sophistication in instructing the model. Unlike a search query on the web, natural language “prompts” retrieve data from various sources and modalities (like text, video, image, audio) and organize this data in a generated response that makes meaning of that data. Imagine gathering all the data for a typical workplace—from day-to-day operations (e.g., on-site working hours, meetings, company holidays) to human interactions (e.g., meeting audio, email, etc.) to behavior and motivations (engagement survey results, event participation) to space planning (e.g., parking capacity).
Suddenly a whole new world of unlimited data points (or unstructured information) can be organized and made available to the administrator for better decision-making (i.e., intelligence). This is the era of administrative intelligence, where the brightest admins are those skilled at knowing which data sets to feed the large language model, knowing how to prompt the model to get to the insights needed, and most importantly, continually instructing the model so that it can deliver greater value.
With more time to devote to complex tasks that require human insight and decision-making thanks to AI handling more routine tasks, employees can make better use of their hours in the office, collaborating with colleagues and engaging in face-to-face interactions that can drive their career growth and benefit their companies. This shift allows employees to naturally progress toward more impactful roles and responsibilities.
The potential applications of AI in the workplace are vast, ranging from predictive analytics that identify when an employee might need additional support or training to AI-driven onboarding processes tailored to each new hire's needs. It is essential to communicate these advancements as tools that enhance employee capabilities and create new opportunities for growth and innovation, rather than threats to job security.
As workplaces become more flexible and dynamic, with factors like parking and office occupancy changing daily, there is an increased need for smart, AI-driven solutions to manage these variables effectively. By embracing these technologies, companies can hope to find a middle ground between employee preferences and business needs, creating a more productive and satisfying work environment for all.
Ambient AI is one interesting concept gaining traction in the workplace: essentially AI systems that operate in the background, supporting and enhancing human work without being intrusive. As this evolves, there can be an always-available AI personal assistant for everyone, handling tasks like scheduling rooms and desks, managing catering and cleaning for events, and checking in external guests.
This technology aims to enhance the office experience, potentially making in-person work more appealing and beneficial for career growth. Accessible through a mobile app, the AI provides real-time office information and responds to user requests, automating various aspects of office management. By offering these tools to all employees, not just executives, the approach democratizes access to personal productivity assistance, helping streamline work life and facilitate proactive decision-making.
Looking ahead, the role of AI in administrative functions will only grow. Companies need to prepare their teams for these ongoing changes. It is crucial for companies to develop thoughtful policies regarding AI integration. While the intent may not be to replace employees, the reality is that some roles may become obsolete. Companies should prioritize retraining and reskilling programs to help employees transition into new roles that leverage their existing knowledge and skills in combination with AI tools, fostering a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation. Some key strategies include:
As AI is embraced in administrative roles, it is crucial to maintain a balance between efficiency and the human touch. While AI can handle many routine tasks, there will always be a need for human judgment, empathy, and creativity in the workplace.
The goal is not to create a fully automated office devoid of human interaction. Instead, it is about using AI to enhance human capabilities and create a more efficient, effective, and enjoyable work environment. This approach is particularly vital in today's economic climate, where companies are looking to optimize their resources rather than spend on nonessential amenities and leads to more efficient operations as well as opening new opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
The key to success will be adaptability. Administrative professionals who can work alongside AI, leveraging its capabilities while bringing their uniquely human skills to the table, will thrive. The future of administrative roles is not about humans versus machines, but about humans and machines working together to create more value than either could alone.
Caitlin Kamm is the Director of People Growth at Envoy where she develops innovative people strategies designed for individual growth, organizational development and high-impact business outcomes. She serves as an advisor to scaling tech companies and as a board member of an education non-profit for foster children. Based in San Francisco, California, UAS she holds a Bachelor of Science from UC Berkeley and a juris doctorate from UC Hastings College of the Law and is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in IFMA’s FMJ magazine. Its inclusion in HRCI's HR Leads Business blog is part of a strategic partnership between HRCI and IFMA.
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