Q4 CHRO Economic Outlook: Negative Outlook Creeps Back amid Uncertainty
As the year closes, HR leaders appear to be settling into a pattern of cautious restraint, balancing steady business planning with a wary view of the economic road ahead. Leaders cited volatile markets, trade tensions, and unpredictable federal policies as key factors weighing on confidence.
In this episode of People + Strategy, Darnell Lee, CHRO for the Chief Administration Officer, reveals how leading HR for the U.S. House of Representatives means mastering the art of adaptability. With shifting leadership every two years and priorities that can change overnight, Lee shares how competency models, data-driven planning, and curiosity around AI are helping the House modernize its workforce strategy.
The most effective C-suites are powered by leaders who collaborate seamlessly across boundaries. The Fall 2025 edition of the People + Strategy journal highlights the strategies CHROs use today to effectively strengthen connections with their CEO, CFO, CIO, and boards to drive influence, shape strategy, and transform the workplace.
HR executives are closing out 2025 with a more cautious view of the employment landscape. Despite the growing adoption of artificial intelligence and its promised efficiency gains, expectations for productivity improvements remain modest. As the labor market cools and economic pressures intensify, executives are preparing for a difficult start to 2026 marked by uncertainty.
EN:Insights Forum
2026 Priorities and Challenges: Key Insights from CHROs
Join the SHRM Executive Network on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at noon ET for an exclusive discussion, 2026 Priorities and Challenges: Key Insights from CHROs. This session will spotlight insights from SHRM’s annual CHRO Priorities and Perspectives research, revealing the top priorities and challenges that will shape the HR function in 2026. CHROs play a pivotal role in aligning human capital strategies with broader organizational goals, and this event will help participants anticipate and respond to emerging workforce challenges. Attendees will explore new and evolving trends, compare this year’s findings with last year’s results to understand shifts in strategies and pain points, and gain actionable, data-driven insights to inform smarter HR decision-making in the year ahead.
Executive Support
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EN:Assembly
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Knowledge Advisors
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Executive Networking Platform
Join EN Connect to engage with other HR leaders to share insights, collaborate and explore emerging trends that can uncover innovative strategies for future opportunities.
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Get in Touch
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Trends & Thought Leadership
This data brief introduces new labor shortage measures that incorporate the idea that occupations in demand at any given point in time may not align with the occupational experience of unemployed job seekers. By incorporating this “occupational mismatch” barrier, these new metrics demonstrate that the extent and nature of the current labor shortage is far more complex than generally assumed.
To remain competitive and drive innovation, organizations must harness the full potential of their workforce. Women, who represented nearly half of the employed population in February 2025, play a critical and transformative role in today’s labor market. This research report highlights seven key realities shaping women’s experiences at work, and offers actionable guidance.
Since 1948, the number of Americans ages 65 and older has increased by 457%, exponentially more than any other age group, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Workers 65 and older are now the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. workforce, making it essential for HR professionals to understand the dynamics of this growing talent pool.
This research explores L&D executives’ top priorities for workforce and leadership development in the year ahead, the challenges they face, and their expectations for the evolving L&D and workplace landscape. This research sheds light on how these leaders are addressing skills gaps and building forward-thinking strategies to prepare their organizations for the future.
Upcoming In-Person Experiences
Registration to select in-person events are included with your SHRM Executive Network membership. To ensure an exclusive and elevated experience, seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
ENX | June 15-17, 2026
SHRM26 | June 16 – 19, 2026
Orlando, FL
Exclusively for SHRM Executive Network members, this in-person event brings together the top tier of HR leadership for advanced executive programming, peer-to-peer connection, and conversations you won’t find anywhere else.
September 23-25, 2026
Indianapolis, IN
An exclusive event for SHRM Executive Network members offering a unique opportunity to collaborate, tackle macro challenges, and explore transformative ideas shaping the future of work.
November 15 – 18, 2026
Nashville, TN
The SHRM Linkage Institute equips high-potential leaders across industries with strategies, insights, and networks to accelerate growth and drive measurable business impact. Join the exclusive Executive Network member experience at the SHRM Linkage Institute.