CHRO Employment Outlook: Navigating Uncertainty with Increased Prudence
A tumultuous 2025 gave way to a rebound in HR executives’ attitudes and expectations, but Q2 2026 data points to a more cautious outlook. Signals around employment conditions, budgets, employee engagement, and more remain difficult to read, making agility essential in the months ahead.
What does it take for organizations to turn AI investments into measurable business results? In a special recording with a live audience for SHRM’s podcast, People + Strategy, HR leaders from global organizations share how they are approaching AI adoption, measuring ROI, and balancing innovation with human-centered leadership.
When employees feel connected, organizations thrive. This Spring edition of the Executive Network’s all-digital People + Strategy journal explores how HR leaders are generating bottom-line results by building community, strengthening peer-to-peer connections, and reinforcing a shared purpose across the organization.
SHRM identified seven HR trends that we expected would shape workplaces this year. Now that we’re halfway through 2026, how true were these predictions? Here’s how these seven trends are playing out.
EN:Insights Forum
Workplace AI Trends and Implications for Leaders
August 19, 2026 12:00 PM ET
Need data-based insights to provide clarity amid the current AI hype? SHRM research on AI in the workplace highlights worker perspectives on AI and implications for leaders. Insights from the study will provide an overview of the current context for AI usage in the workplace, including the impact of AI on work processes and productivity, the growth opportunities for learning and optimizing AI technology skills, the governance of AI use in the workplace, and the prevalence of and reasons for AI policy violations.
Speaker
Dr. Linda Taylor is Senior Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Organizational Transformation at TDECU, where she leads the enterprise capabilities that enable strategy execution at scale. Her portfolio includes Enterprise Strategy, the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO), Change Management, AI Strategy and Governance, Organizational Development, Talent Systems, Leadership Development, and Culture.
With extensive experience leading enterprise transformation, Dr. Taylor helps organizations translate strategic vision into measurable business outcomes. She has led initiatives spanning AI adoption, organizational transformation, talent strategy, leadership development, acquisition integration, and enterprise change—building the systems and capabilities that enable organizations to adapt, grow, and perform in rapidly evolving environments.
Dr. Taylor holds a doctorate in Digital Transformation Leadership, with research focused on how organizations successfully navigate large-scale transformation. Her work emphasizes that sustainable success depends not only on technology, but on aligning leadership, culture, organizational systems, and workforce capabilities with business strategy.
Executive Support
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EN:Assembly
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Knowledge Advisors
SHRM’s HR Knowledge Advisors offer guidance, real-life personal/professional experiences and resources to assist you with your HR-related inquiries.
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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
Have questions or need assistance in making the most of your SHRM Executive Network membership? Contact our team by email or by phone at 888-602-3270.
Trends & Thought Leadership
The role of learning and development (L&D) has evolved from a training support function to a strategic driver of workforce capability and organizational performance. As organizations face persistent skills shortages, rapid technological change, and shifting business demands, L&D leaders are stepping forward to shape the workforce of the future.
This quarterly survey of workers across 26 countries examines how key elements of the employee value proposition shape job decisions and influence outcomes such as engagement and retention. It also provides insight into employee well-being, perceptions of economic and job market conditions, and the impact of AI, offering a global view of what is driving employee sentiment today.
SHRM sought to understand what AI use looks like in U.S. organizations and how these workplaces manage the balance of leveraging advanced technology and delivering impact. The findings set the stage for navigating the current technological shifts and making more informed decisions in a highly digitized age.
Drawing on insights from over 2,000 U.S.-based workers and more than 1,800 HR professionals, including more than 350 in a vice president role or higher, this research provides a snapshot of the current state of the workplace, offering valuable insights to inform and shape organizational strategies for 2026 and beyond.
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.
June 27 – 30, 2027
Chicago, IL
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 16 – 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.