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.
In a special recording with a live audience for SHRM’s podcast, People + Strategy, an intergenerational panel of HR leaders explores how leadership styles have evolved over time, the role of technology in shaping workplace expectations, and how different generations approach communication, purpose, and organizational change.
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.
Members of the SHRM Executive Network enjoy access to a variety of strategic resources. Read the latest news articles, including expert analysis of data from SHRM Research, commentary on current trends, and insights from recent EN events.
EN:Insights Forum
Inside SHRM’s Employee Benefits Survey: Trends, Drivers, and Strategic Insights
July 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
Employee benefits have become a critical lever for attracting, retaining, and supporting talent in an increasingly complex workforce environment. Drawing on insights from SHRM’s Annual Employee Benefits Survey, examine the evolving benefits landscape, the societal and organizational forces shaping employer offerings, and the implications for workforce strategy. Participants will also learn how to use SHRM’s interactive Employee Benefits Tool to benchmark benefits against peer organizations by size, industry, and location, enabling more informed and data-driven decision-making.
Executive Support
Get the support you need for tackling obstacles that lead to meaningful workplace change.
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EN:Assembly
Join an intimate, trusted group of like-level executives during guided monthly virtual discussions to share ideas and overcome obstacles.
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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
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.
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.