Future of Work
Preparing organizations for the next era of work through innovation, technology, and agile workforce strategies.
2026 TRENDS
Workforce Evolution Accelerates in 2026
From fractional roles to polywork and hybrid models, workforce dynamics are rapidly changing — and change will only intensify in 2026. Discover how work will evolve, and explore all seven 2026 trends to stay ahead of the competition.
From AI to new models of work, the future of work is here — and HR teams are at the forefront of shaping it. Organizations must rethink where, how, and why work is done to remain competitive. This includes adopting emerging technologies, redesigning jobs, and preparing employees for the skills of tomorrow. The future of work is not a distant concept — it’s an evolving reality that requires proactive HR leadership.
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Ask a SHRM Knowledge Advisor or future-ready insights tailored to your needs.
Key Data & Trends from SHRM Research:
71%
of U.S. workers want flexible work schedules, while only 14% prefer widespread AI/automation.
51%
of organizations now use AI in recruiting — the top HR function for AI adoption in 2025.
23%
Year-over-year growth in demand for HR tech skills (up 35% over two years).
Workforce Planning: The Future of Work
Anticipate tomorrow’s talent needs with proven strategies to build an agile and future-ready workforce.
Latest News
Discover the latest AI news, including voter restrictions on data center construction, OpenAI's new policies, and research on machine teamwork malfunctions.
Here are 10 essential questions around bias, transparency, and accountability HR professionals should ask vendors before buying AI tools.
SixFifty founder Kimball Parker explains why structured, curated data is essential for AI-powered employment law compliance.
Organizational learning strategies shaped by business priorities, employee needs, available resources, and workplace culture.
Week one plays a critical role in how new hires perceive your organization. This culture first onboarding guide shares practical ways to create a first-week experience that builds connection, confidence, and belonging, starting day one.
Don’t Just Prepare for the Future — Lead It
AI, hybrid work, skills planning — SHRM membership equips you with forward-looking insights and tools to keep your organization competitive.
Become a SHRM Member and future-proof your workforce.
Member Resources
Use AI to create a learning and development proposal form that connects employee development to business goals and measurable outcomes.
Use AI to check internal communications for tone, clarity, and consistency with your organization's style before sending.
Use AI to adapt training content for different regions and roles while preserving learning objectives and flagging content for local review.
Get answers to HR data questions faster with AI. Clarify metrics and find insights without waiting for custom reports.