Rethinking Talent in 2026: The Business Case for Skills-First Hiring
February 25, 2026 1:00 PM ET
Discover how to transform your talent strategy with our webinar “Rethinking Talent in 2026: The Business Case for Skills-First Hiring.” Building on SHRM's 2021 findings about skilled credentials, this session will explore new SHRM research, conducted in collaboration with the SHRM Foundation and Walmart, that explores the shift from traditional hiring practices to a skills-first approach. Learn how prioritizing demonstrable skills and competencies is reshaping talent acquisition and delivering measurable business results.
The session will feature data-driven insights on the impact of skills-first strategies, including the expansion of talent pools, improvements in company culture, and positive effects on business outcomes. Common implementation challenges will be discussed, alongside actionable strategies for embedding skills-first practices throughout the employee life cycle, from recruitment and hiring to upskilling and career development.
Join us to learn:
- Key findings from the 2026 research on skills-first talent management.
- The impact of using a skills-first approach on business outcomes.
- Resources and considerations to support organizations pursuing this transition.
SHRM Knowledge Advisors will join the live webinar to answer your questions in real time—right in the chat. If we don’t get to your question during the session? No problem, SHRM members can head to SHRM Connect after this webinar to keep the conversation going with advisors for 30 extra minutes. This benefit is only for members who join the live webinar and not included later on demand.
Meet the Presenters
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Sally Windisch
Sally Windisch is a senior researcher on SHRM's Thought Leadership team and collaborates with SHRM Foundation and external stakeholders to bring forward research-based solutions for integrating Untapped Talent Pools into the workforce and supporting their success. Her areas of focus include skills-first hiring and learning and development; all aimed at addressing workforce challenges and supporting inclusive talent pipelines. Sally holds an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science from San Diego State University's School of Public Health and a BS from California State University East Bay.
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Clayton Lord
Clayton Lord is the Senior Program Director for the SHRM Foundation, the 501(c)3 philanthropic arm of SHRM, which focuses on widening pathways to work and helping every worker thrive by empowering employers to be forces for social good. In that role, he oversees strategy, planning, program delivery, and program evaluation. He is a social impact executive with expertise in nurturing and evaluating complex initiatives that drive systemic change and expand access and opportunity for all. Clay holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from Georgetown University.
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Ashley Miller
Ashley Miller, M.A., SHRM-SCP, is SHRM's Director of Thought Leadership Operations and Partnerships. Over the last decade, she's served in a multitude of roles across SHRM, including driving functional transformations, redefining strategies for business functions, building new initiatives, translating research to insights for internal and external stakeholders, and leading strategic partnerships. Prior to joining SHRM, Ashley was a human capital and workforce consultant for public, private, and government sectors organizations to build competency models, conduct job analyses, design and validate selection systems and assessments, and execute change management initiatives. She holds a master's degree in industrial/organization psychology.
SHRM certification has approved this webinar for 1 PDC toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. A program code will be provided at the end of the webinar.