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“Tomorrowist” Podcast Episode

The 7 HR Trends That Will Impact Businesses in 2026 — and Beyond

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  2. Audio Only

In this special episode of Tomorrowist, James Atkinson, Vice President of Thought Leadership at SHRM, unpacks SHRM’s HR Trends and Predictions for 2026 — and what they mean for organizations navigating nonstop change. From rapid shifts in AI and evolving workforce structures to the rise of polywork and on-demand upskilling, this conversation equips leaders to stay ahead of the pace of change and prepare teams for the future of work.

Related to this Episode:

Webinar: 2026 HR Trends and Predictions

Access the full deep-dive into the trends shaping 2026 — and what HR and business leaders should do now to prepare.

Interactive Resource: SHRM HR Trends and Predictions for 2026 

Explore data-backed insights on the most critical HR trends for 2026, with practical implications for workforce strategy and leadership decisions.


The podcast is just the beginning. The weekly Tomorrowist newsletter features articles on the trends redefining the future of work. Explore these must-read insights from the latest issue. Subscribe now to prepare your business for what's next.

News + Insights

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What HR Leaders Need to Know About Succession Planning in 2026

Industry experts share the state of succession planning in 2026 and what CHROs need to prioritize. Plus, learn what percentage of HR leaders have a formal plan.

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Health Care Cost Anxiety Hits Record Levels Heading into the New Year

Nearly half of Americans worry about affording health care as 2026 approaches. See how rising costs are impacting employees and employers, and what HR leaders should watch.

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IRS Raises Standard Mileage Rate for 2026

The IRS will raise the business standard mileage rate to 72.5 cents per mile in 2026. Find out how this change affects tax-free reimbursements for employees.

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AI in Hiring: Smart Safeguards Canadian HR Teams Need for 2026

Streamline hiring in Canada by using AI transparently, complying with 2026 rules, and combining automation with human judgment to attract and evaluate talent fairly.



Episode Guest

  • Guest headshot
    James Atkinson

    James Atkinson is the vice president of thought leadership at SHRM, where he leads research teams uncovering key insights on the challenges and trends affecting HR and the workplace. Atkinson joined SHRM with more than 15 years of research, data, and product experience, having spent a decade in various leadership roles within the HR industry. Prior to SHRM, Atkinson was the vice president of data products at Payscale, where he was responsible for the overall strategy, development, and delivery of data products for compensation professionals.

Episode Transcript

This transcript is coming soon.



Show Full Transcript

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