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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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
Author Ben Eubanks explains agentic AI's practical uses, risks to human skills, and why creativity, compassion, and critical thinking matter more than ever.
Should AI fluency be a part of performance reviews? Delve into the pros and cons of integrating AI skills into employee evaluations.
Chipmaking challenges, financial stress, and rising privacy expectations reveal how workforce planning, well-being, and data practices must evolve.
Before you keep using AI under the radar, here’s what transparency can do for your career.
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
GenAI is disrupting entry-level roles and career paths in highly skilled professions. Get insights into designing a workforce strategy for alternative pathways.
Simplify employee development planning with this AI prompt template. This guide offers examples and actionable insights for managing employees’ career growth.
Watch this step-by-step video for how HR professionals can use generative AI to enhance talent acquisition, upskilling, and training program development.
On July 23, 2025, the White House released "Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan." This comprehensive policy blueprint outlines over 90 federal actions under three strategic pillars: Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure, and Leading in International Diplomacy and Security.