Leading organizations through today’s complex workplace requires CHROs to operate in a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. Economic uncertainty, shifting workforce expectations, rising labor costs, and accelerating adoption of AI are intensifying the demands on HR leaders. To understand how CHROs are navigating these competing demands, SHRM surveyed 129 CHROs to examine their priorities for 2026, the challenges they face, and their views on emerging workplace trends. The findings provide a comprehensive view of the strategies shaping the 2026 HR agenda and offer actionable insights to help HR leaders and HR professionals guide their organizations toward sustained success.
Was this resource helpful?
Validate your HR expertise
Earning your SHRM-CP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
Related Content
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
As artificial intelligence technology continues to develop, the demand for workers with the ability to work alongside and manage AI systems will increase. This means that workers who are not able to adapt and learn these new skills will be left behind in the job market.