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.
Member OnlyWondering how AI, hybrid work, or skills planning will impact your workforce?
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
AI implementation burden often falls hardest on your best people. Discover how to measure it, protect leadership capacity, and stop invisible attrition today.
As AI reshapes talent acquisition, from recruiter roles and team structures to workforce strategy, automation will shift the focus from process tasks to talent advisory.
From shrinking city populations to rare no-layoff cultures, three workforce shifts offer clues about what talent will value next.
SHRM joined Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber to advance education-to-employment pathways through a proclamation and E² roundtable.
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 rewrite job ads that attract more qualified candidates, broaden your applicant pool, and better communicate what makes the role worth pursuing.
Use AI to triage incomplete HR forms, identify what’s blocking completion, and create targeted reminders for employees and managers.
Use AI to turn lengthy training materials into clear, useful summaries for employees, with prompts designed to preserve key information and defined terms.
Use AI to build consistent interview questions and scoring rubrics tailored to the role, helping interviewers evaluate candidates more consistently.