HR Trends and Priorities for 2026
ADP's HR Trends and Priorities for 2026 outlines a strategic roadmap for leaders navigating a workplace defined by rapid technological change, evolving regulatory complexity, and heightened expectations around employee experience, emphasizing that success in 2026 will require balancing innovation with compassion and human-centric leadership. The report highlights how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent technologies are reshaping work and HR practices - from the emergence of agentic AI and deeper interdependence between HR and IT to the need for skills-based workforce planning and dynamic job redesign - while underscoring the importance of maintaining fairness, trust, and transparency in how technology is used. Organizations are encouraged to develop AI literacy, embed robust governance and human oversight in automated decision-making, and proactively address compliance challenges posed by multijurisdictional regulations, including AI usage in employment decisions and expanding pay transparency and leave requirements. At the same time, the report stresses that strategic workforce planning, meaningful professional development, and a strong commitment to employee well-being are essential for fostering resilience, agility, and long-term growth, even as companies leverage technology to streamline tasks and augment human capabilities. Ultimately, sustainable success in the evolving world of work will come to those who can drive technological innovation without deprioritizing people, respond to regulatory demands without sacrificing agility, and create an interconnected, intelligent workplace that remains deeply human.