The research so far paints an emerging picture. Gartner’s 2026 HR priorities – based on over 400 CHRO interviews – revolve around AI integration (no surprises there), future-proofing talent strategies, leadership growth and performance cultures.
Meanwhile, CIPHR’s survey of 300 UK HR decision-makers reveals that recruitment remains the top concern, with 29% naming it their biggest challenge. This is closely followed by retention at 28% and managing rising costs at 27%. No matter the priority, nearly all employers involved in the research (96%) expect next year to be challenging for them in some way.
What sits beneath those headlines is a profession under considerable strain. Ultimate Resilience’s 2025 research into HR mental health found that over three-quarters of HR professionals show signs of burnout or are at significant risk. Nearly half are thinking of leaving the profession. These are sobering statistics that speak to the weight many of you are carrying – not just managing organisational challenges, but doing so while navigating your own wellbeing.
Combined, these findings suggest HR is being asked to navigate AI transformation, lead cultural change, and solve recruitment challenges – all while carrying an emotional load that often goes unrecognised. But does this reflect your experience?
We want to hear from you
We’re launching our 2026 HR priorities survey to understand what YOUR pain points are. Where will you be hunkering down and focusing your attention in the upcoming year? What challenges are you navigating that don’t show up in industry reports? What issues deserve more attention? And what topics are you TIRED of seeing?
Your insights will directly shape the content and conversations we create at HRZone. Rather than guessing what matters – we want to hear it from you.
The survey takes just three minutes to complete, and your responses will help ensure we’re focusing on what genuinely serves our community. Plus, you’ll get exclusive first-look access to the results – giving you the chance to see how your experiences compare with the wider HR profession and what trends are emerging across the field. Whether you’re grappling with AI integration, laser-focused on retention, feeling the burnout, or dealing with something entirely different, your perspective matters.
Take the survey and help us build an agenda that reflects the real experiences of HR professionals in 2026.
