Future Ready HR: Tech-Driven Engagement Strategies for 2026 GoProfiles Blog

As organizations plan for 2026, a tech-driven engagement strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential. In our latest webinar, we explored how recognition, connection, and AI-powered tools are transforming employee engagement, particularly across remote and hybrid workplaces.

In this webinar, GoProfiles Product Specialist Noah Davies sat down with Monica Mudge, Senior Manager, HR Business Partner at Rad AI, and Nicole Broomhead, Senior Marketing Operations Manager at Rad AI, to explore how Rad AI scaled recognition across a growing remote team. They shared why small rituals matter, how thoughtful recognition drives culture, and how technology makes meaningful connections easier than ever.

Recognition Fuels Connection

The discussion started with a challenge every HR leader knows well: how do you foster connection in a fully remote or hybrid workplace?

For Rad AI, gratitude became the cornerstone of their tech-driven engagement strategy. Recognition wasn’t just about celebrating wins – it reinforced culture and strengthened relationships across a distributed team. With GoProfiles, giving recognition became simple, consistent, and seamlessly embedded in their daily workflow.

“We wanted people to feel more connected—not just to each other, but to each other’s work. Gratitude was the best way to do that.”
—Monica Mudge, Sr. Manager, HR Business Partner @ Rad AI

Rituals That Stick

One of the clearest takeaways from the webinar was the impact of rituals on engagement. Rad AI created Shout Out Fridays, setting aside dedicated time for Bravos. Leaders, including the CEO, model the behavior, helping recognition become a natural part of the company culture.

“This simple practice sparks engagement, drives activity in our #gratitude Slack channel, and shows that recognition isn’t a side task—it’s a priority.”
—Nicole Broomhead, Sr. Marketing Operations Manager @ Rad AI

By embedding recognition into weekly routines, Rad AI demonstrates how intentional rituals can amplify a tech-driven engagement strategy, keeping employees connected and motivated across a remote team.

Visibility Sparks Collaboration

Recognition doesn’t just feel good—it creates new connections. Bravos highlight work happening across the organization, helping employees discover projects, skills, and colleagues they might not otherwise meet.

Monica noted that recognition gives employees the visibility to reach out, collaborate, and contribute in ways that strengthen the business.

Beyond Bravos: Other Ways to Connect

Rad AI leverages GoProfiles features beyond recognition to strengthen connection and foster community.

Work anniversaries celebrate milestones and long-term contributions, reinforcing that being part of the team truly matters.
Map view helps employees organize local meetups and connect with colleagues while traveling, making it easier to build relationships.
Groups and interests spark communities around hobbies and shared experiences, creating new opportunities for connection.

Together, these features show how a tech-driven engagement strategy can go beyond recognition, embedding meaningful interactions across a distributed workforce.

Keep It Authentic

Quality matters more than quantity. Bravos should feel intentional, not generic. GoProfiles’ AI assistant reduces the barriers to recognition, making it easier to give thoughtful, genuine messages without losing the human touch.

2026 HR Trends Driving HR Technology

As organizations look toward 2026, HR leaders are navigating tight budgets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations for the role of HR. To close out the session, Noah shared a sneak peek from GoProfiles’ 2026 State of HR Survey, highlighting the trends shaping the future of work:

Budgets remain tight. Nearly 75% of HR leaders expect flat or modestly increasing budgets.
AI adoption is accelerating. 40% are investing in AI and automation, with another 21% planning integrated ecosystems.
HR’s role is evolving. Over half of leaders see HR as a data-driven, tech-enabled business partner at the center of strategy.

Recognition isn’t just a feel-good gesture—it strengthens culture, sparks collaboration, and ensures employees’ contributions are seen and valued. Rad AI’s story shows that with the right rituals and tools, recognition can scale across teams and deliver real ROI.

Learn how GoProfiles can help your team build a recognition-first culture: request a demo today. For more HR technology insights and conversations with forward-thinking leaders, explore our HR GameChangers series.

Schedule a demo