{"id":2241,"date":"2025-10-06T14:08:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T14:08:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goprofiles.io\/blog\/?p=2241"},"modified":"2025-12-03T15:40:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T15:40:33","slug":"state-of-hr-2026-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goprofiles.io\/blog\/state-of-hr-2026-report\/","title":{"rendered":"The State of HR 2026: Tech-First, Strategy-Driven"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Earlier this year, GoProfiles\u2014the AI people &amp; culture platform for engagement, recognition, and rewards\u2014surveyed nearly 400 HR leaders about their priorities for the upcoming planning cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result is <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/4486639.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net\/hubfs\/4486639\/GoProfiles%20%7C%20State%20of%20HR%20Survey%20Report.pdf\">The State of HR 2026: Tech-First, Strategy-Driven<\/a><\/em><\/strong> report. This data-rich report on how organizations are using technology to elevate HR\u2019s strategic role, strengthen culture, and secure competitive advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message is clear: budgets are holding steady or rising for most organizations. However, the pace and focus of transformation varies widely. A cohort of leaders is racing ahead\u2014aligning HR with business outcomes and embedding AI across the employee lifecycle\u2014while others remain stuck in maintenance mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a preview of the report\u2019s biggest takeaways and why they matter right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why This Report Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The last few years recalibrated expectations for HR. Leaders are now asked to reduce friction, personalize the employee experience, and show measurable impact on retention, productivity, and revenue. Technology\u2014especially AI\u2014has moved from \u201cnice to have\u201d to the primary lever for delivering on those expectations. This report quantifies where HR stands today and offers a blueprint to move from incremental progress to sustainable impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Findings at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Technology is the primary growth engine.<\/strong> Investment in HR tech, automation, and AI dominates 2026 agendas. Leading teams use advanced tools to inform workforce strategy, predict retention, and optimize talent deployment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Engagement and personalization lag.<\/strong> Budgets may be up, but many organizations still deliver standardized experiences. Without personalization, retention and productivity gains stall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Analytics and AI maturity is uneven.<\/strong> A two-speed HR transformation is emerging: trailblazers embed real-time analytics and integrate AI end-to-end, while others remain focused on compliance reporting and task-level automation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Budget Outlook: Growth Amid Uncertainty<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite macroeconomic headwinds and heightened ROI scrutiny, nearly half of HR leaders expect budgets to grow in 2026. Another third expect budgets to remain flat, while about one in five foresee reductions. What\u2019s driving resilience?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI &amp; digital transformation.<\/strong> Modernizing systems and embedding data-driven decision-making is now seen as performance-critical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Talent and skills shortages.<\/strong> Underinvesting in reskilling costs more than proactive workforce development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employee experience as a business imperative.<\/strong> Recognition and engagement sustain productivity\u2014and leaders know it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet caution remains: CFOs and boards want line-of-sight to measurable returns, particularly from AI and EX initiatives. The takeaway for HR: connect spending to concrete outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"606\" height=\"606\" src=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174234\/Jeri-Doris.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2096\" style=\"width:200px;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174234\/Jeri-Doris.png 606w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174234\/Jeri-Doris-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174234\/Jeri-Doris-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174234\/Jeri-Doris-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c<em>You should be able to speak to an investor or the street the same way your CFO would\u2014with a people lens.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014<em>Jeri Doris, Chief People Officer at Justworks<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Technology Is the Top Investment Priority<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>More than 80% of organizations are prioritizing technology upgrades in 2026, with AI at the center. Leaders are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deploying <strong>AI-driven tools<\/strong> to automate workflows and augment decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replacing <strong>legacy platforms<\/strong> with modern, integrated solutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building <strong>AI-powered ecosystems<\/strong> that unify data, insights, and experience.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Why the shift? Integration outperforms fragmentation, analytics enable ROI storytelling, and AI drives both efficiency and personalization. HR is moving from routine upgrades to full-scale transformation \u2014 and speed matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Play it forward:<\/strong> Build business cases around outcomes (retention, productivity, agility), choose platforms that scale with emerging AI capabilities, and prioritize employee-grade experiences\u2014not just back-office efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Evolving Role of HR: From Support to Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Survey data confirms a decisive pivot: more than four in five HR leaders expect HR to operate as a strategic partner enabled by technology and data. That means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Redefining metrics beyond activity and cost (e.g., revenue per employee, critical-role retention, innovation capacity).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using analytics for <strong>enterprise decisions<\/strong>\u2014from workforce design to scenario planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developing hybrid skill sets that blend <strong>data literacy and empathy<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"606\" height=\"606\" src=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174412\/Robin-Merritt.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2097\" style=\"width:200px;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174412\/Robin-Merritt.png 606w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174412\/Robin-Merritt-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174412\/Robin-Merritt-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11174412\/Robin-Merritt-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c<em>Think like a CEO &#8211; leverage HR as a strategic lever.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014<em>Robin Merritt, Chief People Officer at Gainsight<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Personalization: The Engagement Gap<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Engagement sits atop HR priorities, but execution is lagging. While many teams provide \u201csome personalization,\u201d fewer than one in ten deliver hyper-personalized, AI-driven experiences that adapt to individual needs. Barriers persist\u2014legacy systems, siloed data, change resistance\u2014but the stakes are high:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standardized programs feel generic and dull adoption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relevance drives <strong>motivation, performance, and retention<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employees expect workplace personalization on par with consumer apps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What good looks like:<\/strong> embedding recognition and feedback into daily workflows, tailoring rewards to what people value, and shifting from one-off programs to dynamic journeys that evolve with real-time signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/12225218\/andrew-heywood.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1614\" style=\"width:200px;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/12225218\/andrew-heywood.png 400w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/12225218\/andrew-heywood-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/12225218\/andrew-heywood-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/12225218\/andrew-heywood-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s about ensuring that employees are not just equipped with tools but that they\u2019re also engaged with them. This requires intentional, strategic communication and support.&#8221;<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014Andrew Heywood, Sr. Talent Acquisition @ Ouro (former)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Analytics Maturity Gap<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizations cluster into four tiers\u2014from compliance-only to real-time, strategic analytics. About one-third are already using people data to inform planning, productivity, and engagement; another third is still at basic or compliance levels. Closing the gap requires:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Integrated platforms<\/strong> for a unified, real-time view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Upskilling HR teams<\/strong> in interpretation and storytelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tying insights to outcomes<\/strong> (attrition risk, skills supply, manager effectiveness).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Advanced teams are deploying predictive retention models, skills mapping, and engagement insights that connect recognition, learning, and productivity to performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Diverging AI Strategies: A Two-Speed Transformation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>AI has moved from pilot to strategic differentiator\u2014but adoption paths diverge:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some expand core HR automation (payroll, benefits, case management).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Others integrate AI across the lifecycle, powering personalization and agility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many remain admin-only, missing the broader value creation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A growing group deploys AI for learning, performance, and manager enablement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizations that limit AI to administrative tasks will capture efficiency but leave strategic value on the table. Those integrating AI end-to-end will redefine engagement, planning, and decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"144\" height=\"144\" src=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18183141\/goprofiles-hr-gamechangers-brandon-sammut-2x.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2225\" style=\"width:200px;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18183141\/goprofiles-hr-gamechangers-brandon-sammut-2x.webp 144w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/18183141\/goprofiles-hr-gamechangers-brandon-sammut-2x-40x40.webp 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 144px) 100vw, 144px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c<em>AI is moving fast, but the values we lead with\u2014ethics, transparency, and humanity\u2014don\u2019t change.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014<em>Brandon Sammut, CPO at Zapier<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Leadership Personas: The Rise of the Tech Trailblazer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two-thirds of surveyed leaders identify as Tech Trailblazers\u2014HR executives who wield AI, analytics, and digital platforms to shape culture and performance. It\u2019s a powerful signal of where the function is headed. The mandate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blend tech with humanity.<\/strong> Technology must amplify culture, inclusion, and connection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Develop hybrid skill sets.<\/strong> Pair data fluency with empathy and change leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentor the next generation.<\/strong> Build benches fluent in AI and organizational design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06152519\/janelle-henry.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2037\" style=\"width:200px;height:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06152519\/janelle-henry.png 849w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06152519\/janelle-henry-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06152519\/janelle-henry-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06152519\/janelle-henry-768x769.png 768w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/06152519\/janelle-henry-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-style-large is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cEverything eventually comes back to people. From compensation and performance to how people are feeling and their tenure with the company, there really aren\u2019t challenges that don\u2019t touch the CHRO world.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014Janelle Henry, <em>Talent and Brand at Stripe, Advisor &amp; Former VP of People at Rad AI<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Case Study: Turning Technology Into Connection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rad AI, a remote-first company, demonstrates what\u2019s possible when tech meets intention. By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goprofiles.io\/blog\/tech-driven-engagement-rad-ai-webinar-recap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">embedding recognition in daily workflows with GoProfiles<\/a> and pairing it with leadership-led rituals, Rad AI built a scalable recognition engine that strengthened connection and lifted engagement. The lesson: tools matter\u2014but how you use them matters more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What HR Leaders Should Do Next<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Adopt a portfolio mindset.<\/strong> Balance AI and automation with engagement and experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reframe HR as a strategic partner.<\/strong> Tie initiatives to growth, innovation, and agility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advance analytics maturity.<\/strong> Invest in integrated data, real-time insights, and HR data storytelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Personalize the journey.<\/strong> Use AI to deliver tailored recognition, learning, and career paths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Balance tech and humanity.<\/strong> Build culture as deliberately as you build systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Download the Report<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>HR has moved beyond managing people \u2014 it\u2019s now shaping the future of work. With resilient budgets, rising technology investment, and higher expectations, the organizations that embrace AI, focus on business outcomes, and personalize the employee experience will lead in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get the full findings in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/4486639.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net\/hubfs\/4486639\/GoProfiles%20%7C%20State%20of%20HR%20Survey%20Report.pdf\">The State of HR 2026: Tech-First, Strategy-Driven<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to get started? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.golinks.io\/signup.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try GoProfiles free today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"row bg-dark rounded p-3 my-1\">\n<div class=\"col col-12 col-md-8 my-auto py-2\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading  text-white\" id=\"h-access-and-share-resources-instantly-with-golinks\">Build a culture of connection and recognition with GoProfiles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goprofiles.io\/signup?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=blog-cta&amp;utm_content=free-trial\" role=\"button\">Try for free<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"col col-12 col-md-4 py-2\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full rounded my-auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/25215748\/goprofiles_blog_footer_cta_2x_2x-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1010\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/25215748\/goprofiles_blog_footer_cta_2x_2x-1.webp 624w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/25215748\/goprofiles_blog_footer_cta_2x_2x-1-300x215.webp 300w, https:\/\/images.goprofiles.io\/blog\/content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/25215748\/goprofiles_blog_footer_cta_2x_2x-1-40x29.webp 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the State of HR 2026\u2014how budgets, AI, analytics, and personalization create an edge. Get insights to plan your 2026 strategy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":2270,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[534,535,532,533],"class_list":["post-2241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employee-engagement","tag-ai-in-hr","tag-hr-automation","tag-employee-engagement","tag-state-of-hr"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>GoProfiles Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The State of HR 2026: Tech-First, Strategy-Driven - GoProfiles Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the State of HR 2026\u2014how budgets, AI, analytics, and personalization create an edge. 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