The HR landscape is changing fast. With new tools and technology reshaping the industry, HR’s role is evolving, requiring a reexamination of how it engages employees and leverages the latest innovations.
A July 2025 survey conducted by PSB Insights and commissioned by Paycom asked 1,000 HR professionals and 250 finance professionals about the topics they’re focusing on in 2026. Their responses shed light on emerging trends and shifting priorities.
The top trends of 2026 include:
- AI integration
- a focus on change
- optimism in the face of compliance and economic change
- HR evolving into a technical role
These trends have given way to new priorities for HR, including:
- upgrading HR tech
- upskilling, reskilling and other talent development programs
- incorporating more AI into HR functions
- enhancing the employee experience and engagement
- attracting and retaining top talent
- improving performance management
As HR transitions into a tech-savvy position, organizations are looking to gain a strategic advantage by embracing innovation. Download our infographic to dive into the data and see why a single-database HR and payroll software is the right path forward.