If last year was one of tumultuous change for HR — most notably, widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and the start of the second Trump administration — 2026 is shaping up to be one of focus. 
HR professionals will hone their AI strategies, industry sources told HR Dive, moving from experimenting with AI to finding ways to integrate it into everyday work.
The department will take a closer look at DEI programs, experts predicted, working to ensure initiatives stand up to scrutiny.
And those tasked with recruiting are expected to deploy extreme precision when hiring.
Read on for some deeper looks into those topics and more.
5 trends that will shape HR in 2026
Artificial intelligence stands to occupy a substantial portion of the industry’s attention, but people leaders also will need to dedicate energy toward development and culture.
2026’s DEI priority? Making talent programs scrutiny-proof
HR can improve opportunities for all without making illegal promises or instituting policies that won’t age well when the pendulum swings back, DEI advocates said.
5 hiring trends recruiters can expect in 2026
The job market may favor employers at the moment, but that doesn’t mean recruitment has gotten easier, one expert told HR Dive.
What will employee learning look like in 2026?
One expert said learning will become a “business imperative” this year.
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