HR Trends for 2026 | Insights from Leading HR Consultants

Keywords: HR trends 2026, human resource consulting firms

At the beginning of each new year, businesses reassess how they’re doing things, set new goals, and ideally align processes to achieve them. In the HR department, that means updating hiring practices and making employees happier where they are, so you can keep them. So let’s jump into this year with HR Trends 2026!

HR Trend 1 – Rise of the Machines: AI Is Everywhere...But Should it Be?

If you had to pick one term on business owners' lips in 2025, it would likely come down to either AI implementation or tariffs.

We provided you with a tariff survival guide, but what about AI?

Though businesses have been eager to adopt AI, many have found it didn’t live up to the hype. While AI is still growing, the truth is that business leaders still need people to use it, and the human touch is vital for hiring and keeping their employees.

AI may be helpful as a recruitment tool, but it still makes mistakes, so keep your experienced department heads and recruiters involved at every step.

HR Trend 2 – Humans: Hybrid Work & Letting People Be People

COVID-19 made working from home the norm back in 2020. Since then, some employers have continued to embrace the cost savings, while others have pushed for a return to the office. Employees are less split.

Hybrid and flexible work environments are one of the most desired employee perks. And to some, “perk” is a misnomer because it’s a necessity. If your workplace has the ability to allow people to have flexible schedules or work from home, you will not only open up your position to a larger pool of qualified candidates, but you’ll also make keeping those employees much more likely. Happy employees stay.

HR Trend 3 – Skills, Not Just Jobs

One of the other fascinating HR Trends of 2026 is companies' hiring revamp. As departments become more reliant on each other (just look at IT and HR), many companies are hiring based on skill sets rather than filling specific roles.

Instead of looking for someone who has held a specific position, some businesses now seek to fill certain skill sets and find the people who will fit it, regardless of background.

That sometimes means flexibility and redefining roles. But it can make for employees who are using more of themselves, more well-rounded companies, and ideally, happier, more fulfilled workers!

HR Trend 4 – Government – Taxes, Etc.

As the reality of the necessity of childcare and the US’s contrast with other developed countries becomes more apparent, the federal and some state governments are trying to make it easier for companies to include childcare as a benefit.

For example, employers who provide childcare can deduct 40% of the cost (up to five hundred thousand dollars) of the expense.

Other states are now requiring employers to provide sick leave and paid family leave. Is your company in compliance? Check with your trusted HR advisor to keep up with HR Trends of 2026.

Which HR Trends of 2026 is Your Company Jumping On?

Not all of these 2026 HR trends will be relevant for your business, because every business is unique – and adjusting to the uniqueness of your business and your employees is one of the fortes of our HR Company. Happy New Year from Ollie & Associates!