Our latest poll revealed something big about where the HR profession is heading.
🔍 Here’s what our community told us will matter most in 2026:
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45% said Tech & AI literacy
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28% said Empathy & coaching
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14% said Data-driven decisions
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14% said Change agility
And this split tells a powerful story: HR is becoming a discipline where technical fluency and human depth are no longer opposites, they are inseparable.
What the results reveal about the year ahead
1️⃣ Tech & AI literacy is now a core leadership skill — not a ‘nice to have’.
Nearly half of the respondents chose this as the #1 priority. From AI-powered hiring tools to predictive workforce planning, HR leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. Understanding the how and why behind the tech will differentiate strategic HR leaders from operational ones.
2️⃣ But empathy remains the differentiator.
A close second, and for good reason. As workplaces navigate uncertainty, hybrid tension, and burnout, HR leaders who coach, listen, and connect will build cultures that retain top talent.
3️⃣ Data is still under-leveraged.
Despite its impact on performance and planning, only 14% selected data-driven decision making. We see this every day: companies want to use people analytics, but aren’t confident in their data foundations yet. Expect this capability to leap forward in 2026.
4️⃣ Change agility is no longer optional.
Transformation should be a constant for businesses. HR leaders who can move from reactive to proactive will help their organisations stay competitive.
🔮 So what does a successful HR leader look like in 2026?
Someone who can:
⚙️ Understand the technology shaping the workforce
🧠 Interpret data to make better people decisions
👂 Lead with empathy to build trust and connection
🔄 Navigate change with resilience and clarity
More than ever, it’s about mastering both tech and humanity.
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