Drawing on feedback from more than 4,500 HR professionals, HRCI's 2026 State of HR report reveals a profession that is both resilient and optimistic—even amid political polarization, rising workloads, rapid technological change, and growing responsibility for employee well-being.

In this session, Dr. Amy Dufrane will share key insights from HR professionals around the world. She will highlight why most remain hopeful about the Future of Work, even as they face serious challenges that impact it. Attendees will gain a data-backed view of what drives satisfaction and retention in HR roles, where organizations feel least prepared, and how emerging trends (from AI adoption to workplace safety and evolving work models) are reshaping what it means to work in human resources.

This session will challenge HR practitioners to step into their role as operational strategists by strengthening preparedness, redefining professional development, and positioning HR as a critical driver of organizational performance in 2026 and beyond.