If 2025 was the year AI became impossible to ignore, then 2026 can be the year HR leaders ensure their technology solutions strengthen, rather than divide, workplaces, writes HR Tech Chair Steve Boese.
As employee engagement falters and wellbeing declines, Cisco and other organizations are rethinking workplace strategy—moving from mandates to magnetic spaces.
Employees across the spectrum, from hourly staff to executives, have financial obligations and money stress, said Jason Rahlan from Dayforce. "Employees aren't asking for a handout. They want access to the money they already earned."
Upwork's new report shows businesses are turning to freelance talent in droves. Seventy-eight percent of companies plan to hire independent workers in the next three months, outpacing demand for full-time knowledge roles.
"Running a DC plan can be challenging, but when done correctly, the difference it can make to participants is truly life changing," the Mercer report states.
