Instead of rehashing what didn't go according to plan in 2025, Kimberly Carroll of IA says let's focus on what transformation leaders can do better in 2026.
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.
"Entry-level employees are cheaper, more adaptable and better at adopting new technology," the Korn Ferry report authors note. "They might be exactly what you need in an AI-driven world."
HR must help CEOs by guiding workforce strategy, clarifying talent costs, building AI literacy across leadership and evolving culture alongside technology. "You need to become much more of an enterprise leader, a true strategic navigator," said Peter Aykens, chief of research at Gartner.
"Before we can answer questions about the workforce, we need to answer questions about the work, because work is changing," according to Gartner's Harsh Kundulli.
Leading transformation isn't just about technology, according to this expert. It's about preparing employees, strengthening skills and guiding the workforce through uncertainty.
Organizational agility is a critical differentiator for orgs looking to thrive through change and uncertainty. New research from i4cp suggests a path forward.
The future belongs to HR leaders willing to rethink their role and their relationship with technology in these key ways, according to speakers at HR Tech 2025.
