2026 Talent Report

EMPLOYER ADAPTABILITY

EMPLOYER ADAPTABILITY

Current workforce trends are converging to reshape the employer-employee relationship. Workers are asking more of their employers in terms of wages, work-life balance, and burnout prevention, with 72% of human resource professionals agreeing that expectations are higher today than in the past. Remaining nimble and willing to navigate these changes will be essential for companies to thrive in coming years.

Top Workplace Needs Identified by Workers, HR Professionals, and HR Executives

WORKERS

HR EXECUTIVES

HR PROFESSIONALS

24%

Managers’ and Supervisors’ Ability to Effectively Lead Their Direct Reports

Employee Salary or Wages

25%

Managers’ and Supervisors’ Ability to Effectively Lead Their Direct Reports

25%

15%

Employee Stress or Burnout Levels

Employee Stress or Burnout Levels

19%

Employee Stress or Burnout Levels

19%

14%

Employee Salary or Wages

Employee Work-Life Integration

18%

Employee Salary or Wages

18%

12%

Trust Between Workers and Executive Leadership at Your Organization

Employee Mental Health

15%

The Quality of Feedback Employees Receive to Improve Their Work Performance Your Organization’s Readiness for the Future of Work (e.g., automation, AI, etc.)

13%

11%

Employee Engagement

Fairness of Pay at your Organization

13%

13%

10

Source: 2026 SHRM State of the Workplace, based on responses from 2,079 U.S.-based workers and 1,856 HR professionals, including 352 HR executives.

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