HR Research Institute Forms Advisory Board to Address Evolving Workforce Challenges

The HR Research Institute (HRRI) has launched its Future of HR Skills and Strategies 2026 Advisory Board, assembling prominent industry leaders to address the significant transformation occurring within human resources functions. This initiative comes as organizations face rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, along with workforce redesign requirements, evolving employee expectations, and increasing complexity in labor markets.

The advisory board will shape HRRI's comprehensive research initiative and virtual event scheduled for March 18, 2026, focusing on how HR teams can proactively develop competencies and strategies to manage emerging workforce challenges. The program aims to deliver practical guidance and research-backed approaches for HR executives seeking to strengthen team capabilities, leverage advanced tools and methodologies, and position their organizations for sustained success.

Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the critical nature of this initiative, stating that the HR function is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. The board will guide essential topics in HR professional development, equipping leaders with frameworks, competencies, and strategies needed to drive organizational excellence in a volatile and ever-changing environment.

The newly appointed advisory board includes distinguished professionals from various sectors: Jennifer Akoma from Android Industries, Joya Bradley from Argus Media, Greg Conner from E-Comm 9-1-1, Dr. Ken Keis from Consulting Resources Group, Lisa Kemph from Brooks Rehabilitation, Christopher Lind from ChenMed, Amy Madden from PRO-spectus, Angela Mallon from Care Plus NJ, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover from Western Governors University, Lauren Winans from Next Level Benefits, and Ekta Vyas from Keck Medicine of USC.

This advisory board formation represents a strategic response to the pressing need for HR professionals to adapt to technological disruption and changing workplace dynamics. The HR Research Institute has established itself as a leading source for HR research, with its annual State of the Industry reports providing valuable insights across various HR topics. Previous research, including the HR.com's Future of HR Skills and Strategies 2025 report, has helped shape industry understanding of evolving HR requirements.

The initiative's importance lies in its potential to address the growing skills gap in HR departments worldwide. As artificial intelligence continues to transform workplace operations and employee expectations shift toward more flexible, meaningful work arrangements, HR professionals require updated competencies to effectively manage modern talent landscapes. The advisory board's collective expertise will help identify proven approaches for upskilling and reskilling HR professionals, ensuring they can navigate the complex challenges of tomorrow's workforce.

HR professionals and organizations can access additional research resources through the HR Research Institute's website at https://hr.com/researchinstitute, where free research reports and infographics are available for download. The institute's comprehensive approach to HR research, developed with input from thought leaders and industry experts, continues to provide strategic guidance for more than 2 million HR professionals globally.