The HR Research Institute has released its latest study, HR.com's Future of Career Development & Mobility 2025-26, providing organizations with critical insights into optimizing employee development to drive success. Developed under the guidance of a career development Advisory Board comprising industry experts, the research examines emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping modern workplace strategies.
The study addresses several key areas including organizational engagement in development initiatives, the challenges and benefits of effective career programs, and strategies to support employee growth. It also explores career development's role in succession management and how proper resource allocation can prevent skills gaps. Internal mobility trends, barriers, and their impact on career growth are analyzed, alongside the influence of emerging technologies on employee development.
According to Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, the advisory board includes some of the brightest minds in HR and workforce development. Their guidance helps organizations develop actionable strategies to cultivate talent, enhance internal mobility, and use career development as a competitive advantage. The board includes thought leaders such as Gayle Lantz of Workmatters, Bev Kaye of BevKaye&Co., Frank Ginac of TalentGuard, and executives from companies like Rothy's, Cornerstone OnDemand, ADP, and Western Governors University.
The importance of this research lies in its timing and depth. As organizations worldwide face rapid technological changes and shifting workforce expectations, effective career development has become crucial for retention, productivity, and innovation. The study's findings help HR professionals make strategic decisions by identifying best practices that can unlock workforce potential and prepare organizations for future challenges.
For HR leaders seeking to implement these insights, the HR Research Institute offers additional resources through its website at https://hr.com/researchinstitute. The institute, which serves over 2 million HR professionals, publishes hundreds of high-quality reports across various HR topics based on surveys developed with industry experts. These resources are designed to help organizations maximize their HR potential through informed decision-making.
The implications of this research extend beyond individual organizations to the broader economy. By addressing skills gaps through effective development programs and promoting internal mobility, companies can reduce hiring costs, improve employee satisfaction, and build more resilient workforces. This is particularly important as industries face talent shortages and need to adapt to new technologies that require continuous learning and skill development.
