Human resources leaders are optimistic about 2026 despite bracing for challenges and more upheaval in the year ahead, according to Wiley’s Workplace Intelligence report, “HR and L&D Leaders Predict the Top 5 Challenges for 2026.”
"This optimism is real, but it's also precarious," says Wiley researcher Dr. Tracey Carney. "Leaders have a brief window in 2026 to convert that optimism into action by rebuilding trust, improving communication, and reinvesting in their people. Organizations that don’t seize this moment may risk letting it slip away."
Key takeaways:
· 73% of respondents feel optimistic about their organization’s future, despite the fact that many are expecting significant challenges and continuing change in 2026 after a tumultuous 2025.
· Culture and engagement appear to be the biggest areas of concern. Nearly one-third of leaders each identify organizational culture improvement and employee engagement as top challenges for 2026. Both areas took a hit last year after workers experienced factors such as rapid change, instability, AI adoption, and return-to-office mandates.
· Previous Wiley Workplace Intelligence findings showed many managers and employees suffering from significant stress and burnout during the past year as they dealt with near constant change. Only a small fraction of employees truly thrived.
· The majority (66%) of leaders expect more change to occur in the year ahead, despite their general optimism. The research reveals that many employees lack confidence in their organization's ability to adapt to change, creating a potential disconnect between leadership outlook and workforce reality.
· The majority (64%) of respondents report communication as the most important leadership skill.
· More than one-third (35%) of respondents report learning technology as a top priority in the year ahead.
