For the first time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the top priority for HR organizations, cited by 36% of respondents as a critical issue for the next 12 months, according to the 2026 Hot Topics Survey released by HR.com. The annual poll, which tracks the shifting priorities of HR professionals globally, shows that the “experimental” phase of AI is over. AI moved into the #1 position in 2026, up from #3 in 2025, #9 in 2024, and #22 in 2023. This suggests that many HR departments are now focused on full-scale implementation, automating administrative tasks, and making data-driven decisions.
“HR can no longer afford to backburner the issue of AI,” said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. “It affects virtually every HR function and the rise of effective agentic AI means it's going to transform the way most white-collar work is done. So, HR must not only consider how AI affects its own work but also how work is performed throughout the entire organization.”
Leadership Development, which held the top spot in 2025, moved to #2 at 27%. While still vital, organizations are pivoting from general leadership training to specialized management of hybrid and AI-augmented teams. Performance Management saw a significant jump, rising to the #3 spot (26%), up from #6 in 2025, indicating growing dissatisfaction with legacy review systems and a move toward real-time feedback loops using new AI technologies.
Employee Retention, which peaked at 63% during the “Great Resignation” era of 2022, has settled into the #5 spot (24%), suggesting a return to a more stable labor market. Legal and compliance issues rose to #6 (22%), likely driven by a new US administration and new global regulations surrounding AI ethics, data privacy, and changing labor laws.
The data suggests that HR professionals are increasingly being asked to act as "Human-Technology Integration Specialists" alongside their traditional roles. The rise of Performance Management and AI implies that “buyer intent” in 2026 will be heavily weighted toward software replacement and automation tools that can demonstrate clear ROI. To help HR professionals navigate these shifts, HR.com’s Research Institute will produce a series of State of the Industry research reports and virtual events throughout 2026, specifically targeting AI implementation, next-gen performance management, and modern leadership strategies. View all HR research reports at HR.com Research Institute.
