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TECH

AI crystal ball

Adam DeRose

HR teams across the globe are under pressure to leverage AI to transform services and processes with the help of this transformational technology. It’s early days, and in an AI-enabled world of work, the only thing that’s currently abundantly clear is that the future ways of working are changing, and HR can help drive the transformation.

At CES, one of the largest tech conferences in the US, three HR pros from high tech companies discussed AI’s impact on human capital. Their conversation revealed how AI is changing work for them and their teams, and how they’re eyeing the technology’s strengths while digging their heels on the importance of human-centered policies.

Salesforce’s chief equity and engagement officer, Alexandra Siegel, started with the obvious.

For more on how HR leaders believe AI will change HR, keep reading here.—AD

Presented By Paycor

Keeping up with HR

Change is the new normal in the HR space, and leaders need more agility than ever. Paycor’s 12 HR Trends to Embrace In 2026 explores a major shift toward transformation, from embracing new tech to creating personalized employee experiences.

Paycor reports that skills-based hiring is more important than ever in the new year, with leaders looking to a candidate’s abilities rather than their college degree. And to nurture the next generation of talent, leaders are investing in talent management and mentorship programs.

The number one takeaway? HR is embracing new tech—and AI is the new industry standard.

Here’s what you need to know.

TOTAL REWARDS

Breaking down barriers

Teal Health

Cancer has become a top concern for employers in recent years, due not only to its impact on worker well-being, but also its effect on healthcare costs. In 2025 cancer was the top condition driving employers’ health costs, according to Business Group on Health’s healthcare strategy survey, followed by musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues.

One way HR teams are working to address the disease’s financial impact is by expanding coverage of screenings for certain types of cancer, such as breast or colon cancer.

Starting next year, most health insurance plans will be required to cover a new type of screening for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, due to guidelines that were recently updated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

For more on how updated guidelines from HHS may inform how HR teams think about cancer prevention, keep reading here.—CV

HR STRATEGY

Predictions and priorities

Fangxianuo/Getty Images

Prepare for your company’s board to place a high emphasis on strategy and organic growth in 2026. Nearly eight out of 10 board members in the National Association of Corporate Directors’ latest governance survey said they expect their organizations to grow primarily through organic means this year, while only two in 10 said they expect inorganic growth (M&As, joint ventures, etc.) to be the main driver.

Strategy will also be top of mind. Three-fifths of board members said strategy was the top area they wanted to improve oversight around this year, and 62% said they’re discussing strategy more often during board meetings.

Boards’ biggest concern heading into 2026 is the economy.

For more on boards’ priorities for 2026, keep reading on CFO Brew.—CV

Together With Virta

The agenda just dropped. Virta’s Moonshots for Health 2026 brings an impressive lineup of industry leaders, changemakers, and cultural icons together for HR and benefits leaders. As oral GLP-1s hit the market and healthcare budgets face greater risk, Moonshots cuts through the noise with clarity and actionable strategies. Save your seat.

WORK PERKS

A desktop computer plugged into a green couch.

Francis Scialabba

Today’s top HR reads.

Stat: This year, 43% of US workers say they’re planning to look for a new job—93% of workers said the same in 2025. (Monster)

Quote: “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president.”—Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, claiming the Department of Justice’s criminal investigation into the central bank’s building renovations is an attempt by the Trump administration to pressure the Fed into cutting interest rates (Federal Reserve)

Read: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is under an internal investigation following allegations that she had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, drank alcohol on the job, and used official trips as pretexts for vacations. (the New York Post)

All about balance: HR is engaging and retaining employees in a changing market by supporting work-life balance. Paycor’s report explores key HR trends for 2026 and how flexible work is shaping priorities. Get it here.*

^{*A message from our sponsor.}

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Written by Adam DeRose, Courtney Vinopal, Courtney Vien, and Paige McGlauflin

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