Weather

66°F4:10 AM

Business

1 read

Key Workforce Trends HR Leaders Anticipate for 2026

KVIA•Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 9:19 AM•Stacker

City skyline representing business and economy news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

As we approach 2026, HR leaders are focusing on aligning talent strategies with evolving employee expectations and technological advancements. A recent survey by Paylocity highlights ten critical workforce trends, emphasizing that retention and engagement are top priorities for over 61% of HR professionals. The survey also reveals a growing divide in AI adoption, with 26% prioritizing it while others remain skeptical. Compensation pressures persist, affecting employee trust and retention, and there is a notable execution gap where only 15% of respondents have clear action plans. The insights from this survey suggest that organizations must effectively address these known challenges to translate workforce strategies into measurable outcomes in the coming year.

Key Details: • Survey conducted from November 11, 2025, to January 8, 2026. • 61% of HR leaders prioritize retention and engagement. • Only 15% of organizations have a defined plan for their top workforce issues. • AI adoption is expected to focus on automation and learning, despite trust concerns.

ai compensation workforce hr retention

People & Organizations

Dr. Shari SimpsonPaylocity

Related Articles

OpenAI Discontinues Sora Video App to Shift Focus to Business Solutions

OpenAI has announced the closure of its Sora video generation app, which launched in September 2023, due to high operational costs and a strategic shift towards business-oriented products. The app, which gained popularity quickly, faced criticism over copyright issues and misinformation concerns. Following a partnership with Disney for character integration, the deal has now been put on hold as OpenAI refocuses its efforts. The company is looking into ways to help users export their content from Sora before its shutdown, reflecting its commitment to user rights amidst changing priorities.

Epic Games Cuts 1,000 Jobs Amid Declining Fortnite Popularity

Epic Games, the publisher of Fortnite, announced on March 24, 2026, that it will lay off 1,000 employees, which represents about 20% of its workforce. This decision is driven by a combination of industry-wide challenges, including a slowdown in growth and competition from social media, as well as company-specific issues like ongoing legal battles with Apple and Google regarding app store payments. CEO Tim Sweeney emphasized that while the company has faced challenges before, the current market conditions are unprecedented. Following these layoffs, Epic will have approximately 4,000 employees, marking a significant reduction since the previous layoffs in 2023.

Epic Games Announces 1,000 Job Cuts Due to Declining Fortnite Engagement

Epic Games has announced the layoff of approximately 1,000 employees as part of a restructuring effort prompted by a significant decrease in player engagement with its popular game, Fortnite. CEO Tim Sweeney communicated this decision in a memo to staff, highlighting the need to adapt to changing market conditions. This move reflects broader challenges in the gaming industry and may impact the local economy in El Paso, where some employees may reside. Affected workers are encouraged to seek support and explore new opportunities in the gaming sector.

Poll Reveals Growing Doubts Among Americans About Job Opportunities

A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant decline in American confidence regarding the job market, with 72% of respondents feeling it is a poor time to seek new employment. This survey, conducted at the end of 2025, highlights growing concerns about job availability and economic stability. The findings suggest that many individuals may be hesitant to pursue new job opportunities, reflecting broader economic anxieties. This trend could impact hiring practices and workforce dynamics across various sectors.