Employees say narrative-based performance reviews are the fairest

Workers aren’t always sure how to improve when given numerical feedback, the study found.

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 13, 2026

How Sprouts gamifies employee training

Swapping out longer learning modules for “bite-sized” games has improved associate performance, the grocer shared at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show.

By Peyton Bigora • Jan. 13, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top trends in employee engagement

Employee engagement can be a bit of a puzzle. In recent years, employers have realized it’s more about meaningful work and transparent communication — and less about free snacks.

By HR Dive staff

Front-line workers say pay and flexibility are top 2026 priorities

Nearly half of those surveyed said there were two separate cultures at their workplaces: one for front-line employees and one for everyone else.

By Lara Ewen • Jan. 13, 2026

If AI kills the entry-level job, employers may not be ready for what comes next

The technology so far hasn’t eliminated such roles, experts told HR Dive, but it may be creating a massive talent gap that will be difficult to overcome.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 13, 2026

In the age of AI, REI is turning to its human employees to win

The retailer’s “green vest” associates serve as a key differentiator both in stores and online, according to CEO Mary Beth Laughton.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 12, 2026

What does a learning leader look like in 2026?

A report from the Association for Talent Development paints a portrait of today's L&D professional — but the role also may be ripe for evolution.

By Caroline Colvin • Jan. 12, 2026

Employers plan to hire ‘aggressively’ in 2026 — but only for certain roles

More than half of hiring managers also said that layoffs are on the table, particularly in early 2026 as companies rebalance their talent stacks.

By Lara Ewen • Jan. 12, 2026

Salary increases are top of mind for workers amid economic anxiety

Most employees said they planned to stay at their jobs in 2026, but burnout and layoffs have workers concerned, according to a Monster report.

By Lara Ewen • Jan. 9, 2026

December jobs report wraps up a year of uncertainty

“The next phase of the job market will be defined less by headline growth and more by where work is truly needed,” one leader said.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 9, 2026

This week in 5 numbers: Lonely workers say they miss more work

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including the number of companies who cite a lack of relevant experience among candidates as a major barrier to hiring.

By Ginger Christ • Jan. 8, 2026

Workers use time saved by AI to improve their roles, Indeed finds

Studies repeatedly identify employer encouragement and training as key to AI transformation.

By Laurel Kalser • Jan. 8, 2026

Recruiters are increasing their AI usage as pressure to hire intensifies

More than 9 in 10 recruiters said they planned to step up their use of AI tools, according to a new LinkedIn report.

By Lara Ewen • Jan. 8, 2026

GameStop floats CEO pay entirely tied to performance

Ryan Cohen would have to reach sky-high goals to receive the lucrative compensation, a setup resembling Elon Musk’s at Tesla.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 8, 2026

2026 hiring outlook improves, but skills and AI are primary hurdles

Half of respondents to an Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll survey said that applicants’ lack of relevant experience made hiring challenging.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 7, 2026

More than half of US workers say they’re lonely, disrupting productivity

Managers play a key role in curbing loneliness among their team members, Cigna said.

By Carolyn Crist • Jan. 6, 2026

In sharp reversal, workers say they value stability over perks

“Employees aren’t asking, ‘Do I feel valued today?’ They’re asking, ‘Do I believe this company will succeed and will I succeed with it?’” a Perceptyx leader said.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 6, 2026

Litigants end McDonald’s no-poach agreement saga after almost a decade

Multiple fast-food chains have since ceased using the restrictive hiring agreements at issue.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 5, 2026

Companies reinvest AI productivity gains into more automation

In the search for greater ROI, businesses are using AI to further automate research and upskilling, according to EY.

By Scarlett Evans • Jan. 5, 2026

Digital surveillance may increase worker anxiety, injuries

On top of concerns about how such tools can limit employers’ ability to assess performance, other studies point to continued employee suspicion about surveillance.

By Carolyn Crist • Jan. 5, 2026

How the learning leader role is changing amid AI adoption

“L&D leaders are facing a once-in-a-generation challenge,” said Chris Eigeland, CEO of Go1.

By Jen A. Miller • Dec. 23, 2025

Top 10 learning stories of 2025

Workers sounded off about the need for more training and just how great a role the onboarding experience plays in their retention.

By Ginger Christ • Dec. 23, 2025

Nearly half of US workers say they’ll need $1M or more to retire, spurring stress

Workers’ retirement hopes generally surpass their savings, which leads to growing anxiety about the future, a report finds.

By Carolyn Crist • Dec. 22, 2025

NYU launches new certificate aiming to bolster remote work success

The program’s interactive modules focus on productivity, collaboration, leadership and long-term career growth in the remote economy.

By Carolyn Crist • Dec. 22, 2025

Employees say they’re fuzzy on their employers’ AI strategy

Workers who use AI tend to be most likely to use it to generate ideas and consolidate information, Gallup says.

By Carolyn Crist • Dec. 22, 2025

Workforce policies could address talent shortages, report finds

Federal and state policies can strengthen work-based learning, leverage partnerships and address the digital skills divide, JPMorganChase says.

By Carolyn Crist • Dec. 19, 2025