New global report identifies 12 top challenges HR leaders expect to face in 2026

A new global study from Eletive, based on insights from 3,400 HR and People leaders, reveals a fundamental transformation in the role of HR, from operational support function to strategic driver of business performance.

The Eletive Executive Report 2026 shows that HR leaders are no longer just navigating change—they are actively architecting it. As organisations face increasing complexity, AI-powered decision-making, predictive retention strategies, and intentional culture design are emerging as critical priorities.

“HR is expected not only to support the organisation, but to demonstrably drive business impact,” the report concludes, highlighting a clear shift toward measurable outcomes in engagement, performance, and wellbeing.

Methodology

The Eletive Executive Survey 2026 gathers insights from 3,400 HR and People leaders across a wide range of industries and global markets. Respondents identified the strategic priorities they expect to face in the coming year. As many of these challenges overlap, total percentages exceed 100%.

Key findings from the report include:

• AI and agentic AI are moving from analysis to action, enabling more autonomous and data-driven decision-making in HR
• Fragmented HR technology ecosystems are emerging as a strategic risk, limiting organisations’ ability to execute effectively
• Retention strategies are becoming predictive rather than reactive, with organisations leveraging data to anticipate employee needs
• Workplace culture must be intentionally designed, particularly in hybrid and AI-enabled environments

“Retention, culture and performance are deeply interconnected. When employees feel supported, heard and clear about expectations, organisational results follow." Johanna Lindwert Lannér, Head of People Experience, Eletive

Discover all 12 top challenges in the report. Download is available at:

https://eletive.com/library/el...

About Eletive

Eletive is a people success platform that helps organisations understand and improve employee engagement, performance and wellbeing through real-time insights and data-driven actions. By turning employee feedback into measurable outcomes, Eletive supports leaders in building thriving, high-performing workplaces.