Four critical priorities emerge
Gartner identified four key priorities for CHROs in 2026. The first centres on harnessing AI to reshape HR operations. CHROs are being urged to develop a clearly defined, HR-focused AI strategy, with particular emphasis on evolving the HR operating model. This shift is expected to deliver the highest impact on AI productivity gains, at 29%.
The second priority involves shaping work in the human-machine era. CHROs are expected to develop a “now-next” talent strategy for a blended workforce and plan for a range of human-AI scenarios to ensure organisations are prepared for the future of work.
The third priority focuses on mobilising leaders for growth amid uncertainty. Leaders must be equipped to routinise change rather than simply inspire it. When change becomes an instinctive part of work, organisations are three times more likely to achieve healthy change adoption, according to Gartner’s research.
The fourth priority addresses culture atrophy to power performance. CHROs are being encouraged to embed desired culture into employees’ daily work. Organisations that succeed in doing so can see up to a 34% increase in employee performance, the research found.
Workforce trends reshape HR function
Gartner also identified four major trends shaping HR priorities. AI is prompting questions about the future of the HR function itself, as artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to human talent. Organisations are walking what Gartner describes as a “growth-efficiency tightrope”, while the employment deal shifts towards a model of “give more, expect less”.