Wrapping Up 2025 and What’s Next for 2026
2025 was nothing short of a rollercoaster. With layoffs and hiring freezes, many of us found ourselves wondering, “Is my job safe?” While job security felt like shaky ground, AI quickly went from being “the future” to our co-worker right before our eyes.
Here’s what shaped HR this year:
AI as the New Team Player: AI became part of our teams. It started shouldering some of our workload. In some instances, it was really helpful. However, the accuracy of the data and sources are still under question. From our perspective, there are moments we may need to put AI on a PIP.
Job Market Jitters: Layoff waves and hiring slowdowns of the last few years didn’t disappear in 2025. Teams found themselves caught in a loop of “wait and see”, while new grads and early career candidates felt the squeeze the most. Their feedback: “entry level” job postings asking for experience they don’t have, AI screening tools limited their ability to get selected, and networking became their main recruiting tool. To them, the strong resume just doesn’t matter as much any more.
Beyond Perks: 2025 reminded us that perks alone don’t build culture. The office pizza party is still bringing the people in. However, employees want trust, clarity, flexibility, respected boundaries, and a healthy work environment. Companies that created space for real conversations and training, saw stronger engagement.
Compliance Curveballs: Surprise! 2025 was full of HR surprises, but none hit harder than compliance changes people didn’t see coming. Everything seemed fine… until a team realized their policies were out of date by two, three, sometimes five years. This year introduced changes in pay transparency rules, leave regulations, and provincial and state requirements. To stay up to date with these, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to help avoid any surprises!
Hybrid Glow-Up: Hybrid work had a major glow-up this year. Teams finally figured out which days were office-worthy, the necessity of meetings, and improved cross-location communication, making it more harmonious.
Let's not forget our managers who remained the real MVPs. Organizations that invested in their development reaped the benefits of better communication and more stable teams.
Looking Ahead: HR in 2026
Our theme for 2026 is CLARITY.
Here is what we anticipate:
Younger generation workers looking to be in-office more often to learn from their more experienced coworkers and not miss out on opportunities to connect
AI and analytics becoming decision-making partners, not just task helpers
A closer look at compliance and pay equity
Upskilling and development becoming essential for retention and recruitment
Culture audits replacing one-time surveys (looking at your company culture as a whole, rather than doing one survey a year just to say you did!)
It’s time to pause and prepare.
Free Resource: Your 2026 HR Readiness Checklist
Download our 2026 HR Readiness Checklist, designed to help small businesses and growing teams that want a clear starting point.
Our checklist covers:
Compliance updates and key deadlines
Policy refresh reminders
Employee engagement and training goals
New Year onboarding prep
HR tech & automation tools to explore
➡️ Download your FREE checklist here (just enter your email to get instant access!)
Thank you!
To our clients, partners, and community, thank you for trusting us with your people and your growth this year. From team retreats to training sessions to compliance cleanups and culture projects, it has been an inspiring ride.
We can’t wait to keep transforming HR together in 2026.
Here’s to more learning, more laughter, and more human workplaces.
The HR Transformed Team ❤️
