What are HR and finance professionals’ biggest challenges, priorities, and goals for the coming year? We worked with Paycom, a leader in HR and payroll tech to understand what’s top of mind for these decision-makers. Our findings informed Paycom’s annual report on HR trends and priorities, highlighting crucial insights for 2026.
Our Approach
We conducted a comprehensive study in July 2025 that included an online survey that engaged 1,000 HR decision-makers and 250 finance decision-makers across a variety of U.S. industries and company sizes.
Key Insights
- AI is now a critical tool in HR for automating processes: HR professionals agree that automation helps reduce inefficiency and repetitive tasks, with 15% ranking increased AI integration into HR functions as their top priority for 2026.
- Urgent need for HR technology upgrades: Driven by outdated workflows, 43% of HR professionals prioritize technology upgrades to streamline repetitive tasks. This urgency is underscored by 4 in 5 HR professionals anticipating new HCM software purchases within the next year.
- HR’s evolving technical role: The rise of technology necessitates new skills, with 82% of HR and 83% of finance professionals agreeing that AI and automation will significantly reshape HR responsibilities.
- Optimism amidst challenges: Despite facing compliance and economic changes, HR and finance professionals remain optimistic about growth, retention, and the impact of AI.
HR Decision-Makers’ Top 5 Priorities for 2026
- Seeking HR technology upgrades/improvements
- Enabling employee development and upskilling/reskilling
- Increasing incorporation of AI within HR functions
- Enhancing employee experience, engagement and well-being (including culture initiatives)
- Attracting and retaining top talent
Your Partner for Understanding Complex Audiences
Looking for a partner to illuminate insights from an array of opinions, across complex audiences? Get in touch—we’re here to help.
Check out the full report here.
For more information on this report, please contact Dean Seales at dseales@psbinsights.com