The HR Research Institute has released its comprehensive study, HR.com's Future of Career Development & Mobility 2025-26, offering critical insights for organizations seeking to optimize employee growth and development. Developed under the guidance of a career development Advisory Board comprising industry experts, the research identifies key trends, challenges, and actionable strategies for HR leaders navigating today's complex talent landscape.
The study emerged from new research and a one-day virtual event held on December 4, 2025, where participants examined findings on career development and mobility. Topics explored include organizational engagement in development initiatives, the challenges and benefits of effective programs, and strategies to support employee growth. The research also covers career development's role in succession management, resource allocation to prevent skills gaps, internal mobility trends and barriers, and the impact of emerging technologies on workforce development.
"This group comprises some of the brightest minds in HR and workforce development," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. She noted that their guidance helps organizations develop actionable strategies to cultivate talent, enhance internal mobility, and use career development as a competitive advantage. The advisory board includes thought leaders such as Gayle Lantz of Workmatters, Bev Kaye of BevKaye&Co., Frank Ginac of TalentGuard, and senior talent executives from companies including Rothy's, Cornerstone OnDemand, and ADP.
The implications of this research are significant for organizations navigating a rapidly evolving labor market. Effective career development programs are no longer optional but are crucial for retaining talent, closing skills gaps, and ensuring long-term organizational resilience. The study emphasizes that investing in employee growth directly contributes to competitive advantage and organizational success, making this research particularly relevant for HR vendors who must understand these dynamics to better serve their clients.
For HR vendors, this study provides essential market intelligence about the priorities and challenges facing their clients in the human resources space. The focus on internal mobility trends and barriers offers vendors insights into potential product development opportunities, while the examination of emerging technologies' impact on career development highlights areas where technological solutions may be most needed. The research also underscores the growing importance of succession management and skills gap prevention, suggesting increased demand for tools and services that address these organizational needs.
Recordings from the virtual event are available on-demand, and free research reports and infographics in all HR specialties are accessible at https://hr.com/researchinstitute. The HR Research Institute, which powers this research, helps over 2 million HR professionals make strategic decisions through informed insights. More information about their work can be found at https://hr.com/hrresearchinstitute.
