The HR Research Institute has released its comprehensive study, HR.com's Future of Career Development & Mobility 2025-26, offering organizations critical insights into optimizing employee development initiatives. Developed under the guidance of the career development Advisory Board—a panel of industry experts including Gayle Lantz of Workmatters, Bev Kaye of BevKaye&Co, and Frank Ginac of TalentGuard—the research provides HR leaders with actionable strategies to cultivate talent and prepare for future workforce challenges.
On December 4, 2025, HRRI hosted a virtual event where participants explored key findings from the research, examining emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in employee development. Recordings from this event remain available on-demand, allowing HR professionals to access expert discussions on organizational engagement in development initiatives, challenges and benefits of effective career programs, and strategies to support employee growth. The research also addresses career development's role in succession management and resource allocation to prevent skills gaps—critical concerns for organizations navigating rapid technological change.
Internal mobility trends, barriers, and impacts on career growth represent another significant focus area of the study. As organizations seek to retain top talent while addressing evolving skill requirements, understanding how to facilitate internal movement becomes increasingly important. The research examines how emerging technologies are driving employee development, offering insights into tools and best practices that organizations can implement. Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the value of the advisory board's contributions, noting that their guidance helps organizations "develop actionable strategies to cultivate talent, enhance internal mobility, and use career development as a competitive advantage."
The implications of this research extend beyond individual organizations to the broader workforce landscape. With skills gaps continuing to challenge industries worldwide, effective career development programs become essential for maintaining competitive operations. The study's findings on resource allocation and succession management provide organizations with frameworks for strategic planning, while insights into internal mobility barriers offer pathways to improve employee retention and satisfaction. For HR professionals seeking to implement data-driven approaches, the HR Research Institute offers additional resources through its website at https://hr.com/researchinstitute, where free research reports and infographics across all HR specialties are available.
As workforce expectations continue to evolve, this research provides timely guidance for organizations navigating the complexities of employee development. The comprehensive examination of trends, challenges, and strategies offers a roadmap for HR leaders to build more resilient, adaptable organizations. By addressing both immediate concerns like skills gaps and longer-term considerations like succession management, the study equips organizations with tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive talent landscape while supporting employee growth and career advancement.
