Upgrading HR technology to create streamlined workflows, reduce repetitive tasks and enable HR teams to take on more strategic initiatives, such as employee engagement and retention, is the top priority for HR professionals in 2026, according to a Paycom Software report. The report warns HR departments against relying on multiple systems and databases, as this approach complicates data management and increases the risk of duplicate or disparate employee information.

AI-powered talent marketplaces are emerging as a key tool for organizations to unlock hidden talent and enhance internal mobility, writes talent management expert Edie Goldberg. These platforms match employees' skills with organizational needs, speeding up the formation of critical cross-functional project teams, lowering costs and fostering innovation, productivity and engagement. Goldberg also notes that companies with high internal mobility have more engaged employees who stay 60% longer.

Nearly 9 in 10 talent acquisition professionals report that their CEOs expect them to address the skills gap and build a workforce prepared for the future. This highlights the growing pressure on recruiters to align hiring strategies with long-term business goals, according to LinkedIn's Executive Confidence Index.

Workday has introduced a Custom AI Model Library for contract management, using tech from its acquisition of Evisort. The library features more than 120 AI models designed to identify key clauses and financial details, aiming to streamline processes on everything from HR agreements to sales deals.

Amazon will cut as many as 30,000 corporate jobs, nearly 10% of its corporate workforce, to reduce expenses and address overhiring during the pandemic. The layoffs, expected to begin Tuesday, will affect divisions including human resources, operations, devices and Amazon Web Services. CEO Andy Jassy aims to cut bureaucracy and increase use of artificial intelligence, which he says will automate repetitive tasks.

AI is rapidly automating tasks in white-collar roles, with some major firms already reducing headcounts or limiting new hires due to AI integration. Estimates from Goldman Sachs suggest 6% to 7% of US workers could lose their jobs to AI, with entry-level hiring in AI-exposed jobs dropping 13% since large language models became widespread. Sectors most affected include software development, customer service and clerical work. However, while job displacement is real, reports indicate new opportunities are emerging in AI development, research and robotics.