The HR Research Institute (HRRI) has released its comprehensive study, HR.com's Future of Career Development & Mobility 2025-26, developed under the guidance of its career development Advisory Board. This panel of industry experts provides strategic insights to help organizations unlock workforce potential and prepare for future challenges. The research, which informed a one-day virtual event on December 4, 2025, offers HR leaders actionable data on optimizing employee development to drive organizational success.
The study examines organizational engagement in employee development initiatives, analyzing both the challenges and benefits of effective career development programs. It explores strategies, tools, and best practices to support employee growth, emphasizing career development's critical role in succession management. A key focus is resource allocation to prevent skills gaps, alongside analysis of internal mobility trends, barriers, and impacts on career progression. The research also investigates emerging technologies driving employee development, providing a roadmap for modern workforce investment.
Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, highlighted the advisory board's contribution, stating their guidance helps organizations develop actionable strategies to cultivate talent, enhance internal mobility, and use career development as a competitive advantage. The board includes thought leaders such as Gayle Lantz of Workmatters, Bev Kaye of BevKaye&Co., Frank Ginac of TalentGuard, Megan Bickle of Rothy's, Jennifer Borun of Cornerstone OnDemand, Doreen Coles of ADP, and Jonathan Westover of Western Governors University.
For business and technology leaders, this research underscores the strategic imperative of investing in employee development amid rapid technological change. Effective career development programs directly address skills gaps that threaten organizational agility, while enhanced internal mobility improves retention and reduces recruitment costs. The findings suggest that companies leveraging career development as a competitive differentiator will be better positioned to navigate future workforce challenges.
Recordings from the virtual event are available on-demand, and free research reports and infographics are accessible at https://hr.com/researchinstitute. The HR Research Institute, which serves over 2 million HR professionals, publishes hundreds of reports across HR topics. Additional resources are available at https://hr.com/hrresearchinstitute to help organizations maximize their HR potential.
