Navigating the Future of Employee Development and Mobility: Insights from HR Experts

Charting the Course for Employee Growth

The HR Research Institute (HRRI), under the auspices of its esteemed career development Advisory Board, has released a pivotal study titled HR.com's Future of Career Development & Mobility 2025-26. This research, conducted with the guidance of a panel comprising the most luminous minds in human resources and workforce development, aims to steer organizations through the evolving dynamics of employee growth. With a focus on unlocking the workforce's full potential, both for today and the future, the HRRI has embarked on a mission to arm HR leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary for fostering an environment where employee development flourishes.

The release of this study coincides with a one-day virtual event that took place on December 4, 2025. This event served as a platform for exploring the study's key findings, delving into the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the modern workplace. HR leaders and participants were provided with a treasure trove of actionable insights aimed at optimizing employee development strategies to drive organizational triumph. For those unable to attend, the sessions remain accessible on-demand, offering a chance to engage with the material at their convenience.

The Pillars of Effective Employee Development

The research and discussions facilitated by the HRRI and its advisory board covered a broad spectrum of topics crucial to the advancement of career development and mobility. These included the engagement of organizations in employee development initiatives, the manifold challenges and benefits of implementing effective career development programs, and the indispensable strategies, tools, and best practices that support employee growth. Notably, the study also highlighted the critical role of career development in succession management, the importance of resource allocation to prevent skills gaps, and the trends, barriers, and impacts of internal mobility on career progression. Another focal point of the research was the exploration of emerging technologies that are driving employee development forward, underscoring the need for organizations to stay abreast of technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge.

Guidance from the Forefront of HR Innovation

The Future of Career Development & Mobility Advisory Board is a constellation of industry thought leaders whose expertise has been instrumental in shaping the study's direction. Among these luminaries are Gayle Lantz, Bev Kaye, Frank Ginac, Megan Bickle, Jennifer Borun, Doreen Coles, and Jonathan Westover. Their collective wisdom has not only guided this research but has also provided organizations with actionable strategies to cultivate talent, enhance internal mobility, and leverage career development as a competitive advantage. Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, lauded the board's contribution, emphasizing the invaluable role their guidance plays in helping organizations develop and execute winning strategies for talent development.

In the realm of human resources, the HR Research Institute stands as a beacon of knowledge and insight. As the premier source of HR research, read by more HR professionals than any other, HRRI's extensive library of reports and infographics, accessible through HRRI's website, continues to influence strategic decision-making across the industry. By offering a wealth of resources developed with the assistance of its advisory boards, HRRI empowers HR professionals to maximize their potential and, by extension, that of their organizations.

As we navigate the complexities of today's and tomorrow's workplace, the insights and guidance provided by the HR Research Institute and its Future of Career Development & Mobility study serve as a vital compass. These resources not only illuminate the path toward enhanced employee development and mobility but also ensure that organizations are well-equipped to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.