New Research and Expert Guidance Reveal the State of Employee Development

The HR Research Institute (HRRI) is proud to release its latest study, HR.com's Future of Career Development & Mobility 2025-26, developed under its career development Advisory Board — a panel of industry experts guiding HR professionals through the evolving landscape of employee growth. The board provides strategic insights and expertise to help organizations unlock the full potential of their workforce today and prepare for the future.

Under the board’s guidance, HRRI conducted new research and hosted a one-day virtual event, giving HR leaders actionable insights on optimizing employee development to drive organizational success. On December 4, 2025, participants explored key findings on career development and mobility, examining emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the modern workplace. Recordings from the virtual event are available on-demand.

HR.com's Future of Career Development & Mobility 2025 Virtual Event
[WATCH THE ON-DEMAND SESSIONS]

Research and discussion topics include:

• Organizational engagement in employee development initiatives

• Challenges and benefits of effective career development programs

• Strategies, tools, and best practices to support employee growth

• Career development’s role in succession management

• Resource allocation to prevent skills gaps

• Internal mobility trends, barriers, and impacts on career growth

• Emerging technologies driving employee development

The esteemed Future of Career Development & Mobility Advisory Board includes the following industry thought leaders:

• Gayle Lantz, Founder and CEO, Workmatters

• Bev Kaye, Founder and CEO, BevKaye&Co.

• Frank Ginac, Chief AI Officer, CTO and Co-Founder, TalentGuard

• Megan Bickle, Head of Talent Management, Rothy’s

• Jennifer Borun, Sr Director, Recruiting, Learning, Performance, and HR Suites, Cornerstone OnDemand

• Doreen Coles, Sr. Director Talent & Learning, ADP

• Jonathan Westover, Assoc. Dean and Director of HR Academic Programs, Western Governors University

“This group comprises some of the brightest minds in HR and workforce development,” said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. “Their guidance has helped organizations develop actionable strategies to cultivate talent, enhance internal mobility, and use career development as a competitive advantage.”

Free research reports and infographics in all HR specialties available at hr.com/researchinstitute.

About HR.com and the HR Research Institute

The #1 source for HR research—read by more HR professionals than any other! The HR Research Institute (HRRI), powered by HR.com, identifies key trends and best practices to help more than 2 million HR professionals and their organizations make strategic decisions with informed and insightful research findings.

The HRRI has published hundreds of high-quality reports across a wide array of HR topics. HR.com’s free membership offers many benefits, including access to over 300 exclusive primary research, state-of-the-industry reports, and infographics. These resources are published based on surveys developed with the assistance of a panel of thought leaders and industry experts on the advisory boards. Visit hr.com/hrresearchinstitute to maximize your HR potential. #hrresearchinstitute

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