New research report: How HR, Reward and Benefits leaders can tackle the big five challenges of today
Our 2026 research highlights five defining challenges facing HR, Reward and Benefits leaders. It also reveals a clear opportunity to strengthen their influence and deliver greater impact across the workforce.
98% of leaders say pressure to justify the value of HR has increased in the last two years. Yet most are still struggling to be heard at Board level – and employees still can’t see the full value of what they’re being offered.
The world of work is changing fast. AI is reshaping roles and workforces. Pay transparency is moving from regulatory obligation to cultural expectation. And employee benefits investment keeps rising, while employee perception of that investment stays stubbornly low.
So how do HR, Reward and Benefits leaders turn insight into impact – and finally secure the influence their function deserves?
Informed by 600 interviews with HR, Reward and Benefits professionals, and 7,000 interviews with employees across seven countries – including Canada, India and UK – Energizing Reward and Benefits examines:
98%
of HR, Reward and Benefits leaders say pressure to justify HR's value has increased in the last two years.
51%
of employees report difficulty accessing or understanding the full value of their reward and benefits.
72%
of HR, Reward and Benefits leaders say they need to use AI more strategically to maintain credibility in their organization.
