HOW TO:
Solve Complexity, 
Build Capacity, 
and Drive Results
Leaders are getting a lot of things right. In 2026, these are HR’s top priorities:
500-1K EEs
#1 HR Priority
100-499 EEs
#1 HR Priority
AI
Automation
So why is people management
still an uphill battle?
In 2026, HR will face two challenges:
Challenge #1: Growing Complexity
$944/yr Admin Spend (500+ EEs)
50% of Leaders Use 7-10+ HR Systems
<20% of Systems Are Integrated
Challenge #2: Limited Capacity
71% of Execs
Note a Lack of Strong Managers
70% of Companies Face Voluntary
Turnover (500-1K EEs)
Work/Life Balance Is the
#1 Reason Workers Leave
Here's How to Save Both:
1
Invest in HR Tech:
Top Companies 
Are 3x More
Likely to Increase 
HR Tech Spend. 
(Paycor’s HR in 2026)
2
Build AI Capacity: 
High Performers 
Are 83% More 
Likely to Plan 
AI Upskilling. 
(Paycor’s HR in 2026)
3
Let Managers Lead:
The Most Successful
Teams Give
Managers 40% More
Time to Coach. 
(Paycor’s HR in 2026)
Work smarter, not harder. 
Get the guide to build your 
action plan for 2026.
Get Guide