Top UK HR Trends for 2026: What People Leaders Need to Know

The top HR trends shaping UK workplaces in 2026 include stronger ERGs for equity, AI-driven internal mobility, and inclusive wellbeing strategies.

By reviewing insights from 2025’s Best Workplaces™, we identified key areas for people leaders to focus on this year.

Key Takeaways:

ERGs will drive equity and unlock employee potential.
AI will power internal mobility and upskilling.
Wellbeing strategies must address all demographics.

Keep reading for more on the crucial trends that will define employee experience and help organisations build high-performing cultures in 2026, with Best Workplaces leading the way.

What role will ERGs play in 2026?

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) will be central to advancing workplace equity in 2026. These employee-led communities are increasingly recognised as vital platforms for support, advocacy, and development opportunities to all.

Despite recent strides, the journey towards true workplace equity for women remains unfinished, with the work experiences of UK women ranking only 11th out of 19 countries in our 2025 European Workforce Study.

Forward-thinking organisations will leverage ERGs to close these gaps and foster environments where every employee can excel. The latest UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™ are leading the way, with ERGs driving cultures where all employees can genuinely excel and contribute to their fullest potential, regardless of gender.

| Useful Read: Women at Work 2025

How will AI transform internal mobility?

AI is set to revolutionise learning, development, and internal mobility in 2026. Employers must equip their people with the skills needed to keep up and take advantage of this new technology. Whilst tech won’t replace people entirely, workers need support to confidently adapt and thrive alongside it.

At the same time, the technology offers solutions to skills gaps and career growth challenges.

The UK's Best Workplaces for Development™ are already:

Building cross-functional teams to explore AI opportunities
Investing in programmes to boost digital literacy
Creating tailored learning journeys and programs powered by AI
Using AI to connect employees with internal opportunities

But these leading workplaces recognise something that any organisation looking to leverage AI for internal mobility must understand: to fully harness the potential of AI, employees have to be along for the ride.

Success depends on trust and transparency. Organisations that involve employees in the process – sharing insights and listening to feedback –will see higher adoption and confidence in AI-driven change.

| Useful Read: Internal Mobility in the Age of AI

Why is wellbeing for all a critical HR trend in 2026?

Recent analysis by Johns Hopkins University and Great Place To Work reveals a troubling decline in employee wellbeing across the UK, with under‑35s, frontline managers and men hit hardest.

With wellbeing levels slipping for these key demographics, in 2026 it's more important than ever for organisations to address the root causes and ensure they are supporting all their people to thrive.

After all, organisations with high wellbeing scores significantly outperform peers in employee engagement, retention, innovation, and financial returns.

Organisations looking to reap the benefits of a thriving, healthy workforce in 2026 should look to the UK's Best Workplaces for Wellbeing. These companies centre their employee experience around wellbeing by:

Creating a strategic priority from the top
Listening continuously to understand experiences and challenges
Involving employees in co-creating solutions

| Useful Read: Fostering Wellbeing at Work in the UK

Do you have what it takes to one of 2026's UK's Best Workplaces for Development™, Best Workplaces for Wellbeing™ or Best Workplaces for Women™? Register by 13 March to be eligible. Start your journey now.