As businesses prepare for 2026, the focus for many HR and business leaders has shifted from recovery to resilience.

Our latest Ellisons HR Outlook Survey reveals how organisations are adapting to new workplace challenges and what this means for employers ahead of the Employment Rights Bill coming into force.

Top Priorities for HR in 2025

The survey from HR professionals and business owners highlights a clear emphasis on developing workforce capability and retaining talent:

  • Training and development – 68%
  • Recruitment and retention – 61%
  • Reward and recognition – 57%
  • Legal compliance and governance – 46%
  • Leadership development and succession – 43%

These findings show that employers are balancing the need for strong leadership and skills investment with the ongoing challenge of attracting and keeping great people.

Confidence in Recruitment and Retention

Confidence levels are mixed, with an average score of 3.2 out of 5.

While 36% feel optimistic about retaining talent, half remain neutral and 14% report low confidence.

This uncertainty reflects the changing expectations of employees, especially around flexibility, culture, and wellbeing.

The Changing Shape of Work

The hybrid model remains dominant, with over 60% of respondents operating some form of hybrid working.

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and many organisations are still refining what “flexibility” really means for them.

Encouragingly, HR’s strategic influence is growing: 50% of respondents said their HR function now operates at board level, highlighting the crucial role of people strategy in business success.

Introducing the 2026 Employment Law & Workplace Series

In response to this, we are launching the 2026 Employment Law & Workplace Series, “The Employee Journey: From Hiring to Exit.”

This year-long programme will feature events and expert content every other month, designed to help both business owners and HR professionals navigate the new legal landscape.

From recruitment and onboarding to retention, wellbeing, and exit, the series brings together insights from our Employment and Immigration teams, along with guest experts from recruitment, HR, and wellbeing sectors.

Looking Ahead

2026 will be a defining year for employment law, with the Employment Rights Bill set to reshape how organisations hire, manage, and support their people.

Our team will continue to provide the latest insights to help you stay compliant, confident, and prepared.

Follow Ellisons Solicitors on LinkedIn or register for upcoming events and updates from our Employment Team here.