Our annual Leadership Perspective Survey, featuring responses from over 400 CHRO community members, pinpoints the critical functional priorities, enterprise objectives, and investment areas for today’s HR leaders. In 2026, CHROs indicate they are prioritizing leadership development, culture, and change management, with a growing emphasis on integrating AI solutions into HR practices.
For sponsors of Gartner C-level Communities, these exclusive insights are invaluable for aligning your solutions and communications with the immediate needs of C-level decision-makers. Read on to explore the survey highlights and see the areas shaping CHROs strategies and spending in 2026.
CHRO Operating Budgets Remain Steady in 2026
In 2026, just over half of CHROs (52%) report that their operating budgets are unchanged from the previous year. Meanwhile, 28% report a decrease in budget compared to 2025, and 19% have seen their budgets increase year-over-year. These figures closely mirror last year’s results, with a slight improvement in the proportion of CHROs experiencing budget decreases (down from 30% in 2025).
Planned Investments in Technology and Services Also Remain Steady
Consistent with trends in operating budgets, 53% of CHROs report that their planned spending on technology and services will remain unchanged from 2025. Notably, 30% anticipate increasing their spending in these areas, while only 17% expect to reduce spending. This stability signals ongoing opportunities for solution providers to engage with CHROs as they evaluate and prioritize technology and services investments.
CHROs Prioritize AI Investments
Half of CHROs (50%) plan to invest in AI solutions in 2026 – a significant jump from just 24% in 2025. Recruiting remains a leading area for spending, with 32% of HR leaders directing investments here. Other top priorities include workforce data and talent analytics (31%), human capital management (HCM) technology (28%), and learning technology (26%). These trends indicate growing opportunities for solution providers offering AI-driven and data-centric HR technologies.
The #1 Priority for CHROs is Leader & Manager Development
For the second year in a row, “Leader & Manager Development” stands out as the leading priority for CHROs. Other areas of focus include “Culture,” “Change Management & Workforce Resiliency,” and “Strategic Workforce Planning.”
Reflecting the surge in planned technology investments, “HR Tech & AI Strategy” enters the top five priorities for the first time – rising seven spots from its 2025 ranking. This shift underscores the growing importance of digital transformation and AI integration in HR strategies.
Key Topics of Interest for CHROs in 2026
In addition to sharing their investment plans and strategic priorities, CHROs highlighted the topics they are most eager to explore with C-level peers and solution providers at upcoming community events. The top areas of interest for 2026 include:
- Evolving the HR Operating Model
- Leading the Enterprise Through Change
- Tying HR Strategy to Business Outcomes
- CHRO Role Evolution
- Innovating for the Future
To learn more about sponsoring Gartner C-level Communities and events and how our proprietary survey insights can help you engage with C-level decision makers, contact us.
Based on 400 CHRO responses from Gartner C-level Communities’ proprietary Leadership Perspective Survey, March 2026.
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