HR Pulse 2026: The real state of AI and human leadership
The leadership challenge shaping the future of work
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we work, lead, and make decisions, HR leaders are facing one of the most important leadership challenges of our time.
How do we harness the power of AI while preserving the judgment, empathy, and trust that sit at the heart of effective leadership?
Introducing HR Pulse 2026
LeadershipHQ is launching HR Pulse 2026: AI and Human Leadership Balance, a focused pulse survey created for HR, people, and leadership professionals navigating this shift in real organisational contexts.
This research is designed to capture what is actually happening inside organisations, not just what is being discussed at a theoretical level.
What this research explores
The survey captures how leaders use AI day-to-day, their confidence in applying it to people and leadership decisions, and where organisations stand in their AI journey. It highlights the challenges shaping progress, including skills, trust, access to tools, and clarity of value, while exploring how HR is helping leaders embed AI in ways that protect empathy, ethics, and human connection.
Why your voice matters
The insights gathered will help establish meaningful benchmarks for AI readiness, leadership capability, and trust across organisations. These findings will directly inform future research, leadership development, and practical guidance designed to support HR and leadership teams in the years ahead.
This research is designed to capture what is actually happening inside organisations, not just what is being discussed at a theoretical level.
Learn more at LeadershipHQ
What this research explores
The survey captures how leaders use AI day-to-day, their confidence in applying it to people and leadership decisions, and where organisations stand in their AI journey. It highlights the challenges shaping progress, including skills, trust, access to tools, and clarity of value, while exploring how HR is helping leaders embed AI in ways that protect empathy, ethics, and human connection.
Why your voice matters
The insights gathered will help establish meaningful benchmarks for AI readiness, leadership capability, and trust across organisations. These findings will directly inform future research, leadership development, and practical guidance designed to support HR and leadership teams in the years ahead.
Why take part
- Contribute to a credible benchmark shaping HR and leadership priorities for 2026
- Gain insight into how your organisation compares with peers and industry leaders
- Help influence how AI-enabled leadership evolves in a responsible and human-centred way
Have your say
The survey is confidential and designed to take only a few minutes to complete.
Add your voice to HR Pulse 2026 by completing the survey here
Your perspective matters. Together, we can ensure that as technology advances, leadership becomes more thoughtful, ethical, and human.
