In this episode, Lucy Adams and Karen Moran take stock of the people and work trends that are likely to shape 2026. Drawing on what they’re seeing across organisations right now, they focus on the changes that genuinely matter for HR and leaders, from shifting employee expectations to the growing pressure on organisations to operate with greater trust and transparency.

They explore how ideas about leadership, performance and culture are continuing to evolve, why traditional HR models are being stretched, and what this means for areas such as hybrid working, capability building and organisational design. The discussion highlights where HR can add the most value over the next few years, and where it may need to step back from long-established but increasingly unhelpful practices.

Lucy and Karen also reflect on what this moment means for HR more broadly, and how teams can prepare for 2026 in a way that is pragmatic, human and grounded in reality. 

The HR Disrupted podcast will be taking a break due to other commitments but the conversation very much continues! For more insights from Lucy and the team at Disruptive HR, check out the website at www.disruptivehr.com.

Chapters

00:00 – Looking ahead: Why 2026 is a turning point for work
09:10 – Shifting expectations: What employees and leaders want next
21:05 – Rethinking HR models: What may need to change or disappear
34:00 – What’s next: Preparing for 2026

Useful Links

Find out more about Disruptive HR: www.disruptivehr.com
Get in touch: hello@disruptivehr.com
Check out The Disruptive HR Club: https://disruptivehr.com/the-club/