What HR leaders should pay attention to
SHRM’s AI in HR in 2026 The report found that the impact of AI on the workforce is more transformational than job loss, with only 7% of HR professionals reporting job losses related to AI adoption. Furthermore, 57% cited increased demand for AI upskilling and reskilling, and 24% reported new jobs being created amid AI disruption.
AI governance remains a blind spot, with 49% of organizations currently using or planning to experiment with AI having internal policies for employee regulation. In doing so, SHRM developed an AI legal framework and advocated for a comprehensive national approach to workplace AI.
In the case of California, EO continues its extensive efforts to shape AI policy at the state level. In recent years, the state has advanced legislation focused on AI transparency, safety standards, and workplace oversight.
For employers and HR teams, this executive order may increase expectations for workforce planning, skills development, and responsible AI adoption. It also reflects a growing policy trend to measure how AI impacts work quality, career mobility, and employee experience, along with productivity gains.
“AI is transforming the workplace in real time, and California’s executive order underscores the importance of preparing both workers and employers for that transition,” said Emily M. Dickens, chief administrative officer at SHRM. “SHRM supports a thoughtful, workforce-centric approach that expands AI literacy, strengthens upskilling and workforce development pathways, and helps organizations responsibly adopt emerging technologies. As policymakers assess the future impact of AI on jobs and economic opportunity, it will be important to ensure that new requirements are clear, balanced, and practical for employers of all sizes, while supporting innovation, workforce readiness, and employee engagement.”
