HR at the Turning Point: Aligning People and Priorities for 2026

As we welcome the new year, many organisations are now back from the holiday break and immersed in early 2026 priorities. Amidst the pace of planning, delivery, and renewed focus, this moment presents more than operational urgency. It offers a strategic opportunity. Now is the time for business leaders to reflect on the year just passed, realign priorities, and ensure their teams are equipped to move forward with clarity, capability, and momentum in the year ahead.

 

Rather than viewing the return-to-work period as a compliance checkpoint, forward-thinking organisations see it as a powerful inflection point. When HR is approached deliberately at this stage, businesses are better positioned to:

 

• Strengthen retention and engagement
• Reinforce a high-performing workplace culture
• Build long-term capability
• Reduce compliance and operational risk
• Enhance readiness for future growth
• Continue the year aligned and confident

Organisations that invest in purposeful HR planning now are those most likely to thrive over the months and year ahead.

The questions below can help leaders assess key HR areas and ensure the year ahead is productive, resilient, and strategically aligned to achieve the targets and objectives of both the employees and the organisation.

Workforce Planning and Capability

• Do your people’s skills align with 2026 priorities?
• Where are the gaps in capacity or capability?
• Which roles will become critical as the business evolves?
• Are your performance and behavioural expectations still fit for purpose?

Employment Contracts and HR Policies

• Are your Employment Contracts, Position Descriptions, and KPIs up to date and reflective of day-to-day operations?
• Have policies been refreshed to stay compliant and relevant?
• Do your HR policies support the workplace culture you’re striving to build?

HR Systems, Processes, and Digital Tools

• Are your HR systems user-friendly and effective for current needs?
• Do employees find them intuitive to use?
• Are you capturing the data needed to make informed decisions?
• Does your HRIS align with your business objectives?
• Are you leveraging AI tools in a responsible and meaningful way?

Workplace Health & Safety and Mental Health Support

• Are WHS practices compliant and embedded in daily operations?
• Have you reviewed incident trends or emerging risks?
• What wellbeing initiatives are in place to support your people?/li>
• Is your Employee Assistance Program being actively promoted and accessed?

Reward, Recognition, and Incentives

• Are your remuneration structures competitive in today’s market?
• How are you recognising and celebrating high performance?
• Do your reward strategies drive the behaviours and outcomes your business values?

If you’d like support with any of these areas, the team at enrichHR is ready to help. Our focus is on building strong, compliant, and future-ready workforces and ensuring your business starts 2026 with confidence.