The world of work continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, and HR professionals are being called upon to do more than respond to change—they must anticipate it, influence it, and help their organizations navigate what comes next.

This engaging session explores the emerging trends shaping the HR profession and workplace, including artificial intelligence and technology, evolving workforce expectations, skills-based talent strategies, employee experience, workplace culture, compliance, and the expanding strategic role of HR. Participants will examine what these trends mean for HR professionals and identify practical ways to remain informed, agile, and prepared to lead through continued change.

The session will also highlight how SHRM membership can serve as a professional advantage by connecting HR professionals to timely research, practical tools and resources, expert guidance, professional development, networking, and a broader community of HR professionals. Participants will leave with actionable insights for navigating the future of work and a greater understanding of how SHRM can support them throughout their HR career.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify key HR and workplace trends influencing organizations, employees, and the HR profession.

Evaluate the impact of emerging trends such as AI, changing workforce expectations, skills-based talent practices, and evolving workplace regulations on HR strategy and operations.

Recognize the changing role of HR and opportunities for HR professionals to increase their influence as strategic business partners and workplace leaders.

Identify strategies and resources for staying current on emerging workplace issues and strengthening professional capabilities.

Explore the value of SHRM membership and how SHRM research, tools, expert resources, professional development, networking, and community can support HR professionals in addressing today's challenges and preparing for what's next.

Develop at least one actionable next step for strengthening their professional readiness and applying new insights within their organization or HR career.

Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP is a SHRM Membership Initiatives Director and former co-host of SHRM’s Honest HR Podcast, where she helps bring SHRM’s mission to life by designing strategies that attract, engage, and retain more than 330,000 members worldwide.

A strategic change agent with over 20 years of broad-based experience across both public and private sectors, in various HR leadership roles, including Vice-President of People & Culture; Monique is known for transforming organizational cultures, boosting engagement, and driving measurable results in employee satisfaction and retention. Her collaborative, people-centered approach has consistently helped organizations align purpose with performance.

Beyond SHRM, Monique serves as a Master Examiner and Mentor with the Sterling Council Board of Examiners, where she evaluates and mentor organizations across the Southeast using the Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence framework to advance leadership systems and operational excellence and serves on various local non-profit Boards. 

Passionate about service and development, Monique intentionally connects people, ideas, and opportunities in ways that create excellence and momentum.