The State of Culture and Inclusion

2025 Trends and a Look Ahead at 2026

How are AI, politics, and the economy reshaping workplace culture? And what should leaders do next?
In 2025, culture and talent leaders recalibrated culture strategies amid rapid AI adoption, shifting politics, and economic pressures. Now, heading into 2026, leaders are reimagining the role culture plays in fueling business and employee performance.

Our data, representing hundreds of thousands of employees from 200+ organizations, reveals what influenced culture efforts in 2025 and where leaders are focused in 2026.
Companies that are using AI to support culture and talent programs.
One of the most monumental shifts of 2025 was the wide-scale adoption of AI-powered software for culture efforts.
Companies that are already upskilling or plan to upskill employees on AI.
Technology wasn't the only force shaping companies' culture efforts. Executive and employee voices, changes in the business, and shifting government guidelines also played a significant role.
With that, there were declines in high-visibility diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives designed to make organizations more representative and fair.
0%

of companies stopped setting goals related to increasing supplier diversity.

0%

of companies stopped setting goals related to increasing representation of specific demographic groups in their company.

0%

stopped internship programs focused on reaching underrepresented talent

Amid these declines, companies remained committed to building cultures where existing employees can do their best work and thrive.
78%

78% of companies have values that include a commitment to building an inclusive culture.

95%

95% of companies are continuing to support ERGs.

91%

91% of companies are continuing to survey employees around experience and engagement to understand differences among groups.

96%

96% of companies are investing in efforts to promote fairness in key processes like performance management and promotions.

What does this mean for leaders
in 2026 and beyond?

The data makes one thing clear: while external forces continue to shift, the biggest levers for progress still lie inside organizations. Culture will determine whether organizations simply react to change or use it to fuel innovation, alignment, and sustained results. The companies who succeed in 2026 will treat culture not as a set of initiatives, but as a living system that drives performance.

For leaders, the moment calls for action and building cultures that adapt with speed and purpose. To succeed, they should focus on three priorities:

1

Turn AI into an advantage

2

Build trust from the inside out

3

Operationalize culture throughout the business

Download the full report
to find out more insights
This report offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of workplace culture and inclusion. Whether you're a CEO, culture and talent leader, or HR practitioner, these insights will help you navigate challenges and drive meaningful progress in the year ahead.