Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE: PAYC), a leading provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) software, has released its latest report on HR trends and priorities, highlighting HR technology upgrades as the top focus for 2026.
The survey, conducted by PSB Insights among 1,000 HR professionals, found that 43% plan to prioritize HR technology improvements, while four in five expect to purchase new HCM software in the next 12 months. The trend is driven largely by outdated systems, repetitive workflows, and inefficient data management. Nearly one-third of respondents cited the time spent on repetitive tasks as a major influence shaping their 2026 priorities.
AI and Automation Are Gaining Traction
AI adoption is also on the rise, with 15% of HR professionals naming increased AI use in HR functions as their top priority. Inconsistent data and inefficient workflows have plagued HR teams in 2025, influencing 28% of respondents’ priorities. Organizations are grappling with multiple providers—Forrester Consulting reported an average of 6.17 systems per company to manage the employee lifecycle, with 77% of data spread across multiple HCM databases.
The impact is clear: 80% of respondents said fragmented employee data hinders accurate workforce reporting, underscoring the appeal of single-database HCM solutions. Over 91% of HR leaders expressed interest in a unified HCM platform, with 84% predicting positive impacts on business goals, particularly improved data accuracy.
Paycom’s single-database HCM platform enables seamless data flow between tools, making true HR and payroll automation achievable. “We need to reduce manual tasks in the HR department so that processes are more seamless and we can better track changes in needs,” one respondent told PSB Insights.
Top HR Priorities for 2026
According to the survey, HR leaders are focused on:
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HR technology upgrades and improvements
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Employee development, upskilling, and reskilling
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Increased incorporation of AI in HR functions
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Enhancing employee experience, engagement, and well-being
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Attracting and retaining top talent
Shane Hadlock, Paycom’s chief client and technology officer, commented, “As we head into 2026, organizations are recognizing the need to upgrade from outdated systems and invest in solutions that streamline repetitive work.”
With HR technology upgrades, AI adoption, and workflow automation emerging as top priorities, 2026 promises to be a year where modernized, integrated platforms like Paycom’s single-database HCM software become a central enabler of business efficiency and employee experience.
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Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
