When Brandon Hall Group™ published the 2026 HR Outlook in February, we identified a defining theme for the year ahead: progression.
Organizations everywhere are navigating unprecedented change driven by AI, shifting workforce expectations, evolving leadership demands and increasing pressure to deliver measurable business outcomes. Success is no longer about keeping pace—it is about continuously advancing capabilities, practices and performance. That is why we declared 2026 the Year of Progression.
Shortly thereafter, we introduced the AI Progression Model, providing organizations with a practical framework for assessing their current state and charting a path toward more effective and responsible AI adoption. The response was immediate, reinforcing what we were hearing from HR and business leaders around the world: organizations need clear, research-based guidance for moving from aspiration to action.
Today, we are expanding that vision with seven new Progression Models covering the core disciplines that define HR excellence: Learning & Development, Leadership Development, Talent Management, Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Rewards & Recognition, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
More importantly, each Progression Model is supported by a Research Summary, Playbook and Workbook designed to help organizations not only understand their current level of maturity, but also take meaningful steps toward the next stage of development.
The Research Summaries distill the key findings and recommendations into concise, accessible overviews. The Playbooks translate those insights into strategic guidance. The Workbooks provide practical tools, exercises and templates that support implementation.
Together, these resources give Brandon Hall Group™ Institute clients a structured path from assessment to action—helping leaders turn research and insight into measurable progress.
All seven Progression Models and supporting resources are available now through the Brandon Hall Group™ Institute:
Research Summaries
- Learning & Development Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Research Summary
- Leadership Development Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Research Summary
- Talent Management Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Research Summary
- Human Resources Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Research Summary
- Talent Acquisition Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Research Summary
- Rewards and Recognition Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Research Summary
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Research Summary
Playbooks
- Learning and Development Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Playbook
- Leadership Development Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Playbook
- Talent Management Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Playbook
- Human Resources Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Playbook
- Talent Acquisition Progression Model For Empowering HR Excellence Playbook
- Rewards & Recognition Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Playbook
- Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence Playbook
Workbooks
- Learning & Development Progression Model For Empowering HR Excellence Workbook
- Leadership Development Progression Model For Empowering HR Excellence Workbook
- Talent Management Model For Empowering HR Excellence Workbook
- Human Resources Progression Model For Empowering HR Excellence Workbook
- Talent Acquisition Progression Model For Empowering HR Excellence Workbook
- Rewards And Recognition Progression Model For Empowering HR Excellence Workbook
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Progression Model For Empowering HR Excellence Workbook
Also New This Week
Executive Interviews
- Executive Interview on Building Capability in the Age of AI: What L&D Leaders Need to Know
- Executive Interview on How TraineryHCM Is Weaving AI into the Fabric of Learning Technology
- Executive Interview on How Boehringer Ingelheim Turned Learning Into a Business Strategy
Blogs
- Beyond the LMS: Docebo’s Acquisition of Zive Highlights the Transition to Integrated Knowledge Ecosystems
- Fuse Universal Focuses on the Future by Embracing Its Roots
- SAP Sapphire 2026: The Shift from Automated HR to Autonomous Work
Webinars
- Webinar on Avoid the AI Black Hole: How Training Leaders Can Finally Show ROI on AI Investments
- Webinar on Why Enterprise Training Breaks at Scale and What the LMS Can’t Fix
- Webinar on the Brandon Hall Group™ AI in HR Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence
- HCM Excellence Spotlight Webinar: How WCG’s Award-Winning Playbook is Redefining Connection for Remote Team
About the Brandon Hall Group™ Institute
The Brandon Hall Group™ Institute is the home of our member-exclusive research, tools, and resources. Members get access to hundreds of research assets spanning Learning & Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Rewards & Recognition.
Not a member yet? Join the Brandon Hall Group™ Institute and get immediate access to the research your organization needs to move forward.
