On-Demand Webinar
2026 HR Outlook: What’s Breaking, What’s Shifting, and What to Redesign Now
HR leaders are being asked to do more than ever: faster, leaner, and with higher stakes. But the problem isn’t effort; it’s that most HR functions weren’t designed for the pace and complexity of 2026.
In this webinar, ExtensisHR’s Chief Human Resources Officer, David Pearson, breaks down the five trends putting the most pressure on HR right now and what leaders can do to build a more connected, resilient people function.
You’ll learn:
- Why AI in HR is generating more caution than confidence, and how to approach it strategically
- How to align hiring, retention, performance, and compliance so they work as a system, not in silos
- What “continuous performance management” looks like beyond the annual review
- Where SMBs are most exposed on compliance in 2026
- How to strengthen your HR function without overhauling everything at once
Grounded in the 2026 HR Trends Report, this session goes beyond the data, with honest insight, practical frameworks, and a clear starting point for leaders ready to stop reacting and start redesigning.

Speaker
David Pearson
David Pearson is Chief Human Resources Officer at ExtensisHR with 25+ years of experience in HR and client relationship management. He specializes in organizational culture and engagement and is known as a trusted, solutions-oriented leader.
His career includes leadership roles across HR and nearly 20 years in the PEO industry. David holds a B.S. in HR Management and PHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP certifications, and has earned CHRO of the Year honors and multiple workplace awards.
Core Takeaways
The 5 Trends
Reshaping HR in 2026
A clear-eyed look at the pressures HR leaders are navigating right now and why they’re all connected
How to Build a More
Connected People Function
Practical frameworks for aligning hiring, performance, culture, and compliance
The Real Story
on AI in HR
Where it helps, where it creates risk, and how to approach it with confidence
Where to Start
Without Starting Over
Targeted moves for strengthening your HR function without a full overhaul

Is your HR function built for 2026?
Find out in minutes with our diagnostic scorecard
covering all 5 trends.