https://www.adp.com/~/spark_feed/insights-trendsThis is where you’ll find stories about the hottest topics in HR. Keep an eye out for stories on APIs, big data, and other workforce management innovations to name a few within ‘Trends.’en-usCopyright 2026 ADP, LLC, All Rights ReservedSpark RSS Feedscd8435df-7b64-4b50-80a5-8f50a2356d85https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/access-creates-opportunity-how-leaders-can-help-reignite-womens-progress-at-work.aspxWomen@Work summit panelists explore why sponsorship, not mentorship, drives real career access — and what's at stake as AI reshapes the workplace.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:57:26 Z3211f500-df63-43e6-b529-87d9512da023https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/why-psychological-safety-starts-with-everyday-leadership-habits.aspxDiscover how everyday leadership habits, not sweeping HR initiatives, build the psychological safety that drives team performance. Insights from ADP's Women@Work 2026 panel on trust, well-being and connection at work.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:35:01 Z14a60b36-9853-4694-a48e-4b89c1f700fdhttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/illinois-aim-credit-a-guide-for-manufacturers.aspxFor manufacturers weighing a major Illinois modernization, expansion or relocation, the capital investment is only part of the decision. The incentive strategy must also account for timing, eligible costs, operational commitments and the evidence needed to support an award after the project is complete. The AIM tax credit is available for taxable years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2026. The program is aimed at substantial projects that use advanced manufacturing and produce critically needed goods. It can be relevant to companies modernizing an existing Illinois facility as well as businesses considering a move into the state.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:24:49 Z28474941-abd4-45e4-adff-b4a42cfd46abhttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/how-ai-is-reshaping-payroll-and-hr-the-shift-to-intelligent-service-delivery.aspxAI is transforming how employees navigate payroll and HR tasks. Learn how intelligent service delivery can improve support while reducing administrative work.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 02:50:14 Zfbfed4f7-f620-4a3d-b574-6a55170ff689https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/one-decision-three-lenses-aligning-hr-finance-and-operations-in-your-workforce-planning-strategy.aspxA strong workforce planning strategy connects HR, finance and operations around shared data, turning competing priorities into better, faster business decisions.Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:36:04 Z79bcedac-d918-453f-9685-ed590ae81f74https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/safe-harbor-401k-plans-what-employers-should-know-before-yearend-planning.aspxSafe harbor 401(k) retirement plan designs trade a guaranteed employer contribution for relief from annual nondiscrimination testing. Here’s how plan sponsors should weigh that tradeoff and clearly understand safe harbor deadlines.Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:30:57 Zfc47cb6a-c265-46d9-8841-465e4f7dd021https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/how-hr-and-it-can-work-together-to-improve-employee-experience-in-the-ai-era.aspxHow HR and IT Can Work Together to Improve Employee Experience in the AI EraFri, 21 Aug 2026 15:26:50 Z5c464a67-bdf0-4b13-9b09-f803cead9b8dhttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/ai-in-hr-how-departments-are-using-it-right-now.aspxAI in HR is already deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations.Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:46:49 Zba2d0461-533f-4419-a03c-00be74dee5d1https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/what-employers-should-know-before-evaluating-401k-retirement-plan-fees.aspxYour business’ retirement plan expenses and your employees’ retirement outcomes are important criteria for plan sponsors to consider when selecting a retirement plan service provider. Taking stock of the expenses, your business and employees incur could result in savings for everyone.Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:56:59 Za2831135-0c99-4b4e-aa37-a819cda4ec21https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/08/the-2026-hr-trends-small-businesses-cant-ignore.aspxSmall businesses face rising labor costs and talent challenges in 2026. AI, upskilling and modern HCM solutions help attract talent and ensure compliance.Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:37:18 Z0088044e-6587-4ac0-9d38-7588d8d4d7f5https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/07/the-hr-trends-shaping-the-construction-industry-in-2026.aspxDiscover the top HR trends and priorities shaping construction in 2026. Learn how labor shortages, compliance challenges, AI regulations and a younger workforce are transforming HR strategies.Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:51:59 Z63a58e22-5ae7-4a90-8835-ea61eb70671ahttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/07/what-to-ask-a-retirement-plan-provider-about-implementation.aspxHow a provider handles implementation — the launch of your new plan or the seamless transition from an existing one— is often the key factor that ensures those elements deliver real valueTue, 28 Jul 2026 02:35:34 Z8eac1ffd-10b4-418b-814a-cec74cea45aehttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/07/how-to-work-with-your-ai-what-to-consider-before-adding-ai-to-your-toolset.aspxYet successful AI adoption depends on more than selecting the right tool. It requires reimagining processes, establishing governance, building workforce AI literacy, and creating trust in how AI is used. Before investing in new AI-enabled technologies, HR leaders should consider four foundations for long-term success.Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:51:09 Zafc885bf-270c-49f7-8516-a21cf4506afbhttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/07/how-to-work-with-your-ai-how-to-ask-ai-questions-and-make-sense-of-what-you-get.aspxThis article offers guidance and practical examples of how to prompt AI and evaluate the results. When interacting with LLMs it's important to remember that AI systems are fundamentally pattern-detection and prediction machines.Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:44:48 Z72470d20-ff81-4163-b834-abfb16a99c31https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/07/how-to-work-with-your-ai-what-ai-is-and-what-it-does.aspxAs AI becomes part of our workplace, it's essential to understand what it is, how it generally works, and where it can be most effective. So, it's important to understand where AI is useful and to use it in ways that are both responsible and effective.Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:21:14 Za935fdfd-ecd1-4151-a7b6-929dced9159ahttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/07/how-ai-agents-in-hr-can-help-reduce-administrative-work-and-enable-more-strategic-impact.aspxDiscover how AI agents are helping HR leaders reduce administrative burden, improve compliance, and streamline payroll and workforce processes. Learn how purpose-built, agentic AI empowers HR teams to automate routine tasks, enhance accuracy, and spend more time on strategic initiatives that drive employee experience, talent development, and organizational success.Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:58:59 Z287b48b6-aa9e-4219-a40c-8d65933436eahttps://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/07/the-strategic-importance-of-multicountry-payroll-for-midsized-companies.aspxFor midsized companies expanding internationally, multicountry payroll is a strategic business capability that helps protect employee trust, mitigate compliance risk, improve workforce visibility and support sustainable global growth.Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:33:04 Zc684f35f-86bd-41a8-98b8-c02ff75c3a03https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/06/how-erp-and-hcm-integration-builds-operational-resiliency-in-manufacturing.aspxIntegrating a comprehensive and flexible ERP solution like Acumatica with an industry-best HCM platform like ADP Workforce Now transforms how a manufacturing business operates under pressureMon, 29 Jun 2026 13:26:57 Zf0a10ae9-f0c5-43cb-b62f-e63f9f568971https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/06/small-business-smarts-what-to-ask-when-selecting-a-payroll-provider.aspxChoosing the right payroll provider is crucial for small business owners seeking to streamline their operations and ensure compliance with tax regulations.Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:17:14 Z30ae2d2b-3948-4bbe-ab56-990f5caf6853https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/06/enterprise-hcm-buyer-priorities-what-analysts-are-hearing-from-chros-and-cios.aspxDrawing on recent analyst rankings and real-world enterprise insights, this article distills how decision-makers should evaluate the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), global compliance capabilities and an intensified focus on the employee experience as part of a unified human capital management (HCM) and payroll platform purchase decision.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:20:06 Z820bee94-4d64-4e72-9158-b35e3a77d731https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/06/closing-the-gap-between-workplace-expectations-and-early-career-reality.aspxExplore how workplace expectations differ across office, digital and hands-on roles — and why onboarding strategies must adapt to support early career employees, improve retention and build confidence.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:10:35 Zf3f7159b-afb5-4bd2-9265-7fd0f2b1e0c3https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/06/small-business-reality-check-strategies-for-resilience.aspxThe second half of 2026 presents both challenges and opportunities for small business owners. Those who focus on their people, reduce complexity, and stay proactive about risk will be best positioned to succeed.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:22:03 Z