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2026 marks a real turning point for organizations. After several years of adaptation, rapid transformations, and uncertainties, leadership and HR teams are entering a new era: that of clarity, prevention, and organizational maturity.

Here are the major HR and organizational trends to watch — and to integrate now to build a high-performing, sustainable, and compliant organization.

1 Mental Health Remains Priority #1 — And Psychosocial Risks Become Legal Obligations

Since October 6, 2025, managing psychosocial risks (PSR) has become a legal obligation in Quebec. This change profoundly transforms the role of managers, HR teams... and the entire organizational culture.

In short: Mental health, prevention, and compliance now move together.

2 Structured Hybrid Work: The End of Ambiguity

After years of trial and error, 2026 marks the arrival of mature hybrid work, consistent and above all... predictable.

3 Continuous Compliance: An Unavoidable New Reality

In recent years, laws have evolved rapidly: Law 25, Law 42, pay equity, information security... and now Law 27, which modernizes the entire OHS regime in Quebec.

In 2026, compliance can no longer be an "annual blitz": it becomes a continuous process, integrated into governance, operations, and leadership.

4 Strategic AI Integration: An Essential Lever... But Governed

In 2026, AI becomes a standard HR tool, like email and payroll software. But beware: power = responsibility.

In 2026, AI management becomes a compliance dimension in its own right.

5 The Era of Micro-Training: Learn Fast, Learn Better

Managers no longer have the capacity to absorb long training sessions. In 2026, organizations are definitively adopting:

6 Recognition Culture: A Strategic Lever

Recognition is no longer a "nice-to-have." It's now an essential tool for reducing PSR, improving retention, decreasing conflicts, and strengthening psychological safety.

7 Psychosocial Risk Prevention: A Management Essential

Psychosocial risks are now: a daily reality, a legal responsibility, and a key indicator of good management.

8 Digital Security: Now an Essential HR Competency

With the rise of cyberattacks and massive AI use, cybersecurity becomes an HR issue, not just a technology issue.

Why HR? Because the majority of incidents come from human errors.

Conclusion: 2026 — The Year of Clarity, Prevention, and Maturity

To stand out, organizations will need to: structure their practices, support their managers, prevent rather than react, integrate AI responsibly, place mental health at the heart of the employee experience, and maintain continuous, agile, documented compliance.

In 2026, what distinguishes high-performing organizations is no longer the number of initiatives — it's coherence, simplicity, rigor... and humanity.

Need Help Anticipating 2026?

Exact RH helps Quebec SMEs and NPOs prepare for HR trends: compliance, PSR prevention, hybrid work, AI governance, and more.

Call Us: 1-866-950-3357