ADP’s latest report, the 2026 HR Trends Guide, provides insights into how the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping human resources (HR) practices globally, with a particular focus on Singapore. The report delineates the evolving landscape of HR capabilities, AI governance, skills development, and payroll processes that organisations need to consider in the coming year.
ADP senior vice president of APAC, Jessica Zhang, emphasised the importance of integrating AI with human-centric approaches in the workplace. “In 2026, the workplace will be intelligent and interconnected,” she stated, urging organisations to invest in appropriate platforms and training to adapt to new technologies.
This proactive stance is particularly relevant in Singapore, where government initiatives under the Smart Nation programme aim to further develop regional AI capabilities.
The report reveals that AI is increasingly viewed as essential for enhancing operational efficiency within HR functions. Notably, a previous study by ADP highlighted that over half of Singaporean organisations consider AI key to improving payroll productivity. By 2026, organisations can expect to see Agentic AI facilitating various HR tasks, such as automating onboarding processes and streamlining data management, ultimately improving accuracy and response times.
Furthermore, the report highlights the critical role of AI governance frameworks. With Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework prioritising fairness and transparency, it sets a standard that is gaining traction globally. Employers are encouraged to adopt similar practices, ensuring that AI systems use high-quality data for reliable outputs while maintaining human oversight where necessary.
Amin Venjara, chief data officer at ADP, noted that effective collaboration between HR and IT will be vital in navigating the complexities of AI integration.
To meet the rising expectations of employees, organisations are reassessing their skill inventories and job designs. ADP’s findings indicate that a significant proportion of Singaporean workers feel inadequately prepared for career advancement, leading employers to refine their approach to skill development.
Additionally, the report highlights a growing focus on payroll transparency, with many companies planning to enhance clarity around compensation structures within the next few years.
As organisations manage cross-border teams, compliance with various local laws becomes increasingly challenging. The guide underscores the need for companies to establish core standards that respect workers' rights while accommodating local regulatory frameworks.
This balanced approach will be imperative as organisations aim to foster environments that support both business objectives and employee satisfaction in an evolving workplace landscape shaped by AI.
