Best HR Communities and Podcasts for 2026: Where HR Leaders Are Learning Now
Let’s face it: January hits HR teams in a very specific way.
While many employees are easing back into routines, HR is already knee-deep in new policies, culture goals, talent planning, recruitment strategies, and more. On top of that, with everyone back from the holidays, you’ve got the return of “Do you have a minute?” conversations.
It’s a lot. And it’s easy to feel like you’re navigating it all on your own.
The good news? You don’t have to work alone. The world of HR is packed with communities, workplace learning tools, podcasts, and groups to keep you informed, supported, and connected to professionals facing the same challenges you’ve been juggling. These spaces are incredibly active, highly practical, and forward-facing. This makes them ideal for staying on top of HR trends, industry best practices, and the evolving world of people management
This blog highlights some of the strongest HR communities and podcasts to join before 2026 arrives.
HR Communities to Watch Out For
These are active, people-first hubs for HR networking, peer support, and community learning. Human resource professionals can swap templates, discuss tricky situations anonymously, and share real-world scenarios and case studies.
1. HR Exchange Network
Best for: Free resources, industry trends, connection
The HR Exchange Network is a global space for Human Resource professionals to access news, exchange ideas, attend virtual summits led by recognized thought leaders, and more. You can access everything from practical advice to industry insights, plus connection with over 270,000 members.
Best of all? Membership is free and gives you unlimited access to their work.
2. r/humanresources (Reddit)
Best for: Honest, unfiltered conversations
Have a specific or offbeat question? Want to share a win or or explore a decision you’re unsure about? This subreddit is the space to be.
As a platform, r/humanresources stands out as one of the most active HR advice forums online (approx. 1.6K weekly posts and conversations) of over 102,000 people, all of whom are navigating the world of human resources, which can often feel lonely or overly complex. Conversations range from employee relationships, challenges with compliance, dealing with leadership dynamics, and exploring tricky situations. The anonymity encourages unusually honest conversations, and it serves as a great way to see the full spectrum of issues HR pros across all industries are dealing with in real time.
3. The People People Group
Best for: HR mentorship opportunities, in-person and virtual events, hiring support
The People People Group is a highly active Slack-based community designed for HR, People Ops, and Talent professionals looking for practical advice and real-time connections. Members get access to topic-specific channels, curated resources, and a supportive network of like-minded individuals who readily answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, share wins, and talk openly about challenges.
The group offers both free and paid membership tiers ($29/month or $312/year), with premium members gaining access to structured mentorship, job boards, exclusive events, and more intensive peer-learning opportunities. Most notably, the free membership gives you access to the community and peers for networking and discussion.
4. Hacking HR
Best for: Future-focused HR insights, global networking, continuous learning
Hacking HR is one of the largest and most active HR communities for professionals who want to stay ahead of emerging workplace trends. What started as a grassroots movement has grown into a global network offering virtual conferences, live sessions, community discussions, and a rich library of on-demand content. The community brings together HR leaders, researchers, technologists, and practitioners who are rethinking how organizations approach people, culture, and the future of work.
Members can join the platform for free, gaining access to online events, curated learning tracks, and conversations on topics like AI in HR, leadership, culture transformation, and skills-based talent models. It’s a great fit if you're looking to stay on the cutting edge and connect with a broad, international community that embraces innovation over tradition.
5. Resources for Humans by Lattice
Best for: HR professionals wanting to adopt new strategies, access webinars, and host discussions
Resources for Humans is a human resource community created by Lattice. With over 23,000 people in their Slack channel, they aim to share ideas and discuss best practices. Members are encouraged to ask questions, guide one another through specific scenarios and challenges, and simply have a place to go for additional support when needed. Plus, the group has region-specific channels to help connect you to professionals close to you.
Best HR Podcasts to Check Out in 2026
1. HR Happy Hour
Steve Boese and Trish Steed have been hosting HR Happy Hour since 2009, sharing their knowledge of HR. A long-time favorite, HR Happy Hour covers everything from tech to leadership to the workforce trends we should be on the lookout for. Their start-of-year predictions and strategy episodes are particularly strong and can help HR leaders set a clear direction for 2025.
Here are some interesting episodes to start with:
Using People Analytics to Create Culture and Make Work More Human
Strategies for Reducing Employee Burnout and Supporting Mental Well-being
2. Transform Your Workplace
The Transform Your Workplace Podcast features short, thoughtful episodes that break down leadership challenges, communication skills, workplace culture trends, and employee engagement strategies for the modern workplace. Host Brandon Laws talks with industry leaders, HR experts, and more every week, making it the kind of podcast you can queue up on a walk and take away something actionable.
Check out the following episodes to get a taste of what it has to offer:
Catching People Doing Things Right with Martha Lawrence
Be Yourself at Work with Claude Silver
3. I Hate It Here with Hebba Youssef
Despite the name, I Hate It Here is not wholly a space for negative talk and complaining; although, those things aren’t disallowed. Rather, I Hate It Here publishes two episodes a week (Monday & Friday) on a variety of insights, advice, insights and lessons from Youssef and a variety of other experts with the intention of providing a safe space for jaded, burnt out HR professionals who, “need a little inspiration to tackle the newest dumpster fire of the week”.
While many other podcasts do offer more positive-slanted spaces, I Hate It Here brings the day-to-day challenges many human resource professionals face and and reminds HR professionals that they aren’t navigating those challenges alone.
Here are some episodes to start off with:
S8 E10: The Trust Paradox: Hard to Earn, Easy to Destroy, Impossible to Fake with Minda Harts
9: S7 E9: From Colleagues to Confidants: The Underrated Power of Work BFFs with Chris Hagood
4. HR Besties
Hosts Leigh, Jamie, and Ashley are all about creating a space you’re excited to attend and a listening experience that is both entertaining and informative.
HR Besties tackles the trends and challenges of HR, relates to your toughest days and your notable achievements. With a sharp blend of humor and education, HR Besties hits all those points that really matter to a human resource professional, especially when it comes to the HR news, conflicts, and changes that are really affecting our day-to-day. If you want to dive into the world of HR and be entertained while you do, this is your go-to place.
Check out these episodes first:
5. HOT Perspectives - The Show
Hosted by CultureAlly’s own Maliesa Cadogan, HOT Perspectives is informed by her nearly 20 years of experience working with franchise leaders to fix issues, resolve challenges, train, and help navigate crucial decision-making processes.
Built around the HOT Framework (that is Honest, Open, and Transparent), Maliesa is creating a safe, inclusive space where leaders can go for support around any challenge, embedding empathy and compassion with her words and her work.
With her knowledge and perspective, Maliesa’s podcast answers all sorts of questions about developing a sustainable franchise, creating cultures of learning at work, and brand visibility. You can check out her website here, and find HOT Perspectives on Spotify.
Check out these episodes to start:
Final Thoughts
If the past few years have shown HR anything, it’s that we thrive when we stay connected, curious, and willing to learn from each other. These communities and podcasts give you fresh ideas, real-world examples, and a genuine sense of belonging. That’s exactly what you need to navigate 2026 with confidence and momentum.
So pick one space to join, one episode to listen to, and let that be your starting point.
Here’s to a year of connection, growth, and a little more ease in the work you do every day.
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Look for a community that matches your goals: a Slack group for quick feedback, a global network for broader insights, or a local chapter for in-person connection.
Consider how active the space is, whether it offers mentorship or events, and whether the tone feels supportive.
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Podcasts let you learn passively, like during a commute, a walk, or downtime between meetings. They’re also conversational, which means hosts and guests often share stories, examples, and insights that don’t always make it into formal articles. This helps solidify new ideas and highlights how many of these stories come from real workplaces and real people.
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HR communities are great for perspective and conversation, but they can’t replace structured development, especially when it comes to culture, communication, or inclusion.
If your team needs hands-on guidance, facilitated sessions, or tailored training, outside support can accelerate progress and reduce stress. By investing in training services, you get expert guidance and first-voice experiences.
If you’re looking to start your workplace learning journey, start exploring our in-person and virtual training options today.
