Survey highlights CHROs' influence on 5 core drivers of business success
A new survey suggests that CHROs in Canada will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping business success in 2026.
That’s because 86 per cent believe their influence in the workplace is at an all-time high.
And 80 per cent of the 260 CHROs surveyed say they are working more closely with their company’s C-suite than ever before.
Senior advisors to CEOs in Canada
The findings from International Workplace Group (IWG) indicate CHROs see themselves firmly embedded at the top table, with nine in 10 (89 per cent) describing themselves as trusted senior advisers to their CEOs.
As further proof, the vast majority say their role strongly influences these core drivers of business success:
- profitability (96 per cent)
- productivity (95 per cent)
- talent recruitment (95 per cent)
- long-term employee retention (95 per cent)
- employee culture (95 per cent).
And amid an evolving business landscape, IWG says the key priorities for Canadian business leaders include:
- boosting productivity (68 per cent)
- recruiting and retaining top talent (65 per cent),
- supporting employee wellbeing and happiness (62 per cent).
Flexible work strategic necessity
The IWG study also highlights a strong consensus among HR leaders that flexible work is no longer optional for companies that want to compete for top talent and maintain a productive workforce.
Four in five (81 per cent) of Canadian CHROs say flexible working is key to retaining top talent.
The HR leaders warn that failing to offer flexibility carries significant risks: 64 per cent predict a notable decline in talent retention if their company does not offer flexible working.
In addition, 79 per cent agree it would have “detrimental effects” if employees were required to undertake lengthy commutes every day to a central office, says IWG.
By contrast, organizations that embrace greater flexibility are expecting gains: 71 per cent of Canadian CHROs anticipate improvements in talent retention when flexible working options are expanded.
“Hybrid working is no longer just a perk — it is a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in 2026,” says Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG. “By embracing flexible working models, companies can unlock greater productivity, attract and retain top talent, ultimately building a happier workforce.”
He adds that CHROs are playing a leading role in this shift, “ensuring that hybrid working not only supports employee wellbeing and progress, but also drives long-term business success.”
