✅ Check. The first month of 2026 is already done.
January often gets a bad rap. Blue Monday, a concept invented by a marketer, plays its part in that. But in practice, the first month of the year often brings something else entirely. People return with holiday stories, a bit tired, slightly chaotic, but recharged. There is space to reset, sort things out, and get started.
Behind the scenes, the end of 2025 was used to define processes and set the roadmap for the year ahead. Not easy to fit in, but already paying off. Working closely with Cornerstone platforms also offers a front-row seat to the challenges many HR teams are facing right now: growing expectations, increasing complexity, and very little tolerance for noise.
One question shaped much of the thinking going into 2026: what do people actually want to work on next? When the balance is right between must-dos and personal growth, something shifts. Ideas start moving. Quality goes up. And energy shows up early. In this case, that meant a wide range of priorities and ideas already taking shape for the year ahead.
This month’s insights reflect many of the conversations happening across HR teams right now. The trends shaping 2026. What a move to Cornerstone Galaxy really means in practice. What teams are excited to build next. And a milestone moment with the relaunch of Octily Creative, now more clearly focused on internal communication, employee engagement, and employee experience. Because even the best platform only succeeds when people know how to use it and understand why it matters.
Together, these pieces offer a snapshot of the decisions, priorities, and realities that will shape how HR work lands in 2026.
Relaunch: Octily Creative
Internal Communication | Employee Experience | Employee Engagement
“Can you remember the last time a great HR initiative actually felt great to employees?” – Rob, Octily CEO
You’ve got smart strategies and powerful platforms. But messages don’t land. Culture stays stuck in posters. That’s the gap Octily Creative closes.
From single messages to full campaigns – we turn internal goals into video, design, photography, branding, content, and experiences that connect. Updates land clearly. Journeys flow. People feel valued and turn into brand ambassadors.
✨ Built for strategy. Driven by creativity. Focused on employees.
Five shifts shaping HR in 2026
Work keeps changing faster than policies, org charts, and job titles can keep up.
In 2026, HR sits right at the centre of how work actually feels. Employee experience, learning, communication, data, and wellbeing are no longer side topics. They shape everyday work and how people experience it.
Some trends are evolving. Others are becoming non negotiable.
🧠 Experience is becoming strategy.
🐙 Octily Beneath the Surface: What the Team Can’t Wait to Work On
Guess who’s back…January is back. So is the team.
A new year usually comes with plans, roadmaps, and good intentions. They’re part of it. But they’re not what gets people moving.
What really matters is what people are genuinely excited to work on once the year properly starts.
So instead of guessing, we asked the team directly.
⚡️Energy comes first. Results follow.
Simen Says: Your Go-To for Quick Fixes and Expert Tips
Got a tricky Cornerstone question?
Simen has the answers. From quick fixes to complex configurations, Simen Says is where you will find expert insights on Cornerstone OnDemand, Saba Cloud, and EdCast. Browse existing tips or submit your own question. Your challenge today might help others tomorrow.
💡 Featured Questions:
- We need to switch to Cornerstone Galaxy. What should we expect?
🚀 Find out what Simen says.
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