What We're Reading: April 2026
Each month, we pull together timely research, trending topics, and influential voices shaping HR and the public sector, so you don’t have to. Think of this as your curated shortcut to what matters most in HR and workforce development.
We highlight the trends worth paying attention to and share quick takeaways on how CPS HR can help your agency respond with clarity, confidence, and practical solutions.
In this month’s What We’re Reading, we’re highlighting recent articles that speak to the growing demands on today’s public sector workforce. From strengthening HR team capabilities to navigating technology adoption and leadership development, these pieces offer timely insights into how organizations can build capacity, adapt to change, and position their people for long‑term success.
Counties Face Growing Responsibilities
The article notes that rising costs, limited access to direct federal funding, and staffing constraints—especially in smaller counties—are creating sustained pressure. Leaders point to challenges securing grants, coordinating disaster response across governments, and maintaining aging assets without added resources. As expectations grow, counties are being asked to deliver more with less.
Check out the article on Barrett & Greene:
Read MoreHow CPS HR can help:
- Succession planning aligned with evolving service expectations
- Classification and compensation studies that support recruitment and retention
- Leadership development and training for maximizing staff skillsets
- HR outsourcing and support that frees internal staff to focus on core priorities
7 Methods To Identify Gaps & Build a Stronger HR Team
Read more from the Academy to Innovate HR:
Read MoreThis article explores how HR skills assessments help organizations evaluate current capabilities, identify gaps, and strengthen HR teams in a more intentional, data‑driven way.
By using structured assessments, organizations can move beyond assumptions and ensure HR teams are equipped to support workforce planning, leadership development, and organizational change. The article emphasizes that targeted skill development not only improves HR effectiveness, but also positions HR as a stronger strategic partner across the organization.
How CPS HR can help:
- Targeted training and development programs, including HR Academy and the Risk Management Practitioner (RMP) Program, designed to strengthen practical, job‑ready HR competencies
- HR outsourcing services that supplement internal capacity, provide specialized expertise, and allow HR teams to focus on improving processes
Workers don’t know how to use AI — and companies are to blame, research finds
According to new research from Forrester, employees often lack the skills and confidence needed to use AI tools effectively. The findings show that AI adoption is outpacing workforce readiness, limiting the return on AI investments.
Organizations frequently assume AI tools are intuitive and fail to pair implementation with training and guidance. As a result, employees may underuse AI tools, use them incorrectly, or avoid them altogether. Without focused skill development, low AI readiness becomes a bottleneck rather than a productivity accelerator.
Full Article by HR Dive:
Read MoreHow CPS HR can help:
- Design and deliver targeted training programs that build practical, job‑relevant skills and help employees use AI tools effectively, ethically, and confidently
- Support change management and adoption efforts, helping organizations integrate new tools into day‑to‑day workflows rather than treating AI as a standalone solution
Upskilling Leadership: Fractional Twins and Reverse Mentoring
Read More on Harvard Business Review:
Read MoreAs leadership demands increase, coaching is becoming a critical tool for improving effectiveness, performance, and decision‑making. This article outlines how leaders can make a stronger case for coaching by linking it directly to business needs—such as navigating change, strengthening leadership capacity, or addressing skill gaps—rather than positioning coaching as remedial support.
By aligning coaching with organizational priorities and desired outcomes, leaders can help decision‑makers see coaching as a proactive strategy for building stronger leadership and better results.
How CPS HR can help:
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Leadership development and executive coaching programs designed to support growth, adaptability, and effectiveness
Together, these articles underscore a common theme: investing in people, skills, and leadership is essential to meeting rising expectations. Whether through stronger HR teams, more thoughtful use of technology, or targeted leadership support, intentional workforce strategies remain central to organizational effectiveness in an increasingly complex environment.
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