What We're Reading: February 2026
We know how fast the HR and workforce landscape is moving, especially for public‑sector leaders who are juggling new technologies, shifting roles, and rising expectations from the communities they serve. With so much happening at once, keeping up can feel like a full-time job.
That’s why we pull together the most insightful, relevant reads each month.
Think of this as your curated shortcut to what matters most in HR and workforce development, no doom‑scrolling required.
We highlight the trends worth paying attention to and share quick takeaways on how CPS HR can help your agency respond with clarity and confidence.
February’s reading list reflects a moment many HR leaders recognize: balancing humanity, leadership capacity, and responsible innovation
Black History Month: The Catalyst to Foster More Inclusive Behavior Year Round
Using February to Build Inclusion That Lasts
This HR Morning article reframes Black History Month as a catalyst for sustained inclusion rather than a one‑month initiative. It encourages HR leaders to embrace honest reflection, ongoing education, and imperfect but meaningful action that continues well beyond February.
Check out the article on HR Morning:
Read MoreHow CPS HR can help:
- Equity‑focused organizational assessments
- Recruitment, classification, and compensation support to promote fair access and advancement
- Training and facilitation to support respectful dialogue, inclusive leadership, and long‑term inclusivity strategy
Manager Effectiveness: How to Support Leaders in an Era of Expanding Responsibilities
Read more on Quantum Workplace:
Read MoreWhy Overloaded Managers Can’t Drive Performance Alone
Quantum Workplace makes the case that manager effectiveness depends less on individual resilience and more on organizational design. As expectations expand, managers need clearer roles, better support, and systems that allow them to focus on coaching and execution.
How CPS HR can help:
- Leadership and supervisory development programs tailored to public‑sector realities
- Organizational assessments to clarify manager roles, span of control, and workload
- Executive Coaching for 1:1 support
Human-led training may be more effective than digital learning
Why Personalization and Trust Drive Real Skill Building
New ATD research summarized by HR Dive shows that while digital learning scales easily, it often falls short on personalization and engagement. Human‑led learning remains the most effective approach — signaling that the future of L&D lies in blending technology with meaningful human connection.
Full Article by HR Dive:
Read MoreHow CPS HR can help:
- Learning and development strategy designed to meet the needs of your organization
- Facilitator‑led training and leadership development programs
What HR Leaders Need to Know: Navigating AI Regulation Amid Federal-State Conflict
Read More on HR Daily Advisor:
Read MoreWhat HR Leaders Need to Know About Federal and State Conflict
HR Daily Advisor outlines the growing tension between federal AI policy and enforceable state and local regulations. The key takeaway for employers: executive orders don’t override existing laws, and HR teams remain accountable for how AI is used in workforce decisions.
How CPS HR can help:
- Organizational Analysis and strategic planning support for public agencies
- Policy review and compliance guidance related to AI‑enabled HR tools
- Upskilling and training for key roles
With so many shifts happening at once — from how we develop managers to how we use (and govern) AI — it’s easy for priorities to blur together. The throughline across this month’s readings is clear: progress depends on intentional design, not quick fixes.
If you’re thinking about how these trends show up in your organization — whether that’s supporting managers, strengthening learning strategies, advancing inclusion, or navigating emerging technology responsibly — CPS HR helps public‑sector agencies turn complexity into clear, actionable next steps. Our teams partner with you to align people, systems, and strategy so change is sustainable, compliant, and grounded in your mission.
Want these insights as they happen?
Follow CPS HR on LinkedIn for real‑time articles, trends, and workforce guidance.
Ready to learn more? Explore related resources:
Find Out How
CPS HR Consulting Can Help You
Every business has unique HR needs. Working together we’ll find the right solution to achieve your goals.
Connect with an HR Professional