Three Rs dominated the HR world in 2016: recruitment, retention, and regulation. Although there were other important trends as well, experts say competition for good workers and the challenges created by new federal rules were at the top of most employers' list when it came to HR topics.

The election of Donald Trump as president may or may not have an impact on some of those regulatory issues in the long run, but for now, it's probably safe to assume that workplace regulations won't be immediately changed.

Many top issues for HR specialists in 2016 were familiar: wellness programs, wearable technology, and the continuing growth of health savings accounts (HSAs), for example. But even familiar trends have developed new wrinkles and innovations. And some areas, such as attracting employees, have become more urgent, as the unemployment rate drops and it becomes more difficult to find quality workers.