Lessons Learned

From embracing new technologies to dealing with political and economic uncertainties, HR will continue to be a key driver in shaping the future of work.

By Orla Leonard

In 2025, HR leaders are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work. Lessons learned from 2024 — a year defined by rapid changes, geopolitical shifts, and technological leaps — will continue to influence how HR leaders approach the months ahead. As HR teams continue to set priorities for 2025, it’s crucial to keep in mind these four key trends that will shape the industry of people management. 

Upholding Business Continuity Through Agility and Resilience 

As business environments grow more unpredictable, HR will be key in helping organizations adapt. This includes continuing to adjust to new work models, whether remote, hybrid, or in-office setups, and supporting employees during times of uncertainty. For instance, HR may implement flexible work policies, offer reskilling opportunities during downturns, or help lead crisis management during global events. By staying agile and responsive, HR ensures smooth operations and helps build a resilient workforce. 

Being agile is key. HR will need to spot when changes are necessary and act quickly to implement them. Communication plays a major role in this—keeping everyone in the loop and making sure employees understand new expectations or shifts in priorities. The ability to pivot and respond to challenges as they come will be essential to maintaining continuity and keeping the organization on track. 

Serving as a Trusted Advisor on the Executive Team 

In 2025, HR leaders will play a central role on the executive team as strategic advisors. HR will be the guiding force behind navigating change, managing risks, and fostering organizational culture, and it will require clear and consistent communication with the C-suite and stakeholders to help shape these decisions and ensure lasting success.  

To be a trusted advisor, HR leaders will need to build strong relationships with senior leadership, communicate effectively across departments, and offer data-driven solutions. They will need to balance empathy with practicality, advocating for change while supporting executive teams in their decision-making. 

Ultimately, HR’s success in this role depends on its ability to integrate cultural priorities into the broader business strategy, ensuring the organization remains adaptable, innovative, and aligned with its values. 

Embracing Technological Innovation and Managing Data Governance 

In 2025, the integration of AI and automation in HR processes will continue to accelerate, transforming everything from recruitment to performance management. To stay ahead, HR leaders must not only understand the impact of emerging technologies but also help employees adapt to these changes. Upskilling will be just as crucial as addressing ethical concerns, such as data privacy and security. 

HR leaders will need to collaborate closely with IT and legal teams to establish solid governance frameworks, ensuring company and employee data is protected and that they’re complying with evolving regulations. As new technologies become an integral part of HR functions, HR leaders will be the ones responsible for managing both the potential and the risks that come with. 

Navigating Political and Economic Uncertainty 

Geopolitical instability and economic turbulence aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and HR leaders will need to stay ahead of the curve. In the year ahead, it’ll be more important than ever for HR to anticipate how global events — whether political unrest or economic downturns — might affect employee morale and productivity. Internal risks like disengagement and turnover will also be top of mind. 

HR leaders will need to be proactive, creating contingency plans to help the organization stay resilient through times of uncertainty. This means supporting leadership when tough decisions need to be made, whether it’s about restructuring or reallocating resources, all while maintaining clear, honest communication with employees. By staying on top of employee sentiment and turnover trends, HR can help guide the organization through the chaos, keeping things steady and responsive in an ever-changing environment. 

Looking to the future, HR leaders will continue to face fast-paced and unpredictable landscapes. The challenge will be balancing business goals with the need for resilience and flexibility. From embracing new technologies to dealing with political and economic uncertainties, HR will continue to be a key driver in shaping the future of work. By staying ahead of these trends, HR leaders can help boost performance, manage risks and ensure their teams are ready for whatever comes next. 

Orla Leonard is senior partner, head of international, region lead – Europe at RHR International.