The Future of HR
How HR leaders can navigate uncertainty and prepare their HR function for the future.
What is it?
Over the past several years, HR has played a critical role in guiding the organization through change and uncertainty, prioritizing HR activities that will add the most value. Several drivers of change will continue to influence the HR landscape:
- Shifts in workforce demographics and composition are bringing more diversity to organizations.
- Political, social, economic, and environmental developments are raising concerns around living costs, recession, global health concerns, climate change, and social movements.
- Work itself is being reconceptualized through contingent workers, multiple-job holders, and remote and hybrid work.
- Changes in employee sentiment are driving an increased desire for work-life balance, flexibility, and security.
- Technological application and advancement are forcing organizations and HR functions to evolve and adapt.
Sentiments toward the HR function remain largely consistent – it has been perceived as a function that is increasing in importance, rather than one that is already important. Our Future of HR Report can serve as a powerful resource, providing a strategic lens to propel HR's transformation and drive organizational growth through informed decision-making and proactive planning.
Why does it matter?
HR's role as a strategic business partner is pivotal in helping organizations prepare for the future. While many HR functions are already operating as a strategic partner, many remain reactive and struggle to prove their strategic value. This research will help you:
- Understand the drivers that influence HR, and build a robust affirmation for the importance of HR.
- Prioritize HR activities that will add the most value and determine what skills are required to deliver on those activities.
- Recognize the need for designing a customized HR structure and operating model to deliver value to the organization.
This report combines our research with a survey and detailed interviews with leaders in HR and beyond. It poses key questions to guide leaders’ reflection about the current position of HR within the organization and how it must evolve to face the challenges and changes in the future.