The HR World’s Head of Content, Simon Kent selects stand out developments for HR from the past year.
Make no mistake, the HR function in 2025 has evolved. There is now more emphasis on strategy, leadership and delivering value through people than was the case 12 month’s ago. Some of these themes are further developments on existing themes, others ark new departures for the function. AI is still on the agenda, but HR now has the knowhow to push back, at least identifying and insisting on clear value from the technology rather than simply chasing the next best shiny thing.
The HR World has been at the forefront of much of the debate, through its extensive webinar programme, round table discussions and more. We’ve welcomed articles from experienced and knowledgeable HR professionals, we’ve interviewed and featured inspirational HR leaders and we’ve given our readers front row seats for the latest – and very best – practice that clearly delivers for the function.
It’s hard to limit our review to a few highlights, but here are some content pieces we think you shouldn’t miss and should definitely return to as we head into the new year:
HR Mindshift
Born in administration, thriving in strategy – in this article we spoke with a range of HR professionals to chart how getting people side of businesses right was now a crucial part of success. From the importance of being data led to increasing its ability to collaborate, David Liddle, President of the People and Culture Association and CEO of The TCM Group said HR was at pivotal moment – either rising to become the most strategically important function within the modern organisation, or retreating to be little more than a transactional, administrative department. I think we know which we prefer:
The HR Mindset Shift Pt 1: How HR leadership can take the function further
Tech Takeover?
As AI and technology increased its role in business, HR is facing this challenge of the future. In this article we asked whether HR should now merge with the technology department? Certainly it is well placed to make the most of the technology available, but is this the best way forward for the function and the businesses it serves? As agentic AI takes more action within recruitment and assessment, this is a debate that will not go away any time soon.
HR & IT: A merged future for the good of everyone?
Different is Strong
Being aware of difference has presented a challenge on many fronts this year. Political arguments, legal battles and the tendency of AI to make inappropriate selections have all played their part in making DE&I a little more tricky than before. Flying in the face of those who would scale back, Judy Gosnell, Vice President Human Resources, Telehouse Europe wrote about the benefits of being diverse, and of making diversity part of the life blood of her organisation.
Prioritising DEI in the data centre industry
Keep Moving
“It’s never about standing still,” said Harvey Francis, then Executive Vice President – People, Communications, Customer Experience, Strategy & Planning, Skanska – NB now Chair of the Board. Listening to Francis’ career brought forward lesson after lesson in people practice and business practice and the areas where the two intersect. Harvey is now also a fully qualified executive coach, but readers can learn from him right here:
It’s never about standing still
Future Proof
Josh Bersin goes round the world telling people who to expect in HR and TA. The HR World managed to catch up with him for an interview full of insight as to what the future of Talent Acquisition would look like. Hot on the heels of The Bersin Company’s latest research Josh explained how and why the function was attracting so much interest from AI innovators – and what TA and HR professional had to do about this.
TA After AI: Josh Bersin describes how AI is changing the role of talent professionals
