It’s 2025, and HR professionals are facing a more complex workplace than ever before. The rapid rise of AI, hybrid work challenges, and the ongoing need for employee engagement and retention are all reshaping how organisations attract, manage, and retain talent.
In November and December 2024, we collected insights from HR professionals in a wide range of industries and organisation sizes and asked them to give us an idea of what they’ll be focussing on in 2025. Over the last few years, themes like flexibility, wellbeing, diversity, and digital transformation have taken centre stage. But what made the list this time?
Now, HR teams are tasked with turning those ideas into real, actionable strategies. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends driving HR’s agenda in 2025—and how organisations can tackle them. But this is just an overview, if you want to learn even more, grab the full report featuring insights from People Scientist, Harry Cooke.
Top HR trends of 2025:
- AI in HR
- Finding the balance for hybrid and remote work
- Employee retention and recruitment
- Opportunities in EDI
- Adopting advanced HR technologies
1. AI in HR: Freind or foe?
AI is definitely making waves in HR, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency in everything from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee engagement.
About 40% of organisations are already using AI tools like ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and chatbots. But, while AI can boost efficiency, there are still concerns around ethics and bias. Employees are understandably curious about how AI will affect their jobs, so being transparent is key.
Key insight:
AI is a valuable ally for HR, but it needs the human touch. It’s all about finding that sweet spot—using AI to speed up processes without losing fairness or oversight.
Want to hear more about AI in HR alongside, People Science recommendations of how you can successfully implement AI into your organisation in 2025? Download the full report.
2. Finding balance in hybrid and remote work
Hybrid work is here to stay, with employees craving flexibility. But it’s not without challenges—things like collaboration and productivity can sometimes take a hit. Some organisations are tackling this by using pulse surveys to gather employee feedback, helping them fine-tune their hybrid policies.
60% of work time is allocated to home-based work under hybrid working models for some organisations, reflecting a strong focus on flexibility. However, resistance is noted among employees required to increase office attendance.
Key insight:
The best hybrid models strike a balance between connection and clarity. Giving managers the tools to lead remote teams effectively makes all the difference.
3. Employee retention and recruitment
Keeping employees around is more important than ever, especially in a job market where competition for top talent is fierce. With rising expectations for workplace culture, career development, and flexibility, businesses need to prioritise engagement, well-being, and growth opportunities to retain their best people.
About 60% of roles in some companies are being filled internally, helping save costs and keep things stable. Cutting down on reliance on external recruitment agencies is also helping to streamline the hiring process.
Key insight:
Internal hiring isn’t just about saving money—it’s a smart strategy for building loyalty and fostering growth within your team.
4. Opportunities in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
EDI is on the radar for about 20% of organisations, with strategies like blind CV screenings and mentoring programs making waves. However, many are still in the early stages of creating lasting, systemic change.
Key insight:
EDI efforts need more than just surface-level initiatives. For real change, leadership needs to get involved, and there must be ongoing feedback (through mechanisms such as surveys, pulse surveys, always-on listening), and improvements.
5. Adopting advanced HR technologies
HR tech streamlines processes, but with budget constraints, investing wisely—and ensuring employee buy-in—is crucial!
HR tools like HRIS, LMS, and performance management systems are streamlining processes and making everything run more efficiently. But not all organisations have the budget for the latest tech. Around 30% cite financial constraints as a challenge.
Key insight:
Investing in the right HR tech can make things smoother, but it’s just as important to make sure employees are on board with the new tools to get the most out of them.
HR In 2025
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for HR transformation. By focusing on transparency, listening to employees, and having intentional strategies, companies can navigate these trends and build workplaces that are inclusive, flexible, and ready for the future.
You can easily download a copy of the full report to dive into these trends further with added insight from People Scientist, Harry Cooke.
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