2025 hr forecast: why the human touch still matters💜

people are still the heart of HR

January 09, 2025

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Happy Thursday HR friends!👋

We know for most of us we’re fully into the swing of things now, but it’s never too late to have a little peek ahead at what 2025 has in store (and what we can do to prepare).

So today we’re pondering HR trends in 2025🧠 

Some of which you’ll be aware of (especially with our previous editions on AI). But hopefully we can spark some new ideas to retain, attract and nurture your teams in this fast-changing landscape.

And remember, it’s “HR” not “AIR” (artificial intelligence resources)✨💪

In Today’s Edition

🔮 Re-emphasising the “Human” in HR


🛋️ The Break Room: Speeding up or slowing down?


📚 Human Readsources: Bad internships may require moving on quickly, Major tech advances expected in 2025-2026, AI skills will dominate 2025 learning trends.


2025 is in full swing…

Dog Swing GIF

“How do I get down from here?”

And the future of HR is rushing toward us, with a staggering 89% of companies already incorporating or exploring AI solutions.


By late 2025, we'll see game-changing shifts: AI systems that deliver real results, comprehensive mental health support, and hiring practices that prioritize skills over traditional resumes.


Despite all this transformation, our fundamental purpose remains unchanged - creating exceptional workplace environments, just with more sophisticated tools at our disposal. The pace of change in tech is overwhelming but the best teams will embrace these trends and take a big leap ahead of their competitors (and maintain a happier workforce at the same time!)


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🔮 Re-emphasising the “Human” in HR


Remember when we thought AI was just for scheduling interviews? Well, buckle up because by 2025, AI is predicted to handle up to 65% of HR tasks - from talent analytics to personalized learning paths.


But the good news is: instead of replacing HR pros, it's actually making our strategic roles and soft skills more crucial than ever.


The stats tell their own story: 85% of HR leaders report their roles are becoming more strategic as AI handles routine tasks. We're shifting from paperwork pushers to workplace experience architects, focusing on what machines can't do: building culture, nurturing talent, and making tough people decisions that require emotional intelligence.


Here's your 2025 survival guide: Start upskilling your team on AI literacy now (seriously, don't wait). Create clear frameworks for which decisions stay human-led versus AI-assisted.


Most importantly, double down on the human skills that'll matter most - change management, strategic workforce planning, and emotional intelligence.


Because while AI might write your job descriptions, it's not going to handle your next difficult conversation with a manager about their leadership style.


That's still all you friend. 🎯


🔗 Relevant links

👀 TLDR

TLDR: AI's taking over 65% of HR tasks by 2025, but plot twist - it's making us MORE important, not less. Time to level up those human superpowers (and maybe learn to speak robot 🤖) while letting the machines handle the boring stuff.

⚡ Takeaway and Try

  1. 🤖 Map out one HR process you hate doing (like screening resumes or scheduling interviews) and research AI tools that could automate it. Bonus: Calculate how many hours this would save your team monthly.

  2. 🎯 Review your last 5 job postings and strip out degree requirements where they're not truly needed. Track application rates before and after to measure impact on your talent pool.

  3. 🧠 Schedule a "Future of Work" lunch discussion with your leadership team. Key question: "What skills will our company need most in 2025?" Use the insights to shape your L&D strategy.

  4. 📊 Audit your current HR tech stack - what's actually being used vs. gathering digital dust? Create a simple spreadsheet showing ROI (or lack thereof) for each tool.

  5. 🤝 Start "HR Office Hours" - dedicated time slots where employees can drop in virtually or in-person to discuss career development. Test it for one month and gather feedback.


📚 Human Readsources

🏢 When to Walk Away from An Internship (Silicon Republic) - Poor internships can harm career growth - know when to leave. A candidate's perspective.


⚖️ 7 Game-Changing Tech Trends Coming in 2025 (Silicon Republic) - Major tech advances in AI, quantum computing, and 6G expected.


📊 AI Skills Dominate Tech Learning Trends for 2024 (Personnel Today) - AI skills dominate tech learning trends for 2025


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Thanks for reading to the end and we hope today’s edition sparked some new ideas for your workplace! 🧠

We know you’re super busy and really appreciate you letting us into your inbox a few times a week. 😀

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