What does HR mean to you in 2025?

Some words of gratitude to mark the happy occasion of my reaching 25 years working in HR data, research and content solutions.

What does HR mean to you in 2025?*

For me, right now, HR means a global community for which I feel immense gratitude. To the world of HR: thank you!

This month of May 2025 marks my 25th year working in HR data, research and content solutions. I can’t believe how fast and how enjoyably all that time has flown by. I can’t believe what a wonderful and transformative time it’s been. I have met so many lovely souls from the UK and international HR community over this quarter-century, many of whom I am honoured to consider lifelong friends. To each of these superb folk: thank you for being in my life.

I started on this path with an editorial research role at Incomes Data Services (IDS) in May 2000. I joined the founding team on XpertHR in August 2001, undertaking a range of editorial, research, data analysis and product management roles over the next 21 years. I had the privilege to see the site grow and evolve rapidly from its initial launch (back when the idea of a subscription-based website for anything – let alone one for HR content and data – was thought somewhat out there).

Since March 2023, I have worked as an independent consultant helping organisations maximise the strategic value of their HR and people data. Check out my LinkedIn page for more on what I do. Drop me a line if there is something I can able to help you achieve.

To rise to each fresh challenge

Both the world of work and the work of the HR profession have changed almost beyond recognition over these past 25 years. Yet HR’s ability to adapt with the times and to rise to each fresh challenge is both constant and inspiring.

Earlier this year, it was my honour and pleasure to be invited to edit the State of the People Profession survey from the People Experience Hub. The results show that the challenges facing HR are significant. These include tightening budgets, ongoing economic volatility and the very real risk of burnout as the stresses of HR work take their toll.

But the opportunities for HR are considerable. The survey suggests that HR means more to the organisation in 2025 than ever before. Many HR professionals feel that their organisations perceive them positively, and that HR departments enjoy increasing strategic influence. HR can build on this strong foundation by developing its skills to ensure that its work in future is ever more AI-assisted and evidence-based.

One respondent to the People Experience Hub survey poses a question that  I think is worth considering for any HR/people professional to help focus the mind when weighing up the insights from this research and how they relate to their own work: “What three words would an HR professional say was their mantra? Mine = PUT PEOPLE FIRST.”

In this spirit: What three words would be your mantra for your work as an HR professional in 2025?

May you be nothing but kind today, to others and to yourself.

May today be nothing but kind to you and yours.

NOTES

* Some of the words in this post are adapted from my introduction to the State of the People Profession survey from the People Experience Hub.