In today’s evolving business landscape, HR professionals have taken on a strategic role that goes beyond recruitment and talent management. They are now key drivers of growth and innovation, ensuring that organisations are equipped to navigate rapid technological changes. As businesses adapt, HR teams are playing an essential part in preparing the workforce for future challenges and opportunities.
Nikolaz Foucaud, Managing Director EMEA, Coursera
“It has become increasingly clear in recent years just how vital skilled HR professionals are to the success and growth of organisations, especially in today’s ever-changing business environment. Their role has evolved far beyond traditional responsibilities such as recruitment and talent management: they are indispensable leaders who drive innovation, cultivate company culture, and foster continuous learning. In particular, at Coursera – working with over 4,000 businesses worldwide to nurture enterprise learning – we have seen HR leaders successfully work to link skills-based learning to skills-based hiring: a shift that is catalysing shorter recruitment times, lower recruitment costs, more effective enterprise learning programs, and better fit between candidates and roles.
As technologies like generative AI transform the skills landscape, HR leaders are at the forefront of building future-ready workforces, identifying skill gaps, and creating opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. In fact, 76% of workers expect AI to create new learning opportunities, yet many face challenges in accessing educational resources and clarifying professional development pathways. This is where HR professionals are indispensable, creating flexible pathways to ensure employees gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in evolving roles. By championing upskilling programmes and professional development, and fostering tomorrow’s skills-based hiring paradigm, they enable businesses to stay competitive and agile. This HR Appreciation Day, we celebrate their dedication, vision, and impact in shaping tomorrow’s workforce.”
Tanya Channing, Chief People and Culture Officer at Pipedrive
“In my experience, human resources professionals play a much larger role than they’re often given credit for, contributing to both the day-to-day operations and the strategic direction of a company. Beyond recruitment and employee well-being, HR teams are the driving force behind key initiatives such as skilling, learning and development across departments, which is especially important as emerging technologies like AI continue to impact organisations.
Pipedrive’s 2024 State of AI in Business report highlights that for eight in ten (79%) businesses increasing productivity is the primary motivator for AI integration, but how do we reach that objective? AI strategy is built on having the right people, strategy, resourcing and skills. These are all aspects of personnel management that HR professionals help manage, ensuring the right talent for the job is there. By helping to foster a strong company culture, HR teams contribute to success with AI, keeping the right humans in the loop so that organisations can enhance productivity without compromising human work. As both strategists and people advocates, HR professionals are key to creating a future where technology and human ingenuity work hand in hand.”
Looking ahead from HR Appreciation Day, it’s clear that HR professionals will remain vital in shaping the workforce and guiding organisational success. By bridging human potential with technological advancements, they will ensure businesses thrive in an ever-changing environment. We celebrate their ongoing role in fostering talent, driving innovation, and building the foundations for future success.
