HR leaders in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly embedded in business transformation, change management, and compliance, playing a more strategic role at the executive table, according to research from Hays.
By Maggie Mancini
A new report from Hays finds that 85% of chief people officers (CPOs) are actively upskilling as their roles expand beyond traditional HR functions. Increasingly embedded in business transformation, change management, and compliance, CPOs are now playing a more strategic role at the executive table. Â
The report, The Chief People Officer Viewpoint, based on insights from HR professionals across Australia and New Zealand, underscores the challenges CPOs face, particularly in talent attraction, workforce planning, and organisational culture. Â
Most CPOs are focussed on upskilling in strategic leadership, influencing decision-making, and aligning HR strategies with business objectives. More than half (62%) find it difficult to source skilled talent, with resilience, adaptability, and leadership in high demand. Â
Employee value proposition (EVP) is the next big focus and will be the top strategy used for talent attraction and retention in 2025, the report finds. Â
Two-thirds of CPOs are considering leaving their roles, driven by a desire for better corporate culture, more meaningful responsibilities, and improved work-life balance. AI is on the radar, but currently not a major challenge, with just 46% of CPOs expecting automation to replace human roles in the near future. Â
The report confirms that CPOs are taking on an increasingly strategic role, often leading major business transformation efforts. Despite this, many HR leaders feel the pressure of growing workloads and limited internal support.  Â
