{"id":12348,"date":"2025-01-21T10:43:08","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T15:43:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=12348"},"modified":"2025-05-07T10:04:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:04:35","slug":"hr-strategies-future-of-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/hr-strategies-future-of-work\/","title":{"rendered":"5 HR strategies to lead the future of work in 2025\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">People &amp; Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t5 HR strategies to lead the future of work in 2025\u00a0\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-01-21T10:43:08-05:00\">January 21, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"5 HR strategies to lead the future of work in 2025\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/hr-strategies-future-of-work\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/author\/staceymcintosh\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/11\/Stacey-McIntosh-350-1.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Stacey McIntosh<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>HR is at a pivotal moment, with AI transforming jobs, skills gaps widening, and workplace expectations evolving at speed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To stay ahead, HR leaders must understand and embrace the trends shaping the future of work, ensuring their organizations are ready for what\u2019s next.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we share 5 HR strategies and series of actionable tips for tackling these trends and helping your people navigate the road ahead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on these trends with our practical advice to build a resilient, adaptable, and people-centred organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what we cover:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-1-ai-in-the-workplace-drive-change-keep-humanity-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">1. AI in the workplace: Drive change, keep humanity&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-skills-and-productivity-solve-the-growth-puzzle-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">2. Skills and productivity: Solve the growth puzzle&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-employee-experience-beyond-yoga-and-fruit-bowls-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">3. Employee experience: Beyond yoga and fruit bowls&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-navigating-change-lead-through-uncertainty-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">4. Navigating change: Lead through uncertainty&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-leading-responsibly-ethical-and-inclusive-leadership-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">5. Leading responsibly: Ethical and inclusive leadership&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#final\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-ai-in-the-workplace-drive-change-keep-humanity-nbsp\">1. AI in the workplace: Drive change, keep humanity&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AI is changing HR and offering ways to improve recruitment, workforce management, employee development, and more. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From automated hiring tools to predictive analytics that optimize workforce planning, AI offers interesting directions for efficiency and innovation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A new workplace model is emerging: the <strong>blended workforce<\/strong>, where AI tools act as a torch, shining new ways to tackle problems for employees looking to drive productivity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, its success hinges on a critical balance\u2014making the best of tech while maintaining trust, ethical governance, and a people-first approach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key actions HR leaders must take&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Build trust through ethical AI governance&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use diverse, representative datasets to avoid bias. AI systems are only as good as the data that trains them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put in place frameworks for fairness, transparency, and compliance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure employees and stakeholders understand how and why AI systems arrive at decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure this explainability (why AI decisions are made) in sensitive areas such as recruitment or redundancy.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maintain human oversight&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Critical HR decisions\u2014such as hiring, redundancy selection, and promotions\u2014benefit from human oversight to ensure fairness, accountability and context. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Humans can help ensure fairness and accountability, especially when decisions face legal or ethical scrutiny.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adopt-ai-for-good-work-nbsp\"><strong>Adopt AI for \u201cgood work\u201d&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AI should <strong>augment<\/strong>, <strong>not replace<\/strong>, human work.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AI should improve roles by eliminating repetitive tasks, freeing time for meaningful, human-centred work.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritize roles that are meaningful and people centred.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use AI to create equitable opportunities, not deepen inequalities\u2014especially in hiring or performance evaluations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prepare for regulation&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay informed on global legislation such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.europarl.europa.eu\/topics\/en\/article\/20230601STO93804\/eu-ai-act-first-regulation-on-artificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EU AI Bill<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take an active role in shaping ethical AI practices by developing clear guidelines and supporting training with AI tools.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with legal and IT teams to ensure transparency, governance and fairness.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prepare for the blended workforce&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Invest in essential human skills such as adaptability, resilience, and critical thinking.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritize training programmes that empower employees to thrive alongside AI.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure seamless integration of AI tools into workflows, creating environments where humans and AI complement each other\u2019s strengths.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-skills-and-productivity-solve-the-growth-puzzle-nbsp\">2. Skills and productivity: Solve the growth puzzle&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Skills shortages, which result in unfilled vacancies and productivity losses, come at a significant cost to the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The workforce is at a critical crossroads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong> <\/strong>As tech accelerates and job roles evolve, skills gaps continue to widen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the World Economic Forum\u2019s Future of Jobs Report, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>60% of the workforce will require reskilling or upskilling<\/strong><\/a> to remain relevant over the next five years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlocking performance requires a laser focus on developing people and removing systemic barriers to growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without proactive skills development, you risk falling behind in innovation and competitiveness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You must take a strategic, long-term approach to upskilling rather than relying on short-term fixes to bridge capability gaps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Line managers are the backbone of work productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They set the tone for teams, identify barriers to performance, and nurture growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, many line managers are <strong>undertrained<\/strong> for this pivotal role, lacking the tools and skills to lead their teams effectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key actions HR leaders can take&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Close critical skills gaps&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Invest in targeted reskilling and upskilling programmes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continually evaluate workforce skills to identify gaps and anticipate future needs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer training programmes aligned with both employee aspirations and business goals.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Empower line managers&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Equip managers to support growth mindsets and provide psychologically safe environments.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Train them to hold open, adult-to-adult conversations about development and wellbeing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build a culture where continuous learning is the norm, encouraging employees to change and take new opportunities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Address productivity barriers&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Put in place tools and policies to prevent burnout, ensuring manageable and sustainable workloads.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empower teams with flexibility\u2014whether in schedules, remote work options, or adaptive working environments\u2014to boost focus and output.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Track return on investment on skills initiatives&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Measure progress to ensure tangible performance improvements.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-employee-experience-beyond-yoga-and-fruit-bowls-nbsp\">3. Employee experience: Beyond yoga and fruit bowls&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employee experience isn\u2019t only about perks such as free snacks, yoga classes, or flashy office spaces. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While those can improve the workplace environment, they don\u2019t address the deeper needs of today\u2019s workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing meaningful benefits\u2014such as flexible working arrangements and mental health resources\u2014supports employees at work and in their broader lives. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Relieving financial stress<\/strong> is a critical area that directly impacts employee wellbeing and productivity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research highlights that financial insecurity is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/2f38aae8-cea0-4699-8565-3bfdef6edc69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strongly linked to poor mental and physical health<\/a>, particularly among lower-income workers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating meaningful employee experiences needs a focus on <strong>engagement, value, and holistic support<\/strong> that makes people feel seen, heard, and motivated to perform their best.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And what are the benefits of a solid employee experience?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A strong employee experience is a strategic imperative if you want to see higher productivity where engaged employees will outperform disengaged employees.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employees who feel valued are far less likely to leave, reducing costly turnover.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivering a positive, tailored, consistent employee experience is critical to attracting and retaining top talent.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key actions HR leaders can take&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Design impactful benefits&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider whether empowering people to balance personal and professional responsibilities through adaptable working hours could work for your organization.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider offering hybrid and remote work to accommodate diverse lifestyles and preferences.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide tools such as salary-linked savings, financial literacy training, and personalized benefits to alleviate financial stress among employees.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on benefits that genuinely improve employees\u2019 lives, such as childcare support, mental health resources, or reskilling opportunities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support through line managers&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Train managers to prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Encourage flexible work, manageable workloads, and healthy boundaries.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foster psychological safety to encourage honest conversations about workloads and wellbeing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equip managers with the skills to deliver open, constructive development conversations focusing on employee skill sets, aspirations, and opportunities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Move beyond perks&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reassess wellness initiatives to ensure they deliver genuine value and return on investment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider offering comprehensive support, including stress management resources, burnout prevention initiatives, and open conversations about mental health beyond basic counselling.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-navigating-change-lead-through-uncertainty-nbsp\">4. Navigating change: Lead through uncertainty&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From rapid tech advancements and shifting workforce expectations to legislative changes, modern business is in a constant state of transformation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part of the HR function\u2019s role is to support organizations in navigating uncertainty, reducing disruption, and building workforce resilience as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Retaining talent, maintaining growth, and remaining competitive will undoubtedly help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, remember that your line managers will have a significant role in helping employees adapt to change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the bridge between leadership and teams, they must be equipped to lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key actions HR leaders can take&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Equip line managers to lead change&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Equip line managers with training and tools to deliver consistent, empathetic communication while supporting team resilience and engagement.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage managers to communicate, support morale, and celebrate small wins.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give managers the power to proactively address employee concerns, offer flexibility, and provide tailored work solutions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prioritize-communication-nbsp\"><strong>Prioritize communication&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep employees informed about key organizational developments to prevent speculation and misinformation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold regular company meetings, Q&amp;A sessions, and feedback surveys to ensure inclusive and transparent communication.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stay agile with legislation&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitor and adapt to legislation changes to remain compliant and supportive.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work closely with legal and compliance teams to adapt processes, policies, and contracts accordingly.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide clear guidance on new regulations to ensure understanding and compliance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-leading-responsibly-ethical-and-inclusive-leadership-nbsp\">5. Leading responsibly: Ethical and inclusive leadership&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, ethical leadership is essential.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaders must balance delivering business results with their duty of care to employees\u2014ensuring fairness, inclusion, and wellbeing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t just the right thing to do; it\u2019s good for business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prioritizing diverse recruitment pipelines can significantly enhance business performance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research shows that companies with <a href=\"https:\/\/doit.software\/blog\/diversity-in-the-workplace-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">higher gender diversity are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diverse teams drive innovation, and employees who feel supported are more engaged, productive, and loyal.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As tech advancements and workforce expectations evolve, ethical leadership helps organizations stay resilient, create trust, and build the skills needed for future success.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make people-centred decisions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When making changes\u2014such as job restructuring or technology adoption\u2014consider the human impact and take measures to mitigate disruption.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This builds trust and employee engagement, and reduces resistance to change, ensuring smoother transitions and better long-term outcomes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Champion transparency<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prioritize clear, honest communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being transparent about challenges, decisions, and outcomes builds trust and credibility with your employees and stakeholders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Address external pressures and don\u2019t backslide&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Global issues ask for an agile leadership that is fair and responsible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Economic uncertainty in recent years has deprioritized many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with some organizations scaling back spending and sidelining promises made during times of stability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rebuilding trust<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recommit to DEI as a non-negotiable priority, not just during stable times but especially in moments of change and challenge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ethical leadership is about consistent action, ensuring DEI is embedded in decision-making processes, policies, and culture and not treated as a standalone initiative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key actions HR leaders can take&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Embed DEI into leadership<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Train leaders to prioritize DEI as a core leadership skill. Make equity, diversity and inclusion integral to decision-making and team management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Link performance reviews to DEI progress to keep leaders focused on meaningful change.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Match the metrics with qualitative assessments and long-term goals to avoid superficial behaviours and ensure they reflect your organization\u2019s values.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Balance business needs with fairness<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create policies that balance performance with employee wellbeing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review hiring processes to ensure they align with DEI policies and promote equity at every stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate job descriptions, application procedures, and interview formats to identify and eliminate potential biases.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Train hiring managers on unconscious bias and equitable decision-making.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide tools and resources to help managers make fair, consistent, and informed hiring decisions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audit progression and restructuring practices to confirm they are transparent, merit-based, and bias-free.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review promotion criteria, evaluations, and redundancy processes to ensure fairness and inclusion.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ensure ethical transitions<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Work with leaders to create people-focused strategies during AI and role changes to build trust and maintain morale.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Redesign recruitment for fairness<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Audit your hiring practices to identify and remove bias and ensure they are transparent, equitable, and inclusive.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritize diverse recruitment pipelines to drive long-term representation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Foster trust through transparency<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set clear expectations for ethical leadership behaviours.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with your organization\u2019s leaders to develop a framework for ethical leadership they can own and champion.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foster open communication to build trust and hold leadership accountable.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implement tools such as employee surveys, which allow individuals to share feedback anonymously.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use 360-degree feedback systems to create a structured approach for evaluating leaders from multiple perspectives.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final\">Final thoughts&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The workplace of 2025 presents a powerful opportunity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By ethically embracing AI, addressing the skills gap, and prioritizing employee experience, you can build something that keeps people at the heart of every decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The future of work is here, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/top-business-execs-trending-insights-ai-worker-well-being-roundtable-2024-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">but it\u2019s still about people first<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStudies have shown that employees want managers who are engaged, who are coaches versus supervisors,\u201d says Marjorie Powell, chief human resource officer at AARP.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by focusing on one key area\u2014whether embedding DEI, managing AI, or enhancing employee experience\u2014and build momentum toward a thriving, people-first workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n \n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Join us at Sage Future!<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Customer event: June 3-5, 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;|&nbsp;&nbsp;Atlanta, Georgia, US<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Introducing <strong>Sage Future<\/strong> \u2014 a ground-breaking event that will unite our extensive customer and partner ecosystem across North America.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Gain data-driven insights and thought leadership that will empower you to drive growth and high performance within your organization.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t miss out on this inspiring and insightful event.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph 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has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"cta-content__title\">Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-8949a954-88b2-43bb-8b8a-77c53eb34350\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how HR leaders can embrace trends shaping the future of work and discover some actionable tips to help you navigate the road ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":346,"featured_media":8319,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[167,272,263],"business_type":[3,99],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[76,83],"imagine_tag":[234,50],"coauthors":[317],"class_list":["post-12348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","tag-business-intelligence","tag-hr","tag-midsized-business","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ca","author_name":"Stacey McIntosh","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1214712812.jpg","imagine_tags":{"234":"HR","50":"HR 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