Written by Stella H. Kim
Published December 19, 2024
A 20,000-Hour HR Subject Expert Offers Projections and Strategies for 2025 Top 10 HR Trends
As another year comes to an end, I reflected on what it may mean to truly become a subject expert.
The 10,000-hour rule indicates that it would take either 3 hours daily for 10 years or 10 hours daily for 3 years to develop subject expertise. Experts must have the foundational technical knowledge and niche experience in the specific field, and be willing to proactively learn, re-assess, and offer new yet unique perspectives to keep up with the rapidly changing times. They must also have the insight and intel to project trends and propose strategies to futureproof.
HRCap, a Top 10 Global Executive Search & HR Consulting firm, has developed and honed our global HR expertise by partnering with our 1,500+ clients and 500,000 candidates for the past 25 years. To maintain and strengthen our leading expertise, we annually forecast top HR trends and work with both organizations and professionals to address their unique needs.
Below are our HRCap 2025 Top 10 HR Trend Projections and Strategies.
HR is becoming the heart of the organization. HR teams must aim to become transformational business partners, not transactional administrators.
Market uncertainties and limitations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will continue to rise. Hiring and developing highly empathetic managers is paramount to building an organization that effectively pursues and practices DEI.
The majority of global organizations have adopted and integrated AI and Tech advancements into HR strategies. HR leaders must invest in technology to automate HR processes and evolve HR policies.
Top CHROs strategically leverage data analytics to make objective and competitive business decisions. The entire HR team needs to develop data literacy and application skills.
Market leaders are actively investing in learning and development to attract and retain top critical talents. Continuously providing developmental support is critical to maintaining market competitiveness.
Profitable organizations offer forever hybrid work environments to maintain productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. Employees should be able to balance between remote work and in-office days tailored to the nature of work and team culture.
Companies with low turnover are elevating the employee experience. Organizations must identify the needs of multigenerational and multicultural teams and implement personalized strategies to increase employee engagement and satisfaction.
Mental health has become just as important as physical health. Management must monitor the employees’ well-being and the leaders’ mental wellness to prevent burnout and lead healthy organizations.
Organizations truly committed to growth and development are embracing “culture add” rather than “culture fit.” Leaders must create value-add by investing in transformative talent capable of adapting to tech advancements and generational differences.
Futuristic organizations center business strategies and organizational cultures around corporate social responsibility. As the concept of lifetime jobs fades, the focus should instead be on finding and investing in critical talent with a strong sense of vocational calling.
Over the past 24 months, I have offered monthly expert columns covering HR strategies, headhunting, and career-related topics that may be useful to client companies, professionals, and the general public. By studying recent trends and reflecting on rising issues, I found myself deepening my subject expertise, honing my niche voice, and holding a stronger sense of vocational calling.
While it is said that investing 10,000 hours makes one an expert in a field, one can only become a true expert who remains relevant and valuable by continuously investing an additional 10,000 hours in vocational calling. As you embark on the new year, I wish you the best in your vocational journey to becoming a self-recognized expert rather than one solely respected by others.
Stella H. Kim, SPHR
HRCap – SVP, Head of Americas & Chief Marketing Officer
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