What's Happening?
As 2025 comes to a close, HR leaders are strategizing to prepare a pipeline of future-ready talent for 2026 and beyond. According to a survey by DSG Global and The Harris Poll, two-thirds of HR leaders identify succession planning and leadership pipeline development as significant challenges. Aileen Alexander, CEO of DSG Global, emphasizes the need for HR to adopt a proactive approach to talent-building, balancing current stability with future skills requirements. Key strategies include aligning talent objectives with business strategy and focusing on digital fluency and core human skills like critical thinking and empathy. The volatile global environment, marked by geopolitical, economic, and technological shifts, underscores the importance
of these forward-looking strategies.
Why It's Important?
The development of leadership pipelines is crucial for organizations to navigate the volatile global landscape effectively. As AI and other technologies become ubiquitous, HR leaders must ensure their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to leverage these advancements. The role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is becoming increasingly important, with nearly 80% of survey respondents noting its elevated significance. HR leaders are tasked with demonstrating how their strategies contribute to business objectives, creating a competitive advantage. This focus on human capital is essential for organizations to remain resilient against external shocks and to drive business success.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, HR leaders will need to embrace aggressive change management to address the challenges posed by AI and other technological advancements. The CHRO's role will involve leading talent reskilling and defining new roles to position the workforce for growth. Additionally, HR leaders must work closely with boards of directors to align talent initiatives with governance priorities. This collaboration will be key to ensuring leadership continuity and keeping talent strategy on the agenda of CEOs and boards. As organizations empower HR leaders to drive strategy, the visibility and impact of the CHRO role are expected to intensify.
