HR leaders in 2025 are increasingly tasked with aligning their strategies with the broader organizational goals. The People Matters SHRPA Global State of the HR Industry Report notes that while it’s been successful for HR across APAC and ME to be ready for change by aligning to talent and business strategy, the Achilies’ heel today is executing.
According to the report, 77% of HR Leaders are change ready and able to adapt to business and talent disruptions. Yet, 64% are set to miss out on HR transformation, if it’s not people-centric and tech-enabled.

We sat with Saurbh Deep Singla, Ex-CHRO, upGrad to uncover insights on how HR can prepare better to execute and ensure people-centric and tech-enabled HR transformation. Our discussion spans areas of change management, skilling, and HR reassessing their role in 2025 to create more business impact.


Top recommendations for 2025:

  • HR leaders need to align their strategies with business goals by understanding the company’s products, customers, and industry dynamics.
  • The adoption of AI, analytics, and other technologies is essential to supporting change and innovation in HR processes. HR leaders need to be ready for the shift.
  • HR professionals must engage in continuous learning to address skill gaps and enhance their capability to manage tech-driven transformations.
  • Flatten organizational structures. By simplifying structures, HR can enhance responsiveness and improve decision-making.
  • Tailored training programs should be implemented to address specific skills required for the future of work and help reduce resistance to newer technology adoption.