The world of work is undergoing profound change—and with it, the role of Human Resources (HR). Companies face the challenge of adapting their HR practices to new economic, technological, and social realities. The HR Inside Trend Report 2025, published by “Überall Scene Development GmbH” in collaboration with futurist Franz Kühmayer, provides valuable insights into the most important HR topics and outlines key areas of focus for the coming years. Drawing on the expertise of leading HR executives in German-speaking countries, the report identifies five key areas that will be of critical importance for HR in 2025:
1. Success Through Emotion: Leadership Development
Executives are under growing pressure not only to achieve business goals but also to serve as a source of stability in uncertain times. The report shows that emotional intelligence, empathy, and strategic decision-making skills are becoming increasingly important. Leadership must therefore go far beyond traditional management skills: servant leadership is becoming a key success factor.
Furthermore, supportive and appreciative leadership directly contributes to employees’ mental health and productivity. Companies that invest in the professional development of their leaders strengthen their long-term competitiveness and employee retention.
Curious? You can find out more in our blog post.
2. Game-Changer: Artificial Intelligence
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in companies is unstoppable. Already, 64% of employees use AI regularly, while only 20% of companies are actively addressing the strategic use of this technology. AI not only boosts efficiency but also opens up new possibilities in decision-making processes and human resources management.
Companies that successfully integrate AI combine technological advancements with targeted workforce development. Reskilling and upskilling are becoming essential measures for preparing employees for changing job profiles and skill requirements. At the same time, a clear governance structure remains necessary to ensure transparency.
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3. Real Digital: The Epicenter of Transformation
For HR, digital transformation is not just a technical issue, but above all a strategic one. The report emphasizes that closer collaboration between HR and IT is essential for designing holistic digital solutions. However, the transformation of the HR IT landscape is far from complete. Only 20% of companies in Austria plan to systematically expand their digitalization efforts in the HR sector. Many companies continue to work with isolated systems that hinder the flow of information and impede data-driven decision-making processes. In Germany, according to the “PwC HR Tech Survey 2024,” 41% of companies plan to modernize their HR IT landscape. In Switzerland, the “HR Benchmarker Switzerland 2024” shows that 54% of companies still have not developed a comprehensive digital strategy for HR.
However, to optimize HR processes sustainably, greater integration and a clearly defined IT strategy are necessary.
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4. Under Pressure: Human Resources Management in Times of Crisis
Rising insolvencies, economic uncertainty, and a tight labor market pose major challenges for companies. HR must act as a strategic player to align short-term crisis measures with long-term planning. While restructuring measures are often unavoidable, the report shows that “rightsizing” alone is not enough. Rather, the focus should be on fostering resilience and innovation within the organization. Companies that actively involve HR in their crisis management can respond flexibly to challenges while simultaneously positioning themselves for long-term stability.
5. From Stress to Strength: Mental Health
Mental health is no longer just a “nice-to-have”; it is a key factor in productivity and employer attractiveness. According to Korn Ferry’s “Job and Health Study,” 43% of employees feel stressed by their work situation. Mental health issues are now among the most common causes of absenteeism. Companies that make targeted investments in mental health therefore benefit from higher engagement, lower absenteeism rates, and stronger employee retention. The report emphasizes that the key lies in an open corporate culture. Raising awareness, providing leadership training, and fostering resilience are crucial measures for creating a work environment that promotes well-being.
If you'd like to learn more about this, feel free to read our blog post.
Conclusion: HR as a Strategic Driver of the Future
The five trends identified in the HR Inside Trend Report 2025 clearly show that HR is no longer merely an administrative function but a key strategic one. Companies that actively view human resources management as a driver of innovation and transformation are better prepared for the future.
For companies, this means taking a deep dive into topics such as emotional leadership, AI, digital transformation, crisis management, and mental health —and implementing targeted measures to address them. Only by doing so can they set the stage for sustainable success and position themselves as attractive employers.
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