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- Champions of Change: isolved's Fourth-Annual HR Leaders Report | isolved (2024)
Champions of Change: isolved's Fourth-Annual HR Leaders Report | isolved (2024)
This comprehensive report explores how HR leaders are adapting to create meaningful employee experiences, balance employer-employee dynamics, and leverage technology to drive engagement, retention and innovation in the modern workplace.

PEOPLE EXPERIENCE & ENGAGEMENT
Champions of Change: isolved's Fourth-Annual HR Leaders Report | isolved (2024) | This comprehensive report explores how HR leaders are adapting to create meaningful employee experiences, balance employer-employee dynamics, and leverage technology to drive engagement, retention and innovation in the modern workplace.
đź“Š DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that 76% of HR leaders believe employees' expectations for their work experience are not out of control, primarily because they think employees deserve a good experience at work?
đź‘€ DID YOU SEE?

What is the top threat facing talent retention?
✨ OVERVIEW
isolved's Fourth Annual HR Leaders Report comprehensively analyses how HR decision-makers navigate the evolving workforce landscape in 2024. Based on responses from over 1,000 HR leaders, the study explores key challenges and opportunities across eight categories: talent acquisition, retention, inclusivity, competitiveness, technology evaluation, analytics, AI adoption, and HR impact extension. The report emphasises the critical role of HR in balancing employer needs with employee expectations, likening this dynamic to a pendulum that must be stabilised through strategic initiatives and technology investments.
🧩 CONTEXT
The modern workplace is experiencing significant disruptions driven by technological advancements, changing employee expectations, and evolving business needs. HR departments are at the forefront of managing these changes, creating employee experiences that satisfy organisational objectives and workforce demands. This report highlights how HR leaders leverage strategies, from personalised learning to AI-driven analytics, to create a stable and productive work environment amidst these dynamic shifts.
🔍 WHY IT MATTERS
↳ Balancing employer-employee expectations is crucial—The report emphasises the importance of finding an equilibrium between employer needs and employee expectations. With 76% of HR leaders believing that employee expectations are not out of control, there's a clear recognition of the need to provide positive work experiences while meeting business objectives.
↳ Technology is reshaping HR practices—Investments in HR technologies, particularly in areas like analytics (38%) and employee wellness (35%), are becoming critical for creating meaningful employee experiences and driving strategic decision-making.
↳ Employee experience impacts customer experience—A staggering 90% of employees say the experience they receive at work impacts the experience they deliver to customers, with 89% of HR leaders agreeing with this assessment.
đź’ˇ KEY INSIGHTS
↳ Employee experience is a top priority—Improving engagement and experience was identified as the top opportunity to improve HR this year, with 38% of leaders focusing on this area.
↳ Learning and development are critical for retention—43% of HR leaders believe there is a skills gap within their organisation, highlighting the importance of professional development initiatives in retaining top talent.
↳ AI is transforming HR operations—80% of HR departments leverage AI with performance management, employee onboarding, and development of key application areas. This adoption creates efficiencies and enables HR teams to become more strategic.
↳ Data-driven decision-making is on the rise—91% of HR decision-makers say they currently have access to the data they need, with analytics being identified as the top investment area this year.
🚀 ACTIONS FOR LEADERS
↳ Invest in personalised learning experiences—Implement learning management systems and performance tools that empower employees to manage their professional development and align with organisational goals.
↳ Leverage AI for HR efficiency—Explore AI applications in performance management, onboarding, and benefits administration to streamline processes and free up HR teams for more strategic work.
↳ Prioritise data security and transparency—With 41% of HR leaders concerned about data breaches, ensure robust security measures and maintain transparency about AI and data usage practices.
↳ Focus on improving engagement and experience—As the top opportunity identified by HR leaders, prioritise initiatives that enhance employee engagement and overall work experience to drive retention and productivity.
đź”— CONCLUSION
The 2024 HR Leaders Report highlights the complex landscape HR professionals navigate, balancing technological advancements with human-centric approaches to create meaningful employee experiences. HR leaders are positioning themselves as strategic partners in driving organisational success by focusing on personalised learning, leveraging AI and analytics, and maintaining a strong emphasis on inclusivity and employee well-being. The report underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous innovation in HR practices to meet the evolving needs of both employers and employees in the modern workplace.
🎯 KEY TAKEAWAY
To thrive in 2024 and beyond, HR leaders must act as strategic change champions, leveraging technology and data-driven insights to create employee experiences that matter while skillfully balancing the dynamic needs of both employers and employees.