The world of work is undergoing profound change - and with it the role of human resources (HR). Companies are facing the challenge of adapting their HR work to new economic, technological and social conditions. The HR Inside Trend Report 2025, published by "Überall Scene Development GmbH" in collaboration with futurologist Franz Kühmayer, provides valuable insights into the most important HR topics and outlines key areas of action for the coming years. Based on the expertise of leading HR managers in German-speaking countries, the report identifies five key areas that will be of crucial importance for HR in 2025:
1. success with emotion: leadership development
Managers are under increasing pressure not only to achieve economic goals, but also to act as an anchor 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 success factor.
In addition, supportive and appreciative leadership contributes directly to the mental health and productivity of employees. Companies that invest in the further development of their managers strengthen their competitiveness and employee loyalty in the long term.
Curious? You can find out more in our blog post.
2. game changer: artificial intelligence
The arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) in companies is unstoppable. Already 64% of employees use AI on a regular basis, while only 20% of companies are actively looking into the strategic use of this technology. AI not only offers efficiency gains, but also new opportunities in decision-making processes and HR work.
Companies that successfully integrate AI combine technological advances with targeted Personnel Development. Reskilling and upskilling are becoming essential measures to prepare employees for the changed job profiles and skills requirements. At the same time, a clear governance structure remains necessary to ensure transparency.
You can find out more about AI in recruiting in our latest white paper.
3. real digital: hotspot of transformations
For HR, digital transformation is not just a technical issue, but above all a strategic one. The report emphasizes that stronger collaboration between HR and IT is essential in order to design digital solutions holistically. However, the transformation of the HR IT landscape is far from over. Only 20% of companies in Austria are planning a targeted expansion of their digitalization in the HR area. Many companies continue to work with isolated systems that impede the flow of information and hinder data-driven decision-making processes. According to the "PwC HR Tech Survey 2024", 41% of companies in Germany are planning to modernize their HR IT landscape. In Switzerland, the "HR Benchmarker Switzerland 2024" shows that 54% of companies have still not developed a comprehensive digital strategy for HR.
However, greater integration and a clearly defined IT strategy are necessary in order to optimize HR processes in the long term.
The cloud-based Umantis HR-Suite supports companies in holistically digitalizing their HR IT landscape and overcoming isolated systems - for more efficient collaboration and data-driven, strategic decisions.
4. under pressure: HR work in times of crisis
Rising insolvencies, economic uncertainties and a tight labor market pose major challenges for companies. HR must act as a strategic player in order to combine short-term crisis measures with long-term planning. While restructuring measures are often unavoidable, the report shows that pure "rightsizing" is not enough. Rather, it is about promoting resilience and the ability to innovate within the organization. Companies that actively integrate HR into their crisis management can react flexibly to challenges and at the same time position themselves for long-term stability.
5. from stress to strength: mental health
Mental health is no longer a nice-to-have, but a key factor for productivity and employer attractiveness. According to the "Job and Health Study" by Korn Ferry, 43% of employees feel stressed by their work situation. Mental illness is now one of the most common causes of absenteeism. Companies that invest specifically in mental health therefore benefit from higher commitment, lower sickness rates and greater employee loyalty. The report emphasizes that the key lies in an open corporate culture. Raising awareness, management training and promoting resilience are decisive measures for creating a health-promoting working environment.
If you would like to find out more, you are welcome to read our blog post.
Conclusion: HR as a strategic driver of the future
The five trends of the HR Inside Trend Report 2025 clearly show that HR is no longer an administrative area, but a central strategic function. Companies that actively see HR management as a driver of innovation and transformation are better equipped for the future.
For companies, this means dealing intensively with the topics of emotional leadership, AI, digitalization, crisis management and mental health and taking targeted measures to implement them. This is the only way they can set the course for sustainable success and position themselves as attractive employers.
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The challenges are diverse - from digitalization and crisis management to mental health. The Umantis HR-Suite Flex and Umantis HR-Suite SmartKMU support you in implementing your HR strategy holistically, sustainably and in a resource-saving manner.
