89% of CEOs say they want their CHROs to play a key role in driving long-term growth, but only 29% of talent leaders have the skill sets and connections they need to shape enterprise strategy successfully. In this insights report, we explore the role of the modern CHRO, their mandate from the c-suite to become a strategic adviser to the business, and the eight skills they need to be successful.
Read our latest insights report to learn:
- How the CHRO’s role has evolved from recruiting and policy creation to everything from enhancing the employee experience and strategic workforce development
- Key steps to overcome imminent skills gaps and maintain a competitive advantage
- The eight skills modern CHROs need to become strategic advisers to the business
As a CHRO, your world is in constant flux. Your roles and responsibilities are increasingly versatile, complex, and critical to your organization’s growth. These days, recruiting is just a small part of your job description. Your focus now involves shaping corporate culture. Nurturing talent. Enhancing diversity. And ultimately, driving bottom-line growth.
Amid the digital revolution, demographic shifts, and economic volatility, you’re navigating constant change.
These shifts offer an unprecedented opportunity to reshape your influence — and that of your entire HR function. The challenge to transform HR from a cost center to a competitive advantage is more urgent than ever. And the journey to a more future-focused and influential CHRO role begins with embracing these challenges — and the opportunities they offer.
In this report, we’ll explore the key skills CHROs need to thrive in the digital age. We’ll dive into the ever- changing role of CHROs as strategic leaders driving transformation across the organization, and dig into skills that modern CHROs need to master for success. Along the way, we’ll look at how you can redefine the CHRO role and lead your organization to greater heights. Let’s dive in.
Closing the perception gap
It’s an open secret that many HR executives struggle with communicating their expansive roles to senior leadership. Many CEOs have a dated view of their CHROs, looking at them as HR administrators who spend their days managing benefits, paperwork, and payroll issues.
Today’s CHROs are much more than that. They drive organizational transformation, shape corporate culture, and nurture talent to drive growth — contributions that are often overlooked. And while 89% of CEOs say they want their CHROs to play a key role in driving long-term growth, only 29% have the skill sets and connections they need to successfully shape enterprise strategy.
As executives struggle to keep pace with digital change and economic volatility, they’re increasingly turning to CHROs to help them adapt. Today’s CHROs are focused on evolving priorities, like developing effective leaders, managing digital transformation, and creating stellar employee experiences.
CEOs are increasingly relying on CHROs as critical partners in shaping business strategy. In 2023, workforce and talent development has become the third-highest priority for CEOs, with over 30% ranking it as a top business priority. With 93% of CEOs saying they need to evolve their strategy for attracting and developing talent, the message is clear — it’s time for CHROs to level up.
These pressures may feel overwhelming, but it’s actually an invitation. By bridging the perception gap, navigating the rapidly changing business landscape, and taking on a strategic role, you can be seen as an innovator — and turn each challenge into an opportunity. It might seem like a tall order, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. And your organization will be forever changed.
