85% of Chief People Officers Seek to Upskill as HR Leadership Expands Beyond Traditional Roles

Published: 11 March, 2025
 
A new report from Hays, The Chief People Officer Viewpoint, reveals that 85% of Chief People Officers (CPOs) are actively upskilling as their roles expand beyond traditional HR functions. Increasingly embedded in business transformation, change management, and compliance, CPOs are now playing a more strategic role at the executive table. 
 
The report, based on insights from 190 senior HR professionals across Australia and New Zealand, underscores the challenges CPOs face, particularly in talent attraction, workforce planning, and organisational culture. 
 
Key Findings:
 
  • 85% of CPOs are focused on upskilling, particularly in strategic leadership, influencing decision-making, and aligning HR strategies with business objectives.
     
  • 62% find it increasingly difficult to source skilled talent, with human skills such as resilience, adaptability, and leadership in high demand.
     
  • EVP is the next big focus: Employee Value Proposition (EVP) will be the top strategy used for talent attraction and retention in 2025.
     
  • High turnover risk: Two-thirds of CPOs are considering leaving their roles, driven by a desire for better corporate culture, more meaningful responsibilities, and improved work-life balance.
     
  • AI is on the radar, but currently not a major challenge, with only 46% of CPOs expecting automation to replace human roles in the near future.

HR at the Forefront of Business Transformation

The report confirms that CPOs are taking on an increasingly strategic role, often leading major business transformation efforts. Eliza Kirkby, Managing Director at Hays Australia & New Zealand, explains: 
 
“The Chief People Officer role has broadened in terms of remit and accountabilities. HR leaders are now heavily involved in business strategy, culture, and operational decision-making. This shift means they must not only understand people, but also drive transformation at the highest level.”
 
Despite this, many HR leaders feel the pressure of growing workloads and limited internal support.
 
“Chief People Officers are clearly busier than ever, with large-scale business transformation, compliance, and leadership responsibilities now at the core of their role. However, with two-thirds considering a career move, organisations must focus on supporting and retaining their senior HR talent,” added Kirkby.
 

The Future of HR Leadership

With HR leaders now deeply embedded in executive decision-making, culture development, and workforce planning, the report highlights the critical need for organisations to invest in HR leadership, succession planning, and EVP strategies.
 
For more insights, download The Chief People Officer Viewpoint Report. 
 
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For further information please contact Hays Media at media@hays.com.au

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