Summary of the Webinar in Collaboration with Perles RH – Joelle Raby and Cindy Driscoll
January 27th 2025
Looking to update your HR strategies while staying ahead of emerging trends? In this blog, Cindy Driscoll and Joelle Raby, Co-Presidents of Perles RH, share their expertise on the five major trends to watch for in 2025. Known for their proficiency in talent management, executive search, and leadership development, they also offer actionable steps to implement these trends within your SME.
It goes without saying that the labor shortage is one of the biggest challenges to overcome in HR today, especially for SMEs. Investing in the development of internal talent is not only an effective strategy but also a sustainable one, as the solution often lies within.
Your current employees can become your leaders of tomorrow if you provide them with the necessary tools to grow. To maximize the potential of your internal resources, start by offering training tailored to the specific needs of your organization, such as digital skills development or project management.
Prepare your promising talents for strategic roles through mentoring. Also, encourage internal mobility by offering clear growth opportunities and valuing transferable skills. Finally, regularly assess skill needs to identify gaps and spot high-potential talents.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by Robert Half Canada, 92% of hiring managers struggle to attract and retain qualified talent in a highly competitive market.
Flexibility has become a key factor in attracting and retaining talent. While it includes remote work, it goes far beyond that. It's about offering options tailored to the specific needs of your employees, whether it's flexible hours, compressed workweeks, or a hybrid model.
To achieve this, it's essential to rethink traditional models, actively listen to your employees, and encourage transparent, two-way communication. Implementing flexible solutions should also come with appropriate tools, such as collaborative platforms ormanagement tools.
"A job seeker will evaluate the benefits offered, which are not limited to the tasks at hand but are primarily found in the working conditions."
By offering flexible working conditions, you demonstrate your willingness to adapt to evolving expectations and to prioritize the well-being of your teams.
It’s no surprise that artificial intelligence and technology will play a central role in the future of the HR sector. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how to leverage these tools and maximize their potential.
AI, now at the heart of HR processes, helps reduce administrative work and allows for a greater focus on the human strategies of the profession.
The integration of an HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) enables the effective automation of repetitive and administrative HR tasks.
"When aiming to digitalize and optimize HR practices, HR software is a valuable tool to support this transformation over the long term. However, to make the right choice, it’s essential to take a step back, ideally with the guidance of an HR expert. This helps clearly define both short- and long-term needs while exploring the various options available on the market. It will also be crucial to partner with a trusted provider to support this change, both for management and employees. Ultimately, this process will be a true team effort."
We’ve all done it: replying to an email after work hours or planning the next day’s tasks. However, if these practices become the norm, they can negatively impact employee well-being and long-term productivity. That’s why the implementation of a disconnection policy is gaining popularity, promoting a healthier work culture.
What is a disconnection policy? It’s an initiative that clearly defines when employees are not expected to be available for work-related communications. Its goal is to create a healthy separation between personal and professional life.
By setting clear boundaries, companies can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve their employees’ work-life balance. Effective disconnection doesn’t imply a lack of professional commitment—it reflects respect for fundamental human needs. Companies that adopt such measures enhance their attractiveness, retain top talent, and contribute to the mental well-being of their teams.
"It is essential to find a balance between the individual need for disconnection and the organizational demands specific to the company’s context, while promoting the well-being of its employees."
To thrive in a constantly evolving world, companies must position human resources as a true strategic lever. Today, SMEs can no longer rely on traditional models; they must anticipate, innovate, and adapt to remain competitive. Challenges such as labor shortages, flexibility, and the integration of digital tools represent both obstacles and opportunities to transform HR practices and align them with the expectations of today’s talent.
However, these changes don’t happen on their own. They require thoughtful planning, quality support, and a willingness to invest in talent, both technologically and humanly. Partnering with a firm like Perles RH can provide unique insights and concrete solutions to successfully meet these challenges.
In 2025, companies that integrate these trends and leverage their internal resources will gain a decisive competitive edge. By adopting strategies focused on employee well-being, technological innovation, and talent diversity, organizations won’t just keep up with change—they will shape it.
Summary of the Webinar in Collaboration with Perles RH – Joelle Raby and Cindy Driscoll