CBIZ Brings Together HR Leaders to Tackle Future Challenges

As transformation becomes a defining force in business success, chief human resources officers (CHROs) are stepping into roles traditionally held by strategy and innovation leaders. To explore this shift, CBIZ Talent Solutions recently hosted a CHRO forum in Kansas City, bringing together top HR executives from across the region to discuss their expanding influence and the challenges that come with it.

“Today’s CHROs aren’t just shaping the talent agenda. They’re helping to shape the entire strategic direction of the organization,” said Leslie Shaw, executive search consultant at CBIZ Talent Solutions. “That means having a seat at the table, influencing everything from corporate culture to the bottom line.”

Why CHROs Are Now at the Center of Business Strategy

Sitting at the crossroads of workforce planning, culture, and business transformation, CHROs are uniquely positioned to drive enterprise-wide change. During the forum, participants discussed how their roles have expanded beyond traditional HR responsibilities to serve as strategic partners to chief executive officers (CEOs) navigating growth, disruption, and innovation.

“Over the past two years, we’ve seen a 25% increase in the importance of growth and market expansion as a top priority for CHROs,” said Jill Minton of CBIZ. “That shift is forcing HR leaders to refocus on skills, AI, and organizational agility—all while keeping an eye on cost and performance.”

What’s Keeping CHROs Up at Night?

Forum discussion and recent CBIZ research highlighted key concerns among HR leaders, including:

• Skills Gaps & Talent Readiness: 24% say acquiring talent with the right skills is a top challenge.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Preparedness: 42% prioritize AI investments, but only 5% feel equipped to implement the technology effectively.
• Workforce Planning: 37% report a lack of future-focused planning, while 35% say short-term pressures hinder long-term strategy.
• Change Resistance: Although 56% of CHROs are leading transformation efforts, many say their organizations are slow to adapt.

“Reskilling and upskilling are no longer HR projects. They’re strategic imperatives,” added Minton.

Aligning Culture, Data, and AI with Strategy

Forum attendees identified three areas where CHROs are focusing their efforts:

• Culture as a Change Engine: Embedding transformation into culture, rather than mandating it from leadership.
• Data-driven HR: Shifting from instinct to predictive analytics in talent decisions—yet only 18% of CHROs report consistently using people analytics.
• AI as an Enabler: Leveraging AI to improve candidate experience, predict attrition, and identify emerging skill gaps, not just boost efficiency.

“Technology is evolving faster than most HR teams are structured to handle,” said Minton. “CHROs who embrace AI and analytics—not just as tools, but as leadership capabilities—will set the pace. This transformation isn’t just about systems or structure. It’s about trust, communication, and making people feel part of the journey.”

Today’s Priorities: From EVP to Leadership Succession

When asked about their top strategic focus areas, CHROs pointed to:

Many CHROs agreed that a strong employer value proposition (EVP) is essential in today’s competitive talent landscape. While job security and compensation still matter, today’s workforce wants meaningful work, great managers, and flexible work arrangements.

“A compelling EVP isn’t just a nice-to-have,” noted Shaw. “It’s the foundation for attracting and retaining top talent.”

A Shifting Career Path for CHROs

CBIZ research shows today’s CHROs are older, more experienced, and more focused than their predecessors:

This suggests a shift toward deeper expertise and long-term leadership development, rather than broad exploration.

Looking Ahead: The CHRO as a Transformation Partner

As CBIZ’s 2025 CHRO survey revealed, HR leaders are increasingly seen as critical transformation partners to the C-suite, balancing near-term efficiency with long-term growth.

Their impact is no longer confined to HR. Today’s CHROs define the future of work, shaping business resilience and guiding cultural evolution.

“We’re seeing a clear shift from HR as a support function to HR as a strategic growth partner. The most effective CHROs today are those who understand the business as well as they understand people,” says Leslie Shaw. “CHROs are being asked to future-proof the workforce while also solving today’s talent shortages. That’s a tough balance, and it takes a highly strategic mindset.”

At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we’re proud to support HR leaders and foster conversations that spark fresh ideas and practical solutions. To learn more about how we can help your organization, connect with a member of our team.