2025-03-0450 must-have HR resources for 2025: books, podcasts, and more
The start of 2025 is here — a perfect time to elevate your productivity and set your HR strategies for success. To fuel your inspiration, we initially aimed to curate 25 resources for 2025, but we couldn’t help ourselves. Instead, we doubled it to ensure you’re equipped with invaluable HR insights all year long.
From podcasts and books to newsletters and online courses, this guide has everything you need to stay on top of the latest trends, best practices, and game-changing tools in HR. Whether you're a podcast enthusiast or a book lover, these 50 handpicked resources will keep you inspired and informed as you navigate the evolving landscape of people operations. Don’t miss out—this is your go-to resource list to kick off the new year right!
Top 15 global HR influencers
The HR world never stops evolving, and keeping up means following the experts who are shaping the conversation. These industry leaders provide fresh insights into recruitment, employee engagement, HR tech, and workplace culture.
An analyst, author, and HR thought leader, Mervyn specializes in recruitment, HR technology, and employee engagement, offering unique insights into evolving workplace trends.
Founder of TalentCulture, Meghan shares expert commentary on HR technology, workplace culture, and the future of work through her popular #WorkTrends podcast.
President of HRU Technical Resources, Tim offers a blend of humor and real-world advice on recruitment and HR management, making his perspectives both entertaining and practical.
As Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, Ben focuses on HR tech, AI in HR, and data-driven talent strategies, regularly publishing his findings for HR professionals.
A former HR leader turned author and speaker, Laurie advocates for employee empowerment and rethinking traditional HR practices, sharing actionable advice through her blog and podcast.
A strategic HR consultant and author, Jon explores innovative approaches to people management, focusing on creating value through effective talent strategies.
Curator of the popular Recruiting Brainfood newsletter, Hung is a must-follow for talent acquisition and recruitment professionals, providing weekly insights and resources.
Founder of Aptitude Research, Madeline specializes in HR and recruitment technology, delivering in-depth research and analysis to guide HR leaders.
Co-chair of the HR Technology Conference, Steve shares expert opinions on HR tech innovations and their practical applications in the modern workplace.
An advocate for human-centric recruitment, Katrina focuses on talent attraction and engagement, challenging HR professionals to rethink candidate experience.
Lori Niles-Hofmann
A digital learning strategist and author, Lori specializes in large-scale transformation projects, using data-driven approaches to enhance employee learning and engagement. She regularly shares actionable advice for HR and L&D professionals.
Founder of The L&D Academy, Iryna focuses on designing custom learning programs and creating engaging e-learning content. Her expertise includes building scalable learning solutions and mentoring L&D professionals.
An advocate for positive workplace cultures, Catherine specializes in transforming toxic environments into productive, respectful spaces. Her expertise spans corporate ethics, employee engagement, and leadership development.
A thought leader in L&D, Nigel is renowned for his work in leadership development and informal learning. He offers fresh perspectives on how organizations can empower employees through continuous growth.
With a focus on learning innovation, Robin explores ways to foster a culture of continuous learning. His insights help organizations implement effective and creative approaches to employee development.
By following these influential voices, HR professionals can gain fresh perspectives and actionable insights to navigate the ever-changing world of human resources.
Top 10 HR podcasts to tune into in 2025
Stay informed on the go! Podcasts provide a convenient way to learn about HR trends, workplace innovation, and leadership strategies. Here are our top picks:
Work Life with Adam Grant
Hosted by Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, exploring innovative ideas to make work meaningful and enjoyable.
David Green shares insights from HR executives on topics like people analytics and the future of work.
Hosted by Laurie Ruettimann, this podcast features disruptive voices reshaping the HR landscape.
Lars Schmidt, founder of Amplify, engages innovators and rule-breakers shaping the future of work.
Produced by SHRM, co-hosted by Amber Clayton and team, tackling practical workplace challenges.
Hosted by Nena Dimovska, this bi-weekly podcast dives into modern workplace trends, challenges, and solutions. Each episode offers practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance your people management practices and foster a thriving workplace.
Hosted by Meghan M. Biro, covering HR trends, tech innovations, and workplace inspiration.
Hosts Daniel Huerta and Steven Huynh discuss innovative approaches to workplace culture and leadership, diving into actionable insights for building engaged teams and thriving workplaces.
Kyle Roed brings a fresh perspective to HR challenges, featuring honest conversations with industry experts about talent strategies, leadership, and innovation to help professionals think outside the box.
Mark C. Crowley explores heart-based leadership and its role in driving workplace motivation.
10 must-read HR books for 2025
Books remain timeless resources for gaining in-depth knowledge. These recommendations will enhance your understanding of HR, leadership, and the evolving workforce.
"The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill in Sports, Art, Music, Math, and Just About Everything" by Daniel Coyle
A fascinating dive into how great talent develops, combining neuroscience with real-world examples to help leaders nurture potential in their teams.
"Work Rules!" by Laszlo Bock
Insights from Google’s former SVP of People Operations on creating a culture of innovation and employee engagement.
"Reinventing Organizations" by Frederic Laloux
Explores self-managed organizations and rethinking leadership for the future workplace.
"The Future of Work: Robots, AI, and Automation" by Darrell M. West
An exploration of how technology is reshaping jobs and HR strategies globally.
"Radical Candor" by Kim Scott
Practical advice for leaders to build better relationships with their teams through honest communication.
"People Analytics in the Era of Big Data" by Jean Paul Isson and Jesse Harriott
A comprehensive guide to leveraging data in HR decision-making processes.
"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr
A deep dive into the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework used by tech giants like Google and Intel.
"Leadership: In Turbulent Times" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Case studies of U.S. presidents that offer leadership lessons applicable to modern challenges.
"Digital HR Strategy: Achieving Sustainable Transformation in Digital Age" by Soumyasanto Sen
A toolkit for integrating digital transformation into HR processes.
"Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink
A groundbreaking exploration of motivation, ideal for leaders seeking to inspire their teams.
HR resources to level up your skills in 2025
From YouTube channels to insightful newsletters and thriving online communities, these resources are essential for expanding your knowledge and networking.
HR Dive website
A news outlet by Industry Dive providing insights into HR trends, compliance, and talent management for HR professionals.
Produced by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), this site covers global HR strategies and workforce insights.
A learning channel featuring courses, strategies, and trends hosted by HR experts globally
Managed by Sharlyn Lauby, this blog provides practical tips and discussions on workplace issues and employee engagement.
Produced by Josh Bersin, a leading HR consultant, this resource focuses on HR tech and organizational strategies.
Produced by Harvard Business Review, it offers podcasts and articles addressing leadership and HR challenges.
A professional blog offering practical HR insights, tools, and updates on optimizing talent management and workforce strategies.
Workplace Insight website
Covers workplace innovation and productivity tips relevant to HR leaders globally.
Regular updates on workplace well-being, recruitment, and organizational development.
Curated by Hung Lee, it provides the latest HR tech, recruitment tips, and industry discussions.
Trends to follow in 2025
The future of HR is being shaped by these groundbreaking trends. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
Predictive analytics in HR
Predictive analytics is becoming a cornerstone of HR, helping organizations foresee employee behavior, optimize hiring, and manage turnover proactively. As per Forbes, companies using predictive analytics in HR report 24% higher productivity.
Transparency vs. opacity
Employees now demand greater transparency in workplace policies, compensation, and career progression. Gartner claims that 87% of employees prioritize transparency in workplace policies. HR leaders must balance openness with confidentiality.
Navigating geographic dispersion and compliance
As remote work grows, managing dispersed teams while ensuring compliance with local regulations has become a complex challenge. According to SHRM, 70% of HR leaders list compliance as a top concern in global teams.
From gig to corporate: workforce migration
56% of gig workers express interest in full-time corporate roles. The gig economy is evolving, with more professionals seeking the stability of traditional employment roles, reshaping hiring strategies.
Skills-based hiring
With shifting workforce needs, employers are emphasizing skills over traditional degrees in hiring. This approach fosters diversity and inclusivity in workplaces.
Interested in HR trends for 2025? Our "What shapes the near future of HR? 2025 HR trends" eBook breaks it all down – download it now and start implementing the latest insights in your work!
Download now!
From thought-provoking books to practical podcasts and emerging trends, these resources are your toolkit for navigating HR challenges in 2025. Bookmark this list, explore what resonates with you, and stay ahead of the curve. Together, let’s shape a future-ready HR landscape.
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