HR Research Institute Forms Advisory Board to Guide People Analytics Strategy

The HR Research Institute has established a new State of People Analytics Advisory Board to aid HR professionals in navigating the complexities of people-focused metrics and analytics. This board, composed of industry veterans and data experts, aims to provide guidance on leveraging analytics to make informed, equitable, and effective workplace decisions. The initiative comes as HR leaders increasingly face the challenge of aligning workforce strategy with business impact amidst evolving technological landscapes and skills shortages.

The Advisory Board will contribute to the design of an upcoming research study and a virtual event titled 'HR.com's State of People Analytics 2025 Virtual Event', scheduled for November 12, 2025. The event promises to offer practical frameworks and insights on integrating data and analytics into HR strategies and operations. Board members include notable figures such as Chris Coleman of Verizon and Helen Friedman of Merit Analytics Group LLC, among others, bringing a wealth of experience and thought leadership to the table.

Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the critical role of analytics in today's business environment, highlighting the board's mission to empower HR professionals to use data not just for reporting but for leadership. The HR Research Institute continues to support the HR community with free research reports and infographics, including the recent 'HR.com's State of People Analytics 2024-25', available for download. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for data-driven HR practices that can effectively respond to workforce challenges and drive organizational success through evidence-based decision making.

The formation of this advisory board comes at a critical time when organizations are grappling with rapid technological changes, shifting workforce demographics, and increasing pressure to demonstrate the business impact of HR initiatives. By bringing together experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, the board aims to develop practical solutions and frameworks that HR practitioners can implement directly in their organizations. The focus on equitable decision-making reflects the growing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplace analytics, ensuring that data-driven approaches benefit all employees while supporting organizational objectives.

The virtual event scheduled for November 2025 will serve as a platform for sharing the board's insights and research findings with the broader HR community. This collaborative approach between industry experts and HR professionals underscores the importance of collective knowledge sharing in advancing the field of people analytics. As organizations continue to navigate post-pandemic workforce challenges and digital transformation, the guidance provided by this advisory board could prove instrumental in helping HR leaders make more strategic, data-informed decisions that positively impact both employee experience and business outcomes.