Welcome to this week’s edition of Strategic HR Digest, your go-to source for HR and L&D insights, expert advice, and practical tools to help you lead with impact. Stay ahead of industry trends and join the conversation.
Spotlight ✨
From upskilling teams and embedding digital thinking, to choosing the right tech and tracking real impact, this quick visual guide outlines 8 powerful ways HR leaders can shape a future-ready workforce.
Want to go deeper? These 8 actions are just the start.
📘 The Strategic HR Playbook, from Avado, is packed with insights, real-world examples, and a clear roadmap for HR and L&D leaders navigating 2025 and beyond—covering AI, inclusion, skills-based rewards, people data, and more.
The Pulse of HR 🌍
Employment Rights Bill: Lords Committee Stage Brings New HR Implications
The Employment Rights Bill continues its line-by-line scrutiny in the House of Lords, with proposed changes that could reshape HR practice across the UK.
On 21 May, the Lords resumed detailed examination of the Employment Rights Bill, with amendments debated on workplace violence, expanded Health and Safety Executive duties, discrimination, statutory leave, and—crucially—AI risk assessments in the workplace. With additional committee days scheduled, HR leaders should track developments closely, as outcomes could impact zero-hours contracts, “fire and rehire” practices, flexible working, and more. Takeaway: Stay alert for final bill provisions and prepare to review policies, contracts, and training to ensure compliance and support workforce stability.
Source: UK Parliament
AI Skills Gap Surges: 52% of UK Tech Leaders Report Shortage
The UK’s AI skills shortage has reached a 15-year high, with HR at the centre of the upskilling challenge.
New research published 20 May finds that 52% of UK tech leaders are struggling to fill AI-related roles—a 114% increase in just 18 months. Despite 89% of organisations investing in AI, most have yet to see measurable returns, highlighting a gap between ambition and execution. For HR, this means urgent action on AI literacy, cross-functional training, and ethical governance. Takeaway: HR must lead on building AI capability and embedding responsible AI practices to futureproof talent and unlock innovation.
Source: People Management
Burnout and Wellbeing: UK Employees Struggle to Switch Off
New data shows a surge in employee burnout, putting wellbeing at the top of the HR agenda.
A recent study highlights that UK employees are facing record levels of burnout, with many struggling to disconnect from work. This is driving absenteeism, disengagement, and attrition. HR leaders are responding by investing in proactive wellbeing strategies, manager training, and flexible work models. Takeaway: Wellbeing is now a strategic imperative—embedding it into your people strategy is essential for sustainable performance and talent retention.
Source: HR Magazine
Final Thought 💭
The Flexibility Paradox: Why Employee Expectations Are Outpacing Policy
The drive for flexibility has become a defining feature of the modern workplace, but new research and recent legal reforms reveal a growing gap between what employees expect and what employers are prepared to deliver. The Employment Rights
Strategic HR Digest is a ClickZ Media publication in the HR division