Ethical leadership and digital transformation among key topics for International HR Day 2025
The organisers of International HR Day are urging HR professionals to lead the way in adapting to an evolving workplace by fostering ethical leadership, embracing digital transformation, and prioritising wellbeing and lifelong learning. IHRD marks this annual event by recognising the invaluable contributions of the HR and people profession in shaping positive working lives and enhancing business performance.
International HR Day was created to celebrate the role HR plays in supporting organisations and the people within them. Since its launch in 2019 by the European Association of People Management (EAPM), it has grown into a global celebration, bringing together professionals from across the world to share their experiences and achievements.
HR professionals are key to making workplaces more inclusive, fostering employee well-being, and enabling organisations to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Championing ethical and inclusive leadership in a rapidly changing world is among four central themes for International HR Day 2025, which is taking place under the banner ‘HumanifyAI: Leading Change Together’. HR professionals must ensure that digitalisation enhances equality, autonomy, and good job design while mitigating any potential negative effects on employee wellbeing and organisational culture.
The key topics for this year’s event are:
● Leading in a new way
Leadership capabilities must be enhanced to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. A people-centred approach which champions continuous learning, embraces diverse perspectives, empowers employees, and fosters inclusivity is key. HR professionals have a crucial role in ensuring leadership adapts effectively to evolving workforce expectations.
● Leading in a digital world
HR professionals must embed the principles of transparency and ethical use when integrating new technologies, ensuring digital transformation supports equality, job quality, and employee autonomy. Thoughtful implementation can prevent adverse impacts on workplace culture, employee behaviour, and mental and physical health.
● Skills and learning
Sustained investment in skills development and lifelong learning is vital for future-proofing workforces and creating sustainable employment. With rapid technological advancements driving new learning methodologies, there is a growing focus on transferable skills and career development to retain and support employees in an evolving job market.
● Wellbeing
A successful people strategy must be underpinned by compassion. HR leaders must focus on fostering resilience, enabling flexible and inclusive ways of working, and cultivating a workplace culture based on psychological safety. Employee health and wellbeing should be at the core of business strategy, ensuring a balanced and thriving workforce.
Berna Öztinaz, President of the European Association of People Management (EAPM), CHRO at Genel Energy, and WFPMA Board Member, believes that aligning business goals with ethical, inclusive cultures will define success. “If we keep our focus on human potential—supported by intelligent tools—we will shape a future where everyone can do their best work.”
In celebration of International HR Day 2025, the EAPM is launching a new dedicated website, www.internationalhrday.org, which will serve as a central hub for sharing best practices, accessing thought leadership content, and engaging with the global HR community.
HR professionals and organisations worldwide will mark the occasion through a variety of virtual and in-person events shared using #InternationalHRDay, #IHRD2025, #HumanifyAI, and #LeadingChangeTogether across social media.
