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 formation represents a strategic response to the growing importance of data-driven decision making in human resources, where analytics can help address critical workforce challenges including talent acquisition, retention, and development. As organizations grapple with skills gaps and changing workplace dynamics, the advisory board's guidance could prove instrumental in helping HR professionals translate data into actionable strategies that drive both employee satisfaction and business outcomes.

The timing of this initiative coincides with increased pressure on HR departments to demonstrate return on investment and contribute more directly to organizational success. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, the advisory board aims to bridge the gap between traditional HR practices and emerging data science capabilities. This collaborative approach could help standardize people analytics practices across industries while ensuring ethical considerations remain central to data usage. The board's work is expected to influence how organizations measure workforce productivity, employee engagement, and diversity metrics, potentially setting new benchmarks for evidence-based HR management.