The HR Edge: Maximising Outcomes, Streamlining Efforts

ChapmanCG was pleased to host another insightful roundtable in Frankfurt, in collaboration with Mercer. We were delighted to welcome HR executives and industry leaders from our network for an engaging discussion on global risks, workforce challenges, and the evolving role of HR in an era of AI-driven transformation. Our distinguished speakers—Steffen Topf Managing Director from Marsh, and Michael Eger, Partner and Kai Anderson, Transformational Lead International from Mercer—provided deep insights into the most pressing issues shaping the future of work. After their presentations, we had a lively and engaging discussion, where attendees shared their perspectives and experiences, making for a truly interactive session. It was also a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and build connections with peers facing similar challenges in their organisations.

Global Risks and Workforce Challenges

Steffen opened the session by presenting the Global Risk Report from WEF in cooperation with Marsh McLennan. He highlighted that geopolitical instability, climate risks, economic fragmentation, and misinformation are among the top concerns for organisations worldwide. Marsh research indicated a growing perception that the world is heading into turbulent times, with geopolitical conflicts, economic confrontations, and cybersecurity threats ranking as the most immediate business challenges.

In the long term, social risks—such as the erosion of societal cohesion and rising polarisation—pose significant threats to business stability. These issues are increasingly affecting organisations at an internal level, bringing political and ideological divisions into the workplace. Steffen emphasised the need for companies to develop resilient strategies, integrating risk management with HR policies to address these challenges proactively. He concluded by stressing that while risks are growing, organisations that prioritise adaptability, collaboration, and long-term planning will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty.

The Evolving Role of HR and Talent Trends

Michael Eger from Mercer followed with an in-depth look at Mercer’s Global Talent Trends 2025 study, exploring how HR leaders are responding to economic pressures, talent shortages, and workforce exhaustion. He noted that while companies are striving for profitable growth and cost efficiency, they must also contend with increasing employee expectations for well-being, trust, and equity.

Michael outlined four key trends shaping HR in 2025:

1. Driving Human-Centric Productivity – Companies must integrate AI to enhance efficiency while maintaining a people-first approach.
2. Anchoring to Trust and Equity – In an era of declining trust in institutions, businesses must become reliable and transparent employers.
3. Boosting the Corporate Immune System – Resilience and agility are critical for organisations to withstand economic and social disruptions.
4. Cultivating a Digital-First Culture – Companies must embrace AI and digital transformation while ensuring employees feel engaged and empowered.

One of the most striking insights from the study was that organisations leading in growth are actively integrating AI into their workforce strategies, while lagging companies remain hesitant. Michael argued that the key to success is to balance digital innovation with human-centric leadership, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces human work.

AI and Workforce Transformation: HR’s New Mandate

Kai Anderson from Mercer closed the session by translating these macro-level challenges into concrete actions for HR leaders. He identified three major forces shaping the future of work:

• Polarisation in the workplace, driven by social and political divisions.
• Demographic shifts, with talent shortages becoming increasingly evident.
• The renewed emphasis on productivity, as businesses shift their focus back to performance after years of prioritising well-being.

Kai emphasised that HR must take an active role in workforce transformation, ensuring that organisations balance performance expectations with employee well-being. The biggest challenge—and opportunity—lies in integrating AI to enhance productivity while fostering sustainable employment. He illustrated how AI can eliminate repetitive tasks, streamline decision-making, and optimise job allocation, citing a case study of a global insurance company that improved efficiency by 20% without hiring additional staff, simply by redesigning workflows and leveraging AI.

HR must also transform itself, moving from a pyramid structure (where administrative tasks dominate) to a diamond structure (where strategic workforce planning takes precedence). One example of immediate AI implementation is AI-powered HR chatbots, which reduce administrative workload and improve employee experience. Looking ahead, organisations that embrace AI strategically will gain a competitive edge, but success will depend on their ability to align technology with organisational culture and employee engagement.

HR’s Responsibility in Shaping the Future

The ChapmanCG Roundtable in Frankfurt underscored that HR leaders are central to every major business challenge today. Whether navigating global risks, responding to talent trends, or integrating AI into workforce strategies, HR is crucial in ensuring that organisations remain competitive and resilient.

The key takeaway? The future of work is not about choosing between technology and people—it’s about making them work together. AI and automation will drive productivity, but organisations must ensure that these gains benefit employees as well as shareholders. HR’s responsibility is to balance business needs with human values, ensuring that organisations not only survive turbulent times but thrive in them.

As we move forward, HR leaders must challenge outdated workforce structures, embrace digital transformation, and create a culture where employees feel valued and empowered. The path to sustainable success lies in striking the right balance between innovation, resilience, and trust—a challenge that will define the next era of business leadership.

We are looking forward to hosting more discussions like this in Frankfurt and other key hubs around the world. Thank you to all our speakers and participants for making this event such a valuable experience. We hope to see you again soon!