Back in August 2024, I wrote a blog about what was keeping HR leaders up at night then (read
last year’s blog here) after moderating a panel for the Atlanta Chapter of Worldwide Employee
Benefits Network. It was a candid conversation with HR leaders about the challenges they were
facing and how much they were carrying behind the scenes.
I had the chance to ask that same question again at WEB Atlanta’s 2025 panel.
Different leaders and types organizations. New perspectives. But honestly? Many of the same
challenges came up again. Some have evolved. Others have only gotten louder.
From AI showing up faster than expected to rise benefits costs and burnout that’s getting
harder to ignore, this conversation was a reminder of how much weight HR continues to hold.
Policies, people, pressure, and constant change.
Six Themes That Rose to the Top
Mandate Overload
Fast-moving government regulations—from immigration and tariffs to court-pending
rulings—are making it tough to tell what needs action and what’s just noise. One leader
described doing daily legal briefings just to keep up. The pressure isn’t just about compliance,
but also about navigating decisions that affect people’s jobs, families, and well-being
DEI Fatigue Doesn’t Mean It’s Over
While the national conversation around DEI may have quieted a bit, employees, especially those
in marginalized communities, are still watching closely. One panelist shared that employees were
quietly asking if their healthcare would change, or if their values still belonged. The message?
Core values haven’t changed, and support is still here. But leaders are choosing to be more
intentional than loud right now.
Disengagement Runs Deeper Than It Looks
Different generations don’t just want different things – they hear things differently. One leader
shared the difficulty in explaining low merit increases without damaging trust. Others shared how remote work makes those already hard conversations even harder. The common thread?
Leaders are walking a fine line between honesty, empathy, and clarity.
AI is Both an Opportunity and a Tension Point
AI is showing up fast, and not always in ways HR is ready for. From candidates using it to
answer interview questions to internal teams worrying about job security, leaders are trying to
learn quickly while also calming fears. One org even has an executive going back to school to
earn a formal AI degree, in order to help guide strategy more responsibly.
Benefits Costs Are Rising—And So Is the Emotional Load
All cited benefits cost increases as a top concern. But it’s not just the bottom line- it’s the emotional weight of having hard conversations with employees who are already stretched thin. One leader shared that stress and inflation are triggering illness, driving claims, and deepening burnout.
What Stood Out Most
Every company was different. But the themes? They echoed across the table. These aren’t just
“HR problems.” They’re human ones, playing out in systems, benefits, communication
strategies, and leadership expectations. And that’s what makes this work so complex and so
important.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
These are the kinds of discussions we regularly host at our HR Roundtables—small, off-the-
record sessions with peers who are navigating similar challenges. No slides. No pitches. Just real
talk.
HCM Tech Advisory has the expertise and experience to guide you in all aspects of your PEO transition. To learn more and for a complimentary consulting review, contact us at info@hcmtechadvisory.com.
