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 at https://hr.com/researchinstitute.
For vendors serving the human resources industry, this development signals a growing institutional focus on data-driven HR practices. The formation of this advisory board reflects the increasing pressure on HR functions to demonstrate tangible business impact through analytics. As organizations grapple with skills shortages and technological transformation, the demand for sophisticated people analytics solutions is likely to accelerate.
The board's composition, featuring executives from major corporations like Verizon and analytics firms like Merit Analytics Group LLC, indicates a practical, implementation-focused approach. This suggests that future guidance will address real-world challenges in data integration, ethical considerations in workforce analytics, and measuring the return on investment of HR initiatives. The upcoming virtual event on November 12, 2025, will serve as a key platform for disseminating these insights.
The implications for HR vendors are significant. Products and services that enable effective people analytics—from data collection platforms to predictive modeling tools—will see heightened demand. Vendors should monitor the frameworks and best practices emerging from this advisory board's work, as these will likely shape buyer expectations and requirements. The availability of foundational research, such as the 'HR.com's State of People Analytics 2024-25' report, provides vendors with valuable market intelligence to align their offerings with industry needs.
This initiative underscores a broader trend where HR is transitioning from an administrative function to a strategic partner driven by data. Vendors that can help clients navigate this shift—by providing tools that translate data into actionable insights for talent acquisition, retention, and development—will be well-positioned in the competitive landscape. The advisory board's emphasis on equitable decision-making also highlights the growing importance of ethical analytics, an area where vendors can differentiate their solutions.
