Best of HR books: February 2025

We delve into the latest book releases for HR professionals.

Lessons from the C-suite: Mel Rodrigues, Creative Access

Mel Rodrigues, CEO of social enterprise Creative Access, discusses her career path, inspirations, and what HR professionals need to enter the C-suite.

HR is not perceived as professional, study finds

Nearly half (45%) of business leaders have reservations about the levels of professionalism across HR, marketing and sales, according to research from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Are HR qualifications worth it?

As demands on HR professionals change, and alternative routes into and through the profession emerge, are existing qualifications fit for the future of people management? Lauren Brown investigates.

Trust, integrity and credibility: the making of an HR role model

Reward Gateway’s chief people officer, Nebel Crowhurst, shares her journey from product training to HR supernova.

Are senior HR professionals paid enough?

The UK government's struggles to hire an HR director for its flagship energy company have sparked a discussion around HR's pay, and how the function is valued compared with other business verticals.

News

Personal branding vital for employers and employees, research shows

The majority (91%) of UK hiring managers prefer a candidate with a strong digital professional brand, while 81% of UK job seekers agree that an organisation’s brand is crucial, according to research...

Half of HR report burnout, wanting renewed job focus

More than half (52%) of HR professionals in the UK have experienced burnout in the past five years, while 34% reported thinking about leaving the industry in the next year, research from HR software...

Does HR have a future?

Recent criticism of the HR profession should prompt us to reflect on how it has changed.

CPO falls off fastest-growing jobs list

Chief people officer has fallen off LinkedIn’s list of top-25 fastest-growing jobs in the UK. AI and sustainability roles are among the most popular jobs. 

HR leaders feature in 2025 New Year Honours List

HR leaders have been recognised in the New Year Honours List for 2025, which acknowledges the achievements of people across the UK.

Future leader: Helen Foster, Kerry Dairy Consumer Foods

Helen Foster, senior HR business partner at Kerry Dairy Consumer Foods, shares her vision for the future of HR.