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 at https://hr.com/researchinstitute. 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 and drive organizational success through evidence-based practices.

The advisory board's establishment signals a recognition that people analytics has evolved from a niche function to a core strategic capability for modern HR departments. As organizations grapple with talent shortages, remote work challenges, and the need for greater workplace equity, the ability to leverage data effectively becomes increasingly crucial for making decisions that impact both business outcomes and employee experiences. The board's guidance will help HR professionals move beyond basic reporting to predictive analytics and strategic workforce planning.

This initiative matters because it addresses a critical gap in many organizations' HR capabilities at a time when data literacy and analytical skills are becoming essential for HR leadership. The board's composition of industry veterans ensures that the guidance provided will be both practical and forward-thinking, helping organizations navigate the complex intersection of people management and data science. The virtual event and research study will provide accessible resources for HR professionals seeking to enhance their analytics capabilities and demonstrate the strategic value of HR within their organizations.