The Rise of the CHRO: How HR became critical C-suite players

10 September 2025: New research by International Workplace Group demonstrates that Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping business success, with 88% of CHROs stating that their influence in the workplace is at an all-time high. ​

The study of more than 1,000 CHRO leaders revealed that 81% work more closely with the C-suite of their company than ever before. This shift reflects the evolving business landscape (84%), where priorities such as employee wellbeing and happiness (64%), attracting top talent (64%), boosting productivity (58%), and a greater focus on policy compliance and enforcement (53%) have become critical areas of focus for business leaders.

Supporting evidence has found that CHROs are increasingly recognised as trusted advisors to CEOs, shaping business strategies by aligning talent management with organisational goals - as observed in a McKinsey report which noted that top CHROs are working closely with CEOs to drive company direction. Similarly, research from Harvard Business Review (HBR) also revealed that CHROs are now seen as potential CEO successors due to their enterprise-wide perspective and leadership skills. Their ability to manage talent, culture, and strategy positions them as critical C-suite players.

The View from the Top: The Indispensability of the CHRO

International Workplace Group’s research underscores the indispensable role of CHROs in today’s corporate environment. Nine in 10 (89%) CHROs consider themselves trusted senior advisers to their CEOs or business leaders and a similar amount claim that their role strongly influences profitability (96%), productivity, talent recruitment and long-term employee retention (all 95%), as well as employee culture (94%) - all driving factors to creating and maintaining a successful business.

With quality candidate recruitment, long-term talent retention (both 58%) and workforce wellbeing (56%) becoming increasingly important objectives for the C-suite, it is evident that CHROs’ top priorities are directly linked to business goals.

Flexible Working ‘essential’ for a successful and productive workforce

CHROs also clearly believe that flexible working has a significant role in creating a productive and loyal workforce, with four in five (81%) saying that flexible working is key to retaining top talent. ​ Further research by International Workplace Group supports this, with 72% of company executives who offer flexible working seeing productivity increases in 2024.

Without flexible working options, 66% of CHROs predict a significant decline in talent retention if a company does not offer flexible working as a further 86% identified flexible working as the most in-demand benefits prospective employees are seeking. Conversely, organisations that embrace greater flexibility anticipate uplifts on talent retention, with 70% expecting improvements in this area.

Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group Plc, commented: “Hybrid and platform working is no longer just a perk - it is a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By embracing flexible working models, companies can unlock greater productivity, attract and retain top talent, ultimately building a happier workforce. CHROs are at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that hybrid working not only supports employee wellbeing and progress, but also drives long-term business success.”

For more information, visit International Workplace Group

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About International Workplace Group PLC

International Workplace Group (IWG) is the world’s leading platform for work enabling companies of all sizes to work more productively and profitably. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet as well as individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of IWG’s platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity.

International Workplace Group’s unrivalled network coverage includes more than 4,000 locations across 120 countries and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base.

Our brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature serve millions of people, providing professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and all our digital services are available via the IWG app.

For more information

Visit www.iwgplc.com and for more information on partnering with International Workplace Group, see: https://www.iwgplc.com/develop-a-location