Whether workforce strategy succeeds or fails, and what to do next
You’re balancing workforce expectations, rapid advances in technology, cost pressure and increasing scrutiny. At the same time, you’re expected to drive transformation, build capability and demonstrate measurable impact.
Many organisations have clearer strategies than ever before. But delivery is where progress is slowing and where risk is building.
The challenge is no longer knowing what to do, but delivering it consistently at scale.
This hub brings together the issues shaping the people agenda right now with insight, evidence and practical actions to help you focus on what matters most.
The 2026 HR Leaders Barometer shows a consistent set of priorities across sectors:
But the gap is clear: strategy is stronger than ever, but execution is falling behind.
Every organisation faces a different set of pressures. Focus on the area where progress will make the biggest difference.
Move beyond headcount and focus on capability.
Understand the skills you have, the skills you need and how to close the gap. Build a workforce strategy that supports both immediate priorities and long-term change.
Make culture intentional, not accidental.
Understand how behaviours show up across your organisation and the risks they create. Build leadership capability and embed clear expectations that support performance and accountability.
Many organisations are running continuous transformation, but impact is inconsistent and diluted by competing priorities. Ensure your people are set up to make change stick.
Align structure, behaviours and ways of working to your transformation goals. Manage change actively and keep momentum as programmes evolve.
Make your people agenda commercially focused.
Control cost, improve efficiency and track outcomes. Link decisions about your workforce directly to business performance.
Strategy is not the issue. Execution is. In this environment, execution is becoming the defining measure of HR’s credibility.
More than two-thirds of organisations are managing live equal pay issues. Fairness is no longer just a compliance issue, it’s a business risk.
Equal pay risk and apprenticeship strategy in public sector HR: Caroline Nugent on six weeks bringing practitioner experience to Grant Thornton.
Discover how HR can drive workforce transformation with AI, build future skills, and create practical roadmaps for growth and productivity.
Equal pay is now a critical business risk. Learn how organisations can manage compliance, reduce exposure and build fair, transparent pay frameworks.
The centre brings together structured programmes, practical application and expert insight, so the people driving transformation in your organisation build real capability, not just knowledge. Through programmes, masterclasses, thought leadership and a growing practitioner network, the Centre helps organisations build the capability needed to innovate, adapt and deliver transformation.
Are your benefits right for your people? Our employee benefits consultancy team can help you make the right choices.
Discover how Grant Thornton helps organisations build future-ready workforces through expert-led training and apprenticeship programmes. From leadership and finance to sustainability and digital skills, our tailored learning solutions are designed to deliver real business impact. Many programmes are eligible for Government funding through the Apprenticeship Levy. Explore how we’ve supported clients upskill teams and drive growth.
The centre brings together structured programmes, practical application and expert insight, so the people driving transformation in your organisation build real capability, not just knowledge. Through programmes, masterclasses, thought leadership and a growing practitioner network, the Centre helps organisations build the capability needed to innovate, adapt and deliver transformation.
Discover how Grant Thornton helps organisations build future-ready workforces through expert-led training and apprenticeship programmes. From leadership and finance to sustainability and digital skills, our tailored learning solutions are designed to deliver real business impact. Many programmes are eligible for Government funding through the Apprenticeship Levy. Explore how we’ve supported clients upskill teams and drive growth.
Are your benefits right for your people? Our employee benefits consultancy team can help you make the right choices.
Access the latest People Agenda insights, HR leaders research, thought leadership and practical guidance designed to help you turn workforce strategy into measurable outcomes.
Being a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) today means doing more with less, under sharper scrutiny.