The Future is Now: HR is Evolving & so Must HR Leaders

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Tuesday, 16 September 2025

The HR leader’s role in today’s business scenario is no simple feat. HR leaders have their hands full with a plethora of critical responsibilities, right from recruiting, training, upskilling, work policy and setting the general work environment.

What was once considered an administrative function has today transcended into a key business function. CEOs and other top tier leaders have realised that the key to success is building an employee-first organization. Having employees at the centre of decisions aids in creating a workforce that is motivated, efficient and positively impacts business.

HR is also undergoing a sea of transformation owing to evolving market forces and technological evolutions. As digital transformations become a norm and workforce dynamics transition, the HR function is at a crossroads. Those who align with the impending industry evolutions will stay relevant, while others will fail to make the cut.

HR leaders must today stay on the heels of every new industry trend that develops. Miranda Kruidenier, the Global Human Resources Director at Octopian Global Services believes the same.

Featured in this month’s WER special edition, Miranda heads The Next Step Consultancy, a UAE-based firm specializing in strategic HR advisory and talent solutions. She brings over a decade of HR leadership experience across multiple sectors. Miranda is known for driving organizational growth through talent acquisition, diversity-focused leadership, and culture transformation.

When asked about the evolution of UAE’s HR landscape, Miranda highlights the tech-led transformation that the industry is going though. She identifies sustainability and green energy as the focus areas for the future.

She says, “I see a growing focus on flexible work setups, remote work, and using HR analytics to make more informed decisions. Emiratization and talent localization are also playing a big role in shaping hiring strategies. Trends like AI-driven recruitment, upskilling, and inclusive workplaces are influencing how companies attract and retain talent. While I see AI as a helpful tool in recruitment, I still believe HR should stay human.”

To get more insights from WER’s interaction with Miranda, read this month’s special edition.

We welcome your thoughts.

These mighty tasks are shouldered by HR leaders. Leveraging their experience, understanding and expertise, they can devise strategies and policies that can help companies succeed in today’s high-competition business landscape.