ELEVATE HR London: Key Takeaways

This March 2025, the Evidenced team attended ELEVATE hub's ELEVATE HR event in London, an industry-leading event that brought together HR professionals from across sectors. The event provided a valuable platform for discussing the evolving HR landscape, the role of technology and AI in recruitment, and the strategies businesses need to stay ahead.

Our Key Takeaways:

Throughout the day we listened to a range of insightful speakers, engaged in panel discussions, and got involved with roundtables. In doing so we explored key challenges and emerging trends shaping the future of talent acquisition in 2025. The key takeaways from our discussions with HR leaders include:

1. Shifting Talent Expectations

Flexibility, purpose-driven roles, and strong employee benefits are no longer just nice-to-haves - they are now essential for attracting and retaining talent. Employees, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, seek workplaces that align with their values, and want this alignment to be clear from the beginning of the hiring process.

In the same vein, there is also a general push towards de-stigmatising workplace conversations. Topics like caregiving responsibilities and menopause are still considered taboo in many workplaces, but fostering open discussions can significantly improve workplace culture and inclusivity.

2. Smart Hiring & AI Integration

AI is transforming hiring, but companies must make it a priority to implement it strategically and ethically. Rather than replacing human roles, AI should be seen as a supportive tool that enhances decision-making.

Key AI insights from the event:

• HR departments leading in AI adoption are still rare, but those with established AI policies are ahead of the curve.

• The EU AI Act (August 2025) will introduce strict regulations for generative AI, particularly in high-risk job sectors.

• AI is not neutral - it reflects the data and instructions given to it. Businesses must ensure responsible AI adoption to minimise bias, especially when it comes to making hiring decisions.

A key insight was also that assessing candidates for their AI skills was not just about their current proficiency, instead adaptability and a teachable attitude are the most important traits for future hires.

3. Long-Term Strategy & Workforce Planning

A structured and forward-thinking strategy is essential for long-term success in HR departments, especially when it comes to hiring. Key focus areas include:

• Proactive Workforce Planning: Companies need to shift from reactive hiring to forecasting future talent needs and aligning hiring with long-term business goals. They also need to assess candidates for skills that will stand them in good stead for technological advancements, such as the use of AI.

• Performance Management: With changes in probationary periods and new employee rights coming into place from 2026 due to the Employment Rights Bill, businesses must implement clear performance expectations and define skill sets for employees in order to ensure fair assessments during interviews and whilst on the job.

• Technology as an Enabler: HR should welcome technology as a supportive tool in order to make their processes more efficient long term, and should actively invest in technological skills training.

It was discussed that HR teams must also require resilience, as they often become the scapegoat when things go wrong, while success is credited elsewhere. The event reinforced the importance of HR maintaining a strategic mindset, focusing on long-term planning rather than just solving immediate problems.

The Bottom Line: Future-Proofing Hiring Strategies

The key takeaway from ELEVATE HR was clear - hiring is no longer just about filling roles; it’s about creating a sustainable, future-proof talent strategy. Businesses that embrace shifting expectations, integrate AI responsibly, and invest in structured hiring processes will not only attract the best candidates for them, but also build a resilient workforce ready for the future.

A huge thank you to Claire Cathcart at the ELEVATE hub for organising the event. Thank you also to the speakers Jess Pressland at JPTraining, Sarah May at MaydayHR, Amy Blick at ExilHRate, Perry Tims at PTHR, Mary Kemp at AIPotential, Louise Phillips at EmploymentHero, Antonio Ribeiro at Yurtle, and Kellie Nedelcoux at Career&Parenthood for a full range of insights.