How AI is Transforming Workforce Strategies in 2025

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In this episode, we sit down with Laurent Aufils , Chief People Officer at Orange Business , to discuss how HR leaders can play a strategic role in business transformation, why engagement is critical for success, and how AI is shaping the future of HR.

Laurent shares his journey from finance to HR, the importance of aligning HR with business objectives, and how data-driven decision-making can drive workforce planning, talent retention, and leadership development.

Watch the full episode by clicking below ??

HR can’t just be a cost center, it must drive business strategy by balancing financial and human performance.

In this episode, Laurent discusses:

?? HR Must Be a Business Partner, Not Just a Support Function

→ HR leaders who understand business strategy can make a bigger impact on transformation

?? AI and Data Are Reshaping Workforce Planning

→ AI-driven insights help HR make smarter decisions about skills, talent, and future needs

?? Engagement Is the Key to Retention and Performance

→ Employees who feel valued and heard are more likely to stay and perform at their best

?? Leadership Development Must Evolve for the Future of Work

→ Companies that invest in strong, adaptable leaders will thrive in the AI era

?? What advice Laurent had for future HR leaders:

AI and automation will redefine HR, but they’re tools to enhance decision-making, not replace the human element.

Engagement isn’t about perks, it’s about purpose. Employees must see how their work contributes to the company’s future.

?? You might be interested in:

This episode covered so many important topics, here's an additional resource for you to dive a bit deeper:

• Get the all-in-one solution for hiring, managing, and paying teams in 120+ Countries
• (Start for FREE) Get instant answers to any HR questions with the world's AI copilot for HR
• A recent episode of the HR Leaders podcast "How to Build a Talent Marketplace in 2025"

?? We couldn't do it without you!

Thank you Laurent Aufils for sharing your time, expertise, and vision with our listeners.

Also our episode and series partner, Deel and their brilliant team Alex Bouaziz, Shuo Wang and Dan Westgarth.

None of this would be possible without Lisa Ryzhykova , Shane Kemp , James Elwell , Rio André , Kenneth Browne and the team at HR Leaders and atlas copilot for bringing the podcast to life.

Thank you to our previous guests: Jonathan F. Kestenbaum, DJ Campbell, Jean Pelletier, Ian Wilson, Donovan Mattole, Lucrecia Borgonovo, Stuart Martin, Jenny Griffiths and Alejandro Modarelli, Andrea Illes, Anindyo Naskar, Laila Gillies, Kristy Sundjaja, and many more.

?? Join us at our next event:

1. How to Future-Proof Your Hiring Strategy Balancing AI, Automation and Human-Centric Approaches - 27 March
2. How to Build a Recognition Program That Truly Reaches the Deskless Worker - 3 April
3. How to Elevate Skills within HR to Drive Business Agility - 24 April

P.S. If you like the HR Leaders podcast, help us grow the show by rating us on Apple or Spotify ??, and Repost this with a friend or colleague ??.