A new study from Accurate and the HR Research Institute reveals that performance management, as well as leadership development, takes center stage as businesses prepare for the future of work.
Jackson’s Point, Ontario, Canada - After years of prioritizing employee experience and retention, in 2025 HR is prioritizing performance management above everything else, followed by leadership development. The latest research study,
Workplace Insights: Elevating Employee Experience and Future-Proofing Performance, from Accurate and HR.com’s Research Institute, reveals these areas as the biggest focus in today’s rapidly evolving workforce landscape.
In fact, the findings identify performance management as the top HR priority, with 40% of organizations selecting it as their main focus. This is followed by leadership development (28%) and employee experience (25%)—critical areas that directly impact talent retention and organizational success.
Organizations with stronger performance management processes are seeing major business benefits:
- 5X more likely to report above-average financial performance in the last year
- 2X more likely to say overall employee performance is above average
However, leadership challenges remain a concern. Only 26% of HR professionals believe their employees feel well-led, and just 26% say leadership prioritizes employee engagement. Communication is a key issue, with only 15% of organizations achieving high levels of employee communication sophistication and just 35% training managers effectively in communication skills.
Employee experience continues to be a challenge, with only 36% of HR professionals rating their organizations highly in this area. As retention pressures persist in 2025, companies that prioritize well-being and engagement will be better positioned to retain top talent and boost productivity.
“Companies have significantly changed the global workforce in recent years, rethinking how and where people work,” said Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com. “By analyzing emerging trends and implementing adaptive best practices, organizations can navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, develop and attract top talent, and build resilient, future-ready work environments.”
The research report,
Workplace Insights: Elevating Employee Experience and Future-Proofing Performance, is available for free download and offers a detailed look at critical trends and strategies to help employers prepare for the future of HR.
About Accurate
Our vision is to make every hire the start of a success story. As a trusted provider of employment background screening and workforce monitoring services, Accurate Background gives companies of all sizes the confidence to make smarter, unbiased hiring decisions at the speed of demand. Experience a new standard of support with a dedicated team, comprehensive technology and insight, and the most extensive coverage and search options to advance your business while keeping your brand and people safe. To learn more, visit
accurate.com.
About HR.com and the HR Research Institute
The HR Research Institute (HRRI) helps you keep your finger on the pulse of HR! Powered by HR.com, the world’s largest HR community, the HRRI identifies key trends and best practices to help more than 2 million HR professionals and their organizations make strategic decisions with informed and insightful research findings. Among the most productive and respected HR research institutes globally, the HRRI publishes dozens of high-quality reports every year across a wide array of HR topics. HR.com’s free membership offers many benefits, including access to over 250 exclusive primary research, state-of-the-industry reports, and infographics. These resources are published based on surveys developed with the assistance of a panel of thought leaders and industry experts on the advisory boards. Visit
hr.com/hrresearchinstitute to maximize your HR potential.
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