First published on Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Last updated on Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we look at the week’s most pressing HR and employment relations stories. With over 20 years’ experience in professional services, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and employment relations.
Silence isn’t golden—it’s strategic
A new report from MyPerfectResume has revealed something many of us have suspected: employees are biting their tongues at work. Despite all the talk of “bringing your whole self to work,” 74% of workers are adjusting how they speak to avoid conflict, and 68% are steering clear of political discussions altogether.
It’s not just discomfort—it’s fear. Fear of discrimination, fear of cancel culture, and fear of saying the wrong thing. And while some employers are promoting open dialogue, employees are reading the room and choosing silence.
The takeaway? Culture isn’t just what you say—it’s what people feel safe doing. Leaders need to set the tone, not just with policies, but with consistent, inclusive behaviour. If you're unsure where to start, having clear, customisable workplace policy templates can help guide respectful communication and set expectations from day one.
CEO turnover hits the brakes
According to Russell Reynolds Associates, global CEO turnover has slowed to an eight-year low. Only 114 new CEOs were appointed in the first half of 2025, and most of them—76%—were internal promotions. It’s a clear sign that companies are prioritising stability over disruption.
But here’s the twist: CEO tenure is also at a record low, now averaging just 6.8 years. That’s a sharp drop from 9.2 years in 2023. The role is evolving fast, with leaders facing more scrutiny, more complexity, and less room for error.
It’s a reminder that succession planning isn’t just about filling a seat—it’s about building resilience. Whether you’re grooming future leaders or managing executive transitions, tools like BrightSafe compliance platform can help ensure your leadership team is supported with the right documentation and risk management strategies.
AI in hiring: Trust on trial
Gartner’s latest research shows a growing trust gap between employers and jobseekers when it comes to AI in recruitment. While 72% of HR teams are using AI for tasks like resume screening and candidate communication, only 26% of candidates believe AI will assess them fairly.
And it’s not just jobseekers who are wary. Employers are grappling with fake profiles and interview fraud, with Gartner predicting one in four candidate profiles could be fake by 2028.
The solution? Transparency. Be upfront about how AI is used, what’s acceptable, and what’s not. And when in doubt, lean on 24/7 employment relations advice to help navigate the legal and ethical complexities of tech-driven hiring.
And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and
employment relations stories, helping keep your business ahead!
