By Pam Thornton
HR professionals are facing some of the most dynamic and demanding challenges in recent memory. From talent shortages and rising employee expectations to increased compliance complexity and culture pressures, organizations both large and small, are turning to their HR teams to help them lead through it all.
At EANE, we’ve seen these challenges unfold firsthand across our network of more than 1,000 member organizations.
Across our work with organization leaders and HR professionals, we’ve seen several critical challenges reshaping the landscape, with each one creating real pressure for businesses and teams. From compliance to culture, these issues demand thoughtful solutions. Here are the key issues that are facing HR, how they’re impacting businesses, and some action steps that organizations can take right now to meet the moment.
Talent Shortages and Retention Pressures
Despite economic uncertainty, the competition for talent remains intense. Employees are seeking purpose, flexibility, and meaningful growth opportunities and they’re willing to leave if they don’t find them. Organizations must adapt quickly or risk losing their best people.
Solutions in Action:
- Develop more compelling job postings and employer branding messages to attract the right candidates
- Leverage salary market data to ensure competitive offers and compensation equity among incumbents
- Engage in talent retention dialogue – consider a formal process for stay interviews and surveys to strengthen employee connections before they consider leaving
- Provide onboarding and retention strategies to keep your top talent engaged from day one and plan for beyond
EANE supports members through strategic recruiting assistance, compensation and benefits benchmarking, and employee engagement surveys that uncover what truly drives retention in your workforce.
Compliance in a Multi-State, Hybrid World
As organizations expand their remote and hybrid work models, compliance has become increasingly more complex. Navigating different state regulations on leaves, wages, and required postings while also staying current on federal mandates can overwhelm even experienced HR teams.
Solutions in Action:
- Access state-specific compliance checklists and required posting resources
- Update handbooks with legally compliant and remote-work-friendly policies
- Conduct proactive wage and hour audits to avoid costly mistakes
- Train HR staff and managers on FMLA, ADA, paid leave, and multi-state compliance
EANE can help you stay compliant and protected through comprehensive HR audits, policy development, and real-time support via our HR hotline and compliance toolkits.
Leadership Development and Culture Challenges
Managers today are expected to lead change, drive results, and build team cohesion, often without the training or support to do it effectively. At the same time, a strong workplace culture is essential to retaining talent, yet many organizations struggle to define and sustain it.
Solutions in Action:
- Offer frontline supervisor and mid-level leadership development programs
- Facilitate team-building sessions to strengthen communication and trust
- Provide individual coaching for leaders navigating performance, skill development and effective communication
EANE provides scalable leadership training, one-on-one coaching, and interactive workshops that strengthen leadership skills and enhance organizational culture from the ground up.
Strategic HR as a Business Imperative
HR has evolved into a true business driver. Yet many HR professionals are still pulled between day-to-day demands and long-term strategic work. Without the right support, it’s difficult to do both well.
Solutions in Action:
- Engage an HR subject matter expert during transitions or staff shortages
- Design a talent succession plan to future-proof your leadership pipeline
- Skill up your team across foundational, strategic, and executive levels
- Drive and participate in strategic planning sessions tailored to organizational goals
EANE helps bridge that gap through interim HR support, succession planning, board consulting, and our HR YOUniversity learning that is designed to build confidence and capability at every stage of the HR career.
Partnering for Success
No matter the size of your organization, the HR challenges are real and growing. EANE is here to help you manage risk, develop your people, and build stronger, more resilient workplaces.
To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, visit www.eane.org or contact us at 877.662.6444.
We’re here to help you navigate what’s now—and prepare for what’s next.