80 per cent of HR Directors in China believe change management to be a top skill for the role
Nearly half of HRDs in Asia expect designing and managing
organisational change to become a bigger part of their role over
the next five years.
Stakeholder engagement has overtaken strategic planning as the
most critical skill for success, cited by 49 per cent of respondents.
Difficulty gaining stakeholder respect was a top hurdle for HRDs
in China (48 per cent), while 44 per cent report difficulty
finding opportunities for career growth.
China stands out for its distinctive approach to HR leadership,
with 80 per cent of HRDs prioritising change management skills for
success in the role.
New research from Hays reveals that Human Resource Directors
(HRDs) across Asia are evolving into strategic change leaders,
moving beyond compliance to become catalysts for organisational transformation.
The DNA of a HRD report, based on 271 interviews with senior HR
professionals across China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, and
Singapore, highlights a decisive shift in priorities and skills
shaping the modern HRD.
HRDs embrace change and influence, face their own barriers
to growth
HRDs across Asia are stepping into a new era of leadership, where
influence and adaptability are as critical as technical expertise.
44 per cent of HRDs expect designing and managing organisational
change to become a bigger part of their role over the next five
years. This marks a clear shift from traditional talent retention
strategies to a proactive focus on transformation.
Stakeholder engagement has emerged as the most essential skill
for success, cited by 49 per cent of respondents, a notable rise
from 43 per cent in 2017 and overtaking strategic planning as a
critical skill for the role. Commercial acumen follows closely
behind at 39 per cent, and remains a top skill required by
candidates aspiring to the role.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Organisational
politics continues to be the most common barrier in Asia, reported
by 39 per cent of HRDs, while one in four professionals cite a lack
of opportunity for career progression. To stay ahead, HRDs are
doubling down on professional development: 54 per cent keep up to
date with industry and legislative changes, and 50 per cent attend
networking events. Digital platforms play a pivotal role in this
effort, with LinkedIn continuing to be the dominant networking
channel (87 per cent).
China: Execution-first leadership in a complex environment
China stands out for its distinctive approach to HR leadership.
While stakeholder engagement dominates as a critical skill in most
Asian markets, 80 per cent of HRDs in China prioritise change
management over influencing stakeholders, reflecting an
execution-first mindset. Resilience ranks higher among Chinese HRDs
compared to peers, underscoring the need to navigate uncertainty and
pressure in a dynamic business landscape. Kitty Zhao, who serves as
HRD for FrieslandCampina in China attests to this.
“You have to awaken people to the need for change before the
urgency hits. That’s the real challenge. Change isn’t just
disruption; it’s opportunity.”
Marc Burrage, Managing Director at Hays Asia:
“Modern HR Directors are responsible for far more than attracting
and retaining talent. Today, they must anticipate future skill
needs, align people strategies with business objectives, and adapt
quickly to an ever-changing landscape.”
“In China, HR leaders stand out for their pragmatic,
delivery-focused approach to transformation, with change management
taking centre stage. This emphasis on resilience and execution will
be critical as organisations navigate structural shifts and economic
headwinds early in 2026.”
“Yet, while the role has evolved dramatically over the past
decade, one thing remains unchanged: the passion HR leaders bring to
the table every day. When asked if they would choose the HR Director
path again, 71 per cent said yes: a powerful reflection of the deep
commitment and sense of purpose that defines this profession.”
A copy of the DNA of a HRD report is available here.
Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading
specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions. The Group is the
expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people
worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia
and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America,
and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors,
dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary
assignments. As of 30 June 2025, the Group employed over 9,500 staff
operating from 207 offices in 31 countries. For the year ended 30
June 2025:
the Group reported net fees of £972.4 million and operating
profit of £45.6 million.
the Group placed around 46,400 candidates into permanent jobs
and around 211,500 people into temporary roles.
12% of Group net fees were generated in Australia & New
Zealand, 32% in Germany, 20% in United Kingdom & Ireland and
36% in Rest of World (RoW).
the temporary placement business represented 62% of net fees and
the permanent placement business represented 38% of net fees.
Technology is the Group’s largest division, with 25% of net
fees, while Accountancy & Finance (15%), Engineering (11%) and
Construction & Property (11%), are the next largest.
Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark,
France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
UAE, the UK, and the USA.
