How can CHROs ensure a strong return on investment in the face of rising HR costs? In this episode, guests James Atkinson, VP of thought leadership at SHRM, and Chris Courneen, senior VP and global head of HR at MS International, dive into SHRM's 2025 CHRO Benchmarking Data Brief, unpacking trends such as increased HR spending, wage inflation, and investments in workforce technology. Discover strategies for measuring ROI, controlling costs, and communicating value to the broader business. This episode is essential for HR leaders looking to align their budgets with organizational impact.

2025 CHRO Benchmarking data brief mentioned: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2025-chro-benchmarking--insights-to-power-people-strategy

Data on the U.S. labor shortage: https://www.shrm.org/enterprise-solutions/insights/january-2025-labor-market-review-talent-shortage-persists

Subscribe to People + Strategy podcast to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/nq47pr

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Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

In this milestone 100th episode of People and Strategy with special guest Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO of SHRM, we dive into the intersection of technology and human capital, exploring how AI is reshaping HR practices and the workplace. Taylor reflects on his leadership philosophy, the critical CEO-CHRO relationship, and shares strategies to address talent shortages through skills-first hiring. Discover actionable takeaways on building resilient organizations, supporting mental wellness, and redefining HR's role in a rapidly changing world.

Jump to 17:31 to listen to Taylor's 3 C’s Rule for CHRO Success.

2025 CHRO Benchmarking data brief mentioned: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2025-chro-benchmarking--insights-to-power-people-strategy

Subscribe to People + Strategy podcast to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz

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Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r