The People Profession is evolving – are you?

Emma Bridger
Minutes
4th Aug 2025
Employee Experience
EX by Design
EX by Design
Future of Work
Let’s get real: AI is no longer “coming soon.” It’s here, and it’s already reshaping the way we work. Especially for those of us in the people side of the business - from employee experience (EX), HR, L&D, to internal comms roles.
But here’s the real question: As the people profession evolves – are you evolving with it?
But here’s the real question: As the people profession evolves – are you evolving with it?
We’re at a critical crossroads
AI is now handling everything from screening CVs to analysing sentiment data and even designing learning programmes. But what it can’t do is bring empathy, creativity, or human connection to the table.
And that’s exactly where the modern people professional steps in.
📊 75% of knowledge workers already use AI
🧠 83% believe human skills like empathy and creativity are now more essential than ever
💡 60% of leaders plan to boost AI in HR – freeing us to focus on experience, not admin
And that’s exactly where the modern people professional steps in.
📊 75% of knowledge workers already use AI
🧠 83% believe human skills like empathy and creativity are now more essential than ever
💡 60% of leaders plan to boost AI in HR – freeing us to focus on experience, not admin
What does this mean for people professionals?
It means the traditional HR role is transforming into something far more impactful: the EX Designer.
🛠 No more one-size-fits-all processes.
🔍 It’s now about experience strategy, journey mapping, and human-centred design.
💬 It’s about designing with employees, not for them.
In fact, the most successful people pros today are blending AI tools with design thinking, agile methods, and service design – creating experiences that feel human, not transactional.
Real-world examples
✅Onboarding – no longer just about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding how a new hire feels, and crafting an experience that builds connection from day one.
✅ Hybrid work – instead of enforcing policies, we're co-creating team agreements and building a culture of flexibility and trust.
✅ Internal comms – smart pros are using AI to do the heavy lifting, then shifting focus to emotional storytelling, change navigation, and leadership coaching.
These aren’t future trends. This is happening right now.
So where do you start?
EX Space Masterclasses – Learn how to move from process to purpose with practical tools like experience mapping, design thinking, and journey strategy.
Perfect moment to level up? Absolutely. Start your evolution today.
Are you ready to lead the future of work?
The people pro role is changing. Your role is changing.
This isn’t about resisting AI – it’s about becoming the human that AI can’t replace.
Now’s your moment to shift from reacting to leading.
👉 Join our EX Masterclasses
Let’s design what’s next — together.
This isn’t about resisting AI – it’s about becoming the human that AI can’t replace.
Now’s your moment to shift from reacting to leading.
👉 Join our EX Masterclasses
Let’s design what’s next — together.