Switzerland Roundtable 2025: Beyond the Org Chart: Human-Centric Leadership in a Changing Workplace
WittKieffer recently convened a roundtable of CHROs and senior HR leaders to explore how HR can foster vulnerable leadership, psychological safety, and human-centric cultures in...
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In a time of rapid workplace transformation, the role of Human Resources is undergoing a profound shift, from operational oversight to strategic leadership rooted in empathy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence. WittKieffer recently convened a roundtable of CHROs and senior HR leaders to explore how HR can foster vulnerable leadership, psychological safety, and human-centric cultures in increasingly complex environments. The conversation surfaced powerful insights into the evolving expectations of HR, the paradoxes of technology and humanity, and the critical need for HR professionals to be supported as they guide others through change. This summary captures the key themes and questions that will continue to shape the future of HR leadership.
Key Takeaways from Switzerland
Vulnerable Leadership: Intentional, Not Informal
Vulnerability in leadership is often misunderstood. It’s not about oversharing or emotional exposure—it’s about intentional storytelling that builds trust.
True vulnerable leadership involves sharing formative experiences—such as professional setbacks or personal growth moments—in a way that fosters connection and relatability.
The table emphasized that this approach requires coaching, with the caveat of not falling into the role of an armchair psychologist. HR leaders have a unique opportunity, to help leaders reflect on their values and personal narratives, an essential key to unlocking authentic leadership styles.
Psychological Safety: The Courage to Disagree
Many leaders believe they’ve created psychologically safe environments—but often equate safety with comfort or consensus. “Psychological safety is not about agreement—it’s about feeling safe to disagree.”
A recurring insight was that leaders tend to recognize safety issues in other teams, but not their own. This blind spot underscores the need for self-awareness, empathy, and a robust feedback culture. Regardless the size of the organization, psychological safety is foundational to fostering ownership and accountability.
HR’s Expanding Role: From Operations to Empathy
HR is no longer just about policies and procedures—it’s becoming a strategic driver of culture and emotional intelligence. CHROs described the tension between being seen as “soft” and being the architects of organizational resilience.
To inspire vulnerability in others, HR professionals must model it themselves. “HR often coaches others—but who supports HR in being vulnerable?”
This question highlights a critical gap: HR professionals need their own support systems to navigate burnout, emotional labor, and the demands of modern leadership.
The Paradox of AI: More Tech, More Humanity
AI is transforming HR by automating routine tasks and enabling data-driven decision-making. But with this shift comes a paradox: the more we integrate technology, the more essential human connection becomes. “HR must lead by example in AI adoption—but also preserve emotional intelligence and human sensing.”
The CHROs agreed that the future of HR lies in balancing innovation with empathy, leveraging AI while safeguarding the organization’s human heartbeat.
Looking Ahead
CHROs have the privilege of the CEO and the Board’s ear; the business partner to the Executive and the architect of preserving a thriving organization. We need to continue to think about
- How do we coach leaders to be vulnerable without crossing therapeutic boundaries?
- What does psychological safety look like in practice—and how do we measure it?
- How can HR balance strategic influence with emotional intelligence to become true business partners?
- What role does AI play in shaping the future of HR—and how do we preserve humanity in the process?
- How do we support HR professionals themselves in navigating vulnerability and burnout?
These themes will continue to shape future upcoming CHRO roundtable discussions. WittKieffer will explore how HR can continue to evolve as a strategic, human-centric force in the workplace.
