People First, Future Ready ~ How HR can support growth in a shifting world 👥

Uncertainty is real — but so is opportunity.

This is HR’s moment to help companies not just cope, but adapt and grow. With the right mindset, tools, and leadership, we can build workforces that are resilient, motivated, and future-ready.

🌍 Global disruption, local impact ... what’s happening now?

This isn’t theoretical. Across industries and countries, companies are already making hard calls and HR will be on the front line. Here are just a handful of companies, and people, being impacted.

📰 SSE is planning 148 job cuts in the UK. While not confirmed as tariff-related, the message is clear: uncertainty is building and businesses are feeling it.

Meanwhile, President Trump’s sweeping tariffs (10% on all imports, 54% on China, 20% on the EU) are already reshaping global trade flows.

🌍 These are global shocks and HR needs to support

Tariffs aren’t just political noise. They’re already leading to real-world job losses and disruption:

Stellantis (US, Canada, Mexico) ~ 900 layoffs and plant shutdowns after a 25% tariff on imported vehicles

South Africa's Citrus Industry ~ 35,000 jobs at risk from U.S. tariffs on agricultural exports

UK Automotive (Jaguar Land Rover, Mini) ~ Thousands of jobs under threat due to tariffs on parts

HR will be on the front lines, keeping morale up, keeping talent engaged, and helping leadership plan for what’s next.

For business leaders, the question is: How do we respond?

For HR leaders, the question is: How do we help?

💡 How HR can support growth ~ not just survival

Even in turbulent times, HR has the opportunity to build something stronger.

🛠️ Build workforce agility

Help the business respond quickly to change without compromising on people.

• Identify critical roles and future skills

• Develop flexible job models (cross-functional, part-time, remote)

• Prepare scalable “what if” resourcing plans

📚 Prioritise re-skilling & redeployment

Tariff-driven shifts might alter where and how the business operates. Your talent strategy needs to adapt with it.

• Map pathways for at-risk roles

• Launch fast, modular training programs

• Support internal mobility, move talent before losing it

💬 Communicate clearly and often

In a volatile environment, silence breeds fear. HR can lead the charge on transparent, steady communication.

• Set the tone with leadership transparency

• Share what’s known — and what isn’t — with honesty

• Create space for feedback and questions

🧲 Strengthen retention and EVP

Your best people are your biggest risk — and asset — during uncertainty.

• Refresh your Employee Value Proposition (EVP): stability, purpose, growth

• Support wellbeing and flexibility

• Recognise contribution in real-time

🌍 Support global hiring and mobility

If tariffs or cost pressures affect where you operate, HR must be ready to manage change at a global level.

• Anticipate regulatory and visa challenges (if applicable)

• Reimagine cross border hiring strategies

• Tap into remote and nearshore pools with confidence

💬 Have you or your company been impacted?

#HRLeadership #SMEs #BusinessResilience #Tariffs #PeopleStrategy #TechHR #FutureOfWork