The future of HR isn’t a binary choice between humans or machines, insourcing or outsourcing—it’s a blend.
That’s the conclusion of a new global executive study from Graebel Companies, Inc., which challenges organizations to rethink how they structure, measure, and modernize HR in a fast-evolving business landscape.
Titled “The Workforce Imperative: Views from the C-Suite,” the report draws on insights from 950 global CFOs and CHROs and reveals a C-suite consensus: the most resilient organizations are those combining AI-powered automation with human-centered experience and hybrid service models that merge in-house expertise with external partners.
“The future of HR isn’t about choosing between insourcing or outsourcing,” said Ron Dunlap, CEO of Graebel Companies, Inc. “Hybrid, tech-enabled models allow companies to control costs, mitigate risk, and deliver consistent, people-first experiences while staying nimble in an increasingly complex global landscape.”
HR’s Hybrid Era Is Here
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of executives now favor hybrid HR models that combine enterprise systems with third-party platforms—especially for complex functions like global mobility and relocation services.
This approach, according to the study, enables greater flexibility, integration, and resilience across business units, while allowing companies to scale up or down as economic conditions shift.
AI Takes Center Stage
AI adoption is no longer experimental—it’s operational.
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53% of executives have already integrated AI tools into their global HR and relocation workflows.
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Another 44% are planning or exploring adoption.
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61% expect AI-driven efficiencies to deliver significant cost savings.
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And 45% intend to reinvest those savings into HR tech to fuel ongoing transformation.
This reflects a broader trend: HR leaders are moving from administrative efficiency to strategic enablement, using AI to identify skills gaps, forecast mobility needs, and personalize employee experiences.
Mobility as a Strategic Lever
Graebel’s heritage in workforce mobility gives this report a unique lens: 74% of CFOs and CHROs said their employee relocation budgets will grow over the next two years. That signals that mobility is being repositioned as a strategic talent investment, not a logistical expense.
Relocation programs are increasingly tied to leadership development, retention, and diversity goals—especially as companies look to deploy talent globally to meet growth demands.
Compliance and Control Still Keep HR Up at Night
While the C-suite is bullish on AI and automation, it remains wary of compliance complexity. Over half of respondents (52%) cited global HR compliance as one of their top people management challenges.
That tension—between innovation and risk—underscores the appeal of hybrid models, where organizations maintain control over sensitive processes while leveraging specialized providers for global reach and regulatory expertise.
Beyond Efficiency: HR as a Strategic Engine
Graebel’s study suggests that the next phase of HR transformation isn’t just about doing things faster, but doing smarter things—turning HR into a strategic engine that blends technology leadership with trusted partnerships.
Whether through AI-enabled insourcing, managed service providers, or integrated HR ecosystems, the future of work will depend on how effectively organizations can combine automation with empathy.
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Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
