Baker Tilly HR director Andrea Stevenson has observed a significant shift in HR consulting demands throughout 2024, reflecting broader economic uncertainties.
While previous years saw businesses focused on growth initiatives like recruitment and leadership development, the past year brought a pivot toward more defensive strategies. “There was a change in the nature of work,” Stevenson notes, with increased demand for employment relations support, restructuring assistance, and workplace investigations.
Looking ahead to 2025, Stevenson’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic. While earlier predictions suggested mid-year improvements, she now anticipates a slower recovery, potentially gaining momentum in the third quarter.
Despite these challenges, she emphasises the importance of maintaining strategic focus and helping clients make wise investments during the downturn. A key priority for Stevenson is championing local business partnerships within the Hawke’s Bay region.
She expresses disappointment when local businesses automatically look to larger cities for services, noting that “You don’t always get better just because a provider is in a larger city.” Her personal strategy for navigating 2025 centres on innovation and proactive client engagement.
This is not a time to sit on your laurels,” emphasising the need for continuous improvement and business development.
