The events of the past two years—including a pandemic, social strife, and the Great Resignation—have upended the role of the chief human resource officer (CHRO). Now, CHROs are being called on to play a greater part in addressing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters—both the risks and opportunities for companies.

Based on discussions with more than 100 human capital leaders at multi-national companies and regional powerhouses in Europe, Asia, and the US, a new report from The Conference Board reveals the increased pressure on companies to act on ESG issues, and the expanded role of human capital leaders in doing so. CHROs will need to—among other things in the ESG sphere—help shape the corporate voice on social issues, articulate the mission and purpose of their companies, and communicate the company's people strategy to an increasingly broad set of stakeholders. This has become all the more urgent as companies prepare for upcoming US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements to further disclose data on a company's human capital resources, measures, and progress against objectives.

Additionally, the report also explores the challenges CHROs must navigate to successfully lead remote and hybrid teams and to shape an organizational culture that both attracts and retains workers.