Deloitte, Apple, Accenture: This Week's Top Five HR Stories

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Deloitte's recent reports discusses how the workplace is changing with modern consumerism
This week's top HR stories include Deloitte's new report, Accenture tackling the labour gaps and leadership changes at Apple, Netflix and Barclays

Deloitte: HR Leaders Must Fight "Change Exhaustion"

Organisations have reached a crucial tipping point, according to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends report

The ā€œtraditional playbookā€ for growth and change is struggling to keep up, with leaders focused on staying competitive in this shifting landscape. 

Yet this requires maintaining a ā€œhuman edge,ā€ over just cultivating rapid technology adoption. 

The workplace is constantly changing - but Deloitte’s latest report suggests that this might be pushing employees to the breaking point.

One-third of workers surveyed reported facing more than 15 major changes over the last 12 months, causing a relentless pace of change that has triggered exhaustion. 

Simona Spelman, US Human Capital leader at Deloitte, says: ā€œOrganisations are facing a new reality. Change is relentless, and the old playbook can’t keep up. 

ā€œLeaders need to build adaptability into how work gets done so that their people have clarity, trust and the support to evolve with AI and the shifting demands of work. That’s how the human edge becomes a competitive advantage.ā€

Ashish Kapoor, CEO and Co‑founder, General Robotics

Accenture & General Robotics Tackle Chronic Labour Gaps

In an era defined by geopolitical volatility and supply chain disruption, AI and robotics have shifted from optional to essential: strategic levers to close workforce gaps, protect continuity and build organisational resilience.

With persistent skills shortages and demographic headwinds, warehouse productivity remains under strain, calling for role redesign, rapid upskilling and safer human-machine collaboration that enhances the employee experience.

To accelerate responsible, at-scale deployment of physical AI and robotics across the workforce, Accenture is investing in General Robotics, augmenting people, embedding strong governance and change leadership and converting productivity gains into better jobs.

“While robotics hardware and AI models advance at a rapid pace, real‑world impact is constrained by the lack of a unified intelligence infrastructure,” says Ashish Kapoor, CEO and Co‑founder, General Robotics.

Reed Hastings will step down as Chairman of Netflix (Credit: Getty)

Netflix Chairman Exits After Building Culture Legacy

Reed Hastings, the chairman, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, is stepping down from his role at the company after nearly three decades. The move allows him to dedicate time to philanthropic work and other interests following Netflix's unsuccessful attempt to acquire Warner Bros.

In an investor letter, Netflix confirmed that Reed was departing "in order to focus on his philanthropy and other pursuits". An SEC filing clarified that his decision to leave is "not as a result of any disagreement" with the company.

"Netflix changed my life in so many ways," Reed says, in a statement given to Variety.

He continues: "My all‑time favourite memory was January 2016, when we enabled nearly the entire planet to enjoy our service."

Reed also praised Netflix's co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, noting their "commitment to Netflix's greatness is so strong that I can now focus on new things."

Caroline Smith has been appointed Chief People Officer of Barclaycard Payments

Barclaycard Payments Appoints CPO Following Year of Growth

Barclaycard Payments has made a new addition to its leadership team. 

Caroline Smith has been appointed the banks’ Chief People Officer, as part of efforts to develop its people strategy and ensure its workforce has the people and talent strategies in place to ensure it remains competitive in a rapidly changing sector.

The wider Barclays Group has been preparing its workforce for advancements in AI, with plans to increase investment in its staff learning and development initiatives, while Barclaycard Payments has seen significant growth following its strategic partnership with Brookfield Asset Management.

John Ternus will take the role of Apple CEO from Tim Cook Credit: Apple

Apple’s CEO John Ternus to Lead With Integrity and Honour

John Ternus has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Apple, succeeding Tim Cook.

John will assume leadership of the technology giant on September 1, 2026, after more than 25 years with the company. He currently holds the position of Head of Hardware Engineering, marking a considered succession at the top.

After 15 years as Apple’s CEO – having taken the reins from Co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011 – Tim will transition to the Executive Chairman role.

In this capacity, Tim will focus on select aspects of the business while remaining engaged with policymakers around the world.

The pair will work closely together through the summer to ensure a smooth transition into their new roles.

Executives