SHRM Advances Global Policy Priorities in Europe
SHRM Advances Global Policy Priorities in Europe
SHRM kicked off its 2025 Global Policy Week in Europe, in Berlin, hosting a working lunch on May 5 to launch the first two reports of the SHRM Global Worker Project. The event brought together SHRM members from Germany, France, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland. The Global Worker Project is a six-part research initiative capturing worker perspectives across 16 countries, with a focus on purpose, financial stability, upskilling, and workplace respect.
The initiative originated from a 2021 discussion in Geneva between SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, and Roberto Suárez Santos, secretary-general of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). The reports, released in Berlin, reflect SHRM’s commitment to advancing data-driven policy solutions.
Also on May 5, SHRM participated in the Global Solutions Summit in Berlin, an official side event of T20 South Africa, the ThinkTank engagement group for the G20. Emily M. Dickens, J.D., SHRM chief of staff and head of government affairs, spoke on a panel addressing AI and the future of work. Panelists emphasized the importance of AI literacy, policy alignment across borders, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises as they adapt to technological changes.
In Bonn, Germany, SHRM took part in the IOE’s Annual Conference on Business and Human Rights. Dickens moderated a panel focused on the European Union’s proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Panelists from Samsung Electronics, Nestlé, DHL Group, UNI Global Union, and the Africa Policy Research Institute shared recommendations on building inclusive, compliant, and globally relevant sustainability frameworks. The discussion emphasized SHRM’s 3c “Clarity, Consistency, Compliance” approach for global policy makers to adhere to avoid creating implementation burdens.
SHRM concluded a productive week in Europe by participating in the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) Geneva Week—an important forum bringing together global business leaders and policymakers from the United Nations. This event offered a powerful platform to address pressing issues such as evolving workforce policy, international labor standards, and the critical role of employers in shaping global labor frameworks.
SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs Emily M. Dickens represented SHRM at a reception hosted by Italian Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi—who proudly donned his gifted SHRM tie—and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tressa Finerty. Also in attendance was Melanie Zimmerman, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission & Minister Counselor.
At SHRM, we know that today’s workplace challenges—and opportunities—cross borders. That’s why multilateral engagement isn’t just part of our approach; it’s essential. Whether shaping policy on artificial intelligence, advocating for decent work, or advancing inclusive labor practices, SHRM ensures that the voice of HR professionals is represented in critical global conversations through its active involvement with the UN, USCIB, and the IOE.
Through our participation, we are proud to:
- Amplify the insights and experience of our 340,000+ members in global policy debates
- Help shape international labor standards that impact businesses of every size and sector
- Build strategic partnerships that drive innovation, economic resilience, and people-centered progress
SHRM’s global policy presence reflects our commitment to creating better workplaces—and a better world—for all.
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