The latest research on HR trends shows room for improvement. In our newest study "Between ambition and reality: Key findings from the Roland Berger HR Trends Survey 2017" we reveal a significant gap between reality and ambition – particularly in six key areas. They range from talent management and leadership to digitization of HR processes and services. How can organizations begin to close the maturity gap? We have identified five steps to help businesses take their HR organization to the next level:

• Define a vision
• Identify the gap
• Collect insights
• Design and test initiatives
• Implement the initiatives

Top HR executives from more than 300 small, medium and large companies contributed to our extensive survey, representing the interests of around three million workers. As the balance of power shifts from employer to employee, the survey reveals issues for businesses of all sizes, but the biggest companies also report the largest gap between reality and aspiration. Start bringing ambition and reality back into alignment by applying our systematic methodology to master the challenges facing HR.