Emma Burke is the Global Director of Human Resources at Expleo Group. Expleo is a global engineering, technology and consulting service provider that partners with leading organisations to guide them through their business transformation, helping them achieve operational excellence and future-proof their businesses.
We asked Emma to share her thoughts on HR, her career and the challenges facing her and Expleo.
HRHQ: Tell us about your career journey and what originally attracted you to a career in HR?
Emma Burke: I began my career with a strong interest in people and organisational dynamics. HR appealed to me because it offered me the opportunity to create a meaningful impact on both individual careers and company culture. Over the years, I’ve progressed through various HR roles, each deepening my understanding of strategic workforce planning, employee engagement, and change management. The ability to support people through pivotal moments in their professional and private lives — with empathy and respect — continues to be a driving force for me.
HRHQ: What has been the most significant change in the HR world since you began your career?
EB: The shift towards digital transformation and data-driven decision-making has been profound. HR has evolved from a primarily administrative function to a strategic partner, with technology enabling more personalised employee experiences, predictive analytics, and agile workforce planning.
One of the most impactful changes has been the rise of personalised employee experiences powered by technology. From adaptive learning platforms that recommend courses based on individual skill gaps, career goals, and learning styles, to on-demand microlearning, certifications, and mentorship opportunities — employees now have access to development paths tailored to their unique growth trajectory.
Flexible work enablement has also transformed the employee experience. Collaboration tools and virtual onboarding support hybrid and remote work, giving employees location-agnostic access to resources and enhancing autonomy and work-life balance.
HR teams now leverage pulse surveys, sentiment analysis, and continuous feedback tools to understand employee needs in real time. This allows for proactive interventions, more meaningful engagement, and a culture that listens and adapts.
HRHQ: What is the most important HR challenge facing you currently?
EB: Navigating hybrid working while maintaining strong employee connections is a key challenge. Ensuring that employees feel part of the company, regardless of location, requires intentional communication, inclusive practices, and a reimagining of how we build culture and collaboration. It’s not an easy process and takes hard work and dedication to get right.
HRHQ: From an employee’s perspective, what does a great HR service mean?
EB: From an employee’s perspective, a great HR service means being seen, heard, and supported. HR that is responsive, empathetic, and transparent helps employees feel valued. By providing clear guidance, HR empowers employees throughout their journey within the organisation, supporting development, enabling growth and enhancing overall performance.
HRHQ: How should HR professionals design their career and how much can you realistically career plan?
EB: HR careers benefit from a mix of planning and adaptability. It’s important to set goals and seek out diverse experiences—whether in employee relations, talent acquisition, or organisational development. However, it’s also essential to remain open to opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Building a strong network and staying curious are key. At the same time, HR professionals need to be prepared for diverse or unusual challenges — such as navigating a global pandemic — which can reshape priorities and demand new skills almost overnight. Flexibility and resilience are just as important as planning in achieving strong career progression.
HRHQ: What advice would you give a person at the start of their HR career?
EB: Listen actively, ask questions, and learn from every interaction. HR is about people, so empathy and integrity are essential. Gain exposure to different areas of HR and don’t shy away from challenging situations—they often offer the greatest learning.
HRHQ: What soft skills do you believe are key to progressing your career?
EB: Clear communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to build trust are essential soft skills for career progression. They enable HR professionals to navigate complex situations, influence stakeholders, and lead with authenticity. Strong communication fosters alignment and transparency, while emotional intelligence helps build empathy and resolve conflict. Adaptability ensures resilience in a constantly evolving landscape, and trust is the foundation of effective leadership and collaboration. Together, these skills complement technical expertise and are often the key differentiators in advancing one’s career.
HRHQ: What experiences should HR professionals try to get as they build up their CV?
EB: HR professionals should aim for a mix of operational and strategic experiences to build a well-rounded CV. Roles in employee relations, change management, talent development, and HR systems implementation are particularly valuable as they develop both core HR capabilities and strategic thinking. Operational experience builds a strong foundation in policy, compliance, and day-to-day problem-solving, while strategic roles offer exposure to organisational transformation, workforce planning, and leadership influence. Project work and cross-functional collaboration further enhance adaptability, stakeholder management, and business acumen — all critical for progressing into senior HR roles and becoming a trusted strategic partner.
HRHQ: What are you most proud of in your career?
EB: I’m proud of the moments where I’ve helped individuals navigate difficult transitions with dignity and clarity, and for contributing to initiatives that have strengthened organisational culture and employee engagement.
My biggest highlight, however, is when Expleo was honoured with the Irish Centre for Diversity Investors in Diversity Gold accolade. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace. It was the result of sustained effort across the organisation and a clear demonstration of how HR can inspire meaningful change that benefits both people and business.
HRHQ: What is the best part of your job?
EB: The best part of my job is, without question, the people. Supporting employees, partnering with leaders, and helping shape a workplace where individuals can truly thrive is incredibly rewarding. At Expleo, this is amplified by a highly collaborative and welcoming culture — one that values inclusion, innovation, and continuous growth. Whether it’s guiding someone through a career transition, facilitating leadership development, or simply being a trusted sounding board, the human connection is at the heart of everything. The environment encourages open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared success, making it not just a place to work, but a place to grow together.
HRHQ: What do you think the Future of Work is?
EB: The future of work is flexible, inclusive, and purpose-driven. It prioritises employee wellbeing, continuous learning, and meaningful connection, all enabled by technology but grounded in human values.
Flexibility is no longer a perk but a standard — whether it’s hybrid working models, personalised career development, or wellbeing support tailored to individual needs. Inclusion goes beyond representation; it’s about creating environments where everyone feels heard, respected, and able to contribute meaningfully. And purpose is central — employees want to know their work matters.
Technology plays a key role, but it’s the human experience that defines success. The future of work will be shaped by organisations that can balance digital innovation with empathy, agility, and trust — and I’m proud to be part of a company that is well-positioned to lead in that space.
HRHQ: Many thanks Emma for taking part and we wish you and Expleo the very best for the future
