Table of contents

• Is networking still relevant in an AI-enabled world?
• Shared expertise and peer support
• Where and how to find a trusted network
• The role of professional associations
• The power of a trusted HR network
• Frequently asked questions

“Always carry at least 50 business cards.”

“Keep a Rolodex.”

“Follow up a meeting with a thoughtful letter”

“Wear a power suit”

Boy, have things changed since professional networking gurus shared that advice!

Networking, they spruiked, would help those who excelled at it find opportunities, stay informed, collaborate better, access mentorship and guidance, and more. But is networking still important? After all, we can now access thousands of jobs online, collaborate via Teams, Zoom and Slack, and have every question answered by our favourite AI.

The need for human connection

Arguably, in an AI-enabled and remote-working world, having a trusted network matters more than ever.

Researchers consistently describe a paradox: we are more connected technologically, but we feel more isolated. The American Psychological Association notes that AI companions and digital relationships are growing in popularity, partly because they satisfy a “fundamental human need for social connection”.

However, psychologists are raising the alarm that these tools may not only fail to replace genuine human relationships; they may, in some cases, worsen loneliness.

Beyond negative impacts on mental health, psychologists are also researching whether human-AI interactions may be negatively impacting social skills, the super power of every successful HR professional.

AI and the erosion of trust

The adoption of AI is introducing both exciting opportunities and new challenges for HR. Effective uptake involves much more than learning about and adopting the latest technology; it requires careful attention to people, processes and ethics.

Yet with a plethora of information sources at our fingertips, along with custom answers provided by AI, it can be hard to know whom and what to trust. Can I rely on a policy generated by AI? Will the answer that comes up in Google about a complex legislation issue be accurate? How do I know if that very slick new AI recruitment tool will be bias free? Are our wellbeing strategies keeping pace with the ways AI is changing cognitive demands on our workforce?

The uncertain future of work

AI is not the only disruption facing HR. Alongside agentic AI and human-AI workforce integration, we find geopolitical volatility, climate instability, eroding employment models, changing career pathways, and the breakdown of social cohesion. Work, therefore, is being structurally reset and reconstituted, and the organisations that thrive will be those that “anticipate challenges, adapt and grow,” according to McKinsey’s Reimagined: Development in the Future of Work report.

This will require unlocking the potential of a multigenerational workforce, supporting recuperation to sustain performance, and enabling resilience at scale through sustainable workflows.

HR will need to play a leading role, forging paths where there is no clear precedent.

Shared expertise and peer support

Collectively, the need for human connection, the erosion of trust in an AI-enabled world, and the uncertain future of work make having a trusted HR network more important now than ever before.

A trusted HR network provides a safe space for authentic sharing – what worked, what didn’t and what you’d do differently next time.

It offers peer support in the form of someone who truly understands the challenges you face, and it can provide mentorship, fresh perspectives and practical advice to help you navigate complex decisions with greater confidence. Perhaps most importantly a strong HR network reminds you that you’re not facing those challenges alone.

A trusted HR network also opens doors to opportunities that you may not otherwise encounter, whether you’re exploring your next career move or simply looking for guidance on how to grow with your existing organisation.

Most of all, being part of a professional community provides a sense of connection and belonging that strengthens your resilience, your performance and your career.

Where and how to find a trusted HR network

Trusted networks don’t happen by accident. They are nurtured through participation in events, special interest groups and informal exchanges of ideas. This means doing some desk research to find out what opportunities are out there, doing your best to ascertain via their web and social media content whether you might meet likeminded peers there, and trying a few different events to see if you ‘gel’ with other attendees.

When it comes to HR, there are a lot of events out there (we’re sociable people!). Some things to consider include:

• Size: What size of event might work best for you? Do you function best in a busy environment with lots of new people to meet or is a smaller round-table type event more your style?
• Format: Where will you feel most comfortable – at a dedicated networking event or something like a lunch with a speaker, where speaking to strangers (aka new friends) is only required for some of the time? Or perhaps a workshop where you’re invited to contribute at your table on specific topics?
• Regularity: Are there opportunities to connect with the same people over time, or is it a one-off event? Trusted networks are built through repeated interactions and shared experiences, not just exchanging business cards (if you even have them!).
• Audience: Who is likely to attend? Are you looking to connect with HR professionals at a similar career stage, specialists in a particular field or people from a diverse mix of industries and backgrounds?
• Purpose: What are you hoping to get from the experience? Some events are designed for learning, others for relationship building, and some offer a blend of both.

Remember that building a trusted network is less about the number of people you meet and more about the quality of the relationships you develop. Often, a handful of meaningful professional connections can be more valuable than a long list of contacts.

The role of professional associations

A good option to consider is membership of a professional association. Organisations such as SHRM in the United States, the CIPD in the United Kingdom and the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) in Australia bring together practitioners with a shared professional identity and provide opportunities to connect, learn and stay informed.

For HR professionals working in Australia, AHRI is the professional association dedicated to advancing the HR profession. Through a uniquely Australian lens, it brings together a nationwide community of HR practitioners committed to shaping the future of work. For many HR professionals, it serves as both a professional home and a trusted source of connection, support and professional growth.

AHRI offers a wide range of opportunities to connect with fellow practitioners, from network forums in your local community to State Conferences and the highly-regarded AHRI National Convention. Each event is designed to foster connections and a vibrant HR community, providing a forum for new practitioners and experienced leaders alike to share strategies and experiences.

And don’t forget that a trusted network doesn’t need to involve face-to-face interaction every time. The AHRI Members’ Lounge on LinkedIn provides a space for HR practitioners to engage with their peers on a daily basis, as issues and questions arise.

Similarly, AHRI articles offer the insights, experiences and lessons learned by HR practitioners from across Australia, giving you access to the collective wisdom of the profession. Combined with AHRI’s research and thought leadership, they help HR professionals stay informed, broaden their perspective and make more confident decisions for their people and organisations.

“AHRI membership has been an invaluable part of my professional journey—supporting my growth through learning, collaboration and connection.”
Josette Moffatt CPHR, Founder and Managing Director, Talent Ecology

The power of a trusted HR network

Whether the insights you gain come from a conversation with a peer, an experience shared by a fellow practitioner or a new connection made along the way, the value lies in broadening your perspective and helping you make sense of an increasingly complex world of work.

The way we build networks may have changed, but the reason we need them hasn’t. In a world of AI, information overload and constant change, trusted human connections remain one of the most valuable resources an HR professional can have. They help us test ideas, challenge assumptions, share lessons learned and navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

By building a strong professional network, you’ll gain more than contacts – you’ll gain trusted advisers, diverse perspectives and a community that can support you throughout every stage of your career.

Frequently asked questions

Is networking still important?

Yes. While AI can provide information, it cannot replace the value of human relationships, lived experience and professional judgement. A trusted HR network gives HR professionals access to perspectives, practical advice and peer support that technology alone cannot provide.

Why do HR professionals need a professional network?

A professional network helps HR practitioners stay informed, share ideas, and learn from the experiences of others. It can also provide mentorship, career opportunities and a sense of belonging within the profession.

How can networking help HR navigate today’s changing work environment?

HR professionals are navigating significant change, including the rise of AI, hybrid work, changing employee expectations, skills shortages and ongoing economic uncertainty. A trusted professional network provides access to practical advice, diverse perspectives and real-world experiences from people facing similar challenges, helping HR practitioners make more informed decisions with confidence.

How do I build a trusted HR network?

Focus on building meaningful relationships rather than collecting contacts. Attending HR profession events, participating in professional communities, joining special interest groups and contributing to discussions over time can help create a strong network  built on trust and mutual support.

What are the benefits of joining a professional association such as AHRI?

Professional associations specifically for HR provide opportunities to connect with peers, stay informed about trends and contribute to the broader profession. They also provide access to professional development, research, insights, mentorship and trusted guidance to help you make more informed decisions throughout your career.