As we approach the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the European Association for People Management’s (EAPM) achievements and the collective efforts that made this year extraordinary. From new initiatives to strengthened collaborations, this has been a year of growth, transformation, and resilience.

This year marked the continuation of our journey under the four-year strategic plan initiated in 2021. Our purpose remains steadfast: to connect and collaborate, support national association members, and represent and promote the HR profession across Europe. With renewed clarity in our objectives, the strategic review in Malta and Reykjavik helped us refine our value proposition, solidifying EAPM as a vibrant, exclusive community for HR professionals.

We have overcome challenges such as strengthening EAPM’s financial position and independence. Our limited volunteer resources tested our resilience. Yet, through strategic cost-saving measures, membership restructuring, and the dedication of our Board and Secretariat, we strengthened our foundation and kept our vision alive.

The Communications Working Group led the way in engaging our diverse audience. From blog posts and social media campaigns to website enhancements, they amplified EAPM’s voice and visibility.

The International HR Day Working Group achieved phenomenal success, reaching over 2.2 million on social media and drawing 1,500 participants from 80 countries to the IHRD webinar. Together, participants walked the equivalent of circling the globe 160 times! Our partnerships grew stronger, with the Partnerships Working Group advancing affiliate memberships and sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, the Awards Working Group surveyed members to identify HR award practices across Europe, paving the way for recognition initiatives.

EAPM delivered an impressive portfolio of events and insights. The Events Strategy Working Group facilitated nine impactful webinars, while the Surveys and Insights Working Group partnered with the World Economic Forum on the Future of Jobs Survey, providing valuable data to HR professionals. Our new EU Working Group took significant steps in strengthening relationships with European institutions and pursuing funding opportunities, showcasing the potential for increased engagement in 2025.

We proudly welcomed Armenia and Serbia as full members and Azerbaijan as our first affiliate member, bringing our network to 36 national associations. EAPM’s leadership also shone on the global stage, with Board members delivering keynote speeches and participating in prestigious events such as the CIPD UK Annual Conference, Georgia’s Global HR Congress, and Portugal’s HR Tech Conference.

To cap off the year, the EAPM Brand underwent a dynamic transformation, thanks to the creative efforts of CIPD UK and our Communications team. The refreshed brand represents our forward-thinking vision and will officially launch in 2024.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of our working groups, whose innovative ideas and hard work brought our initiatives to life. Our Board Members and Secretariat played a pivotal role in driving our mission forward, fostering connections, and ensuring EAPM remains a beacon for HR excellence across Europe.

Finally, to our National Association Members, your engagement and support are the backbone of our success. Your participation in events, surveys, and collaborative efforts ensures that the EAPM community continues to thrive. As we enter 2025, we are poised to build on this momentum. With plans for enhanced events, expanded collaborations, and deeper member engagement, we’re excited to shape the future of HR in Europe together.

From all of us at EAPM, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year. Let’s continue to innovate, inspire, and grow in the coming year.

Warm regards,
Berna Öztınaz