Organizational transformation is a complex but often unavoidable process. With many Human Resources (HR) functions attempting to transition from being primarily administrative towards becoming strategic organizational partners, challenges and barriers inevitably arise. Using HR departments within Ontario universities as a case study, this research investigates common drivers for transformation, typical challenges, and strategies to sustain change. The qualitative data, gathered through a series of semi-structured interviews, highlights the potential of utilizing human-centred design (HCD) to facilitate HR transformations and implement the associated change management tactics. Findings suggest that some HR departments in Ontario universities currently incorporate HCD elements in their transformations (though often unintentionally) and that the university environment, with its collaborative nature, is well-suited for HCD approaches. This research concludes that a more intentional application of HCD practices can benefit HR transformation in Ontario universities and promote sustained change that centres the needs of employees.