Human Resources (HR) functions as a pivotal force within organisations of all shapes and sizes, serving as a linchpin for effective management and employee support. Whether undertaken by individuals or an entire department, the overarching objectives generally remain the same: skillfully overseeing and assisting employees.
Companies that offer HR software, which could help manage workforces include:
Why Is There a Demand for HR Jobs?
Of course, the scope of HR is more multifaceted than this. The department is also responsible for upholding workplace standards, such as health and safety measures and workers’ rights, seeking methods to enhance productivity, and cultivating a work environment that not only nurtures the well-being of employees but also the overall success of an organisation.
Particularly within the past decade, there has been an increasing call on HR to prioritise employee well-being and foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace, demonstrating the enduring importance of HR in keeping companies attuned to the evolving attitudes of the times.
This shift represents how the expectations placed on the HR industry have evolved over the years. But what of the wider demand for HR? Namely, is it on the rise?
Generalising the demand for HR is challenging, this changing from company to company. Broadly speaking, larger organisations require a more sizeable HR department, whereas smaller ones may only require an individual, or even no HR department altogether.
Beyond organisational size, other factors have influenced the demand for HR, not least of which being the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the industry. This has however meant that the types of HR jobs that are needed have changed, with human resources professionals now having to operate HR software and perform different tasks to the older fashioned manual approach the industry previously took
Which HR Jobs Are in Demand?
While there is a wide variety of HR roles, a closer inspection reveals the positions most typically in demand.
To begin with, one is likely to find employee relations managers, brought in specifically to manage employee complaints and investigations. HR managers may also focus on employee recruitment, training and development. On the other hand, HR coordinators and administrators tend to handle the administrative duties of the company.
HR analysts also play a pivotal role in collecting HR data and company statistics to pinpoint areas for enhancement.
With the global workforce becoming more attuned to inclusivity of diversity, gender, and sexual orientation, HR representatives who focus on comprehensive training to ensure this is properly conducted have become more commonplace.
And, at the helm, one may find a director of HR, particularly in larger corporations. These coordinate and lead company policies and staff. But, of course, these HR roles may not always be in demand. After all, specific requirements vary from company to company.
Companies to consider that offer HR software include:
What Is Affecting The Demand For HR Jobs?
While the demand for HR may fluctuate across companies, more general points of research showcase the wider demand for the industry. As of 2022, HR Magazine reported a notable 42% growth in the HR profession since 2011 an increase that can likely be attributed to the rise of the sector’s influence in the modern workplace.
Navid Nazemian, a former global head of HR at Vodafone, noted that even laggard organisations have recognised the value an effective HR function brings, leading to a surge in HR demand. But while HR has undoubtedly become more commonplace in today’s workplace, is this rising trend something that is expected to continue into 2024?
As of 2023, TechRound reported over half of startups lacked a dedicated HR team. This trend is likely to persist in 2024, reflecting the resource constraints of startups. But what of larger organisations?
Larger companies have always had a greater need for a more sizeable HR department. Nevertheless, even HR in larger organisations will need to face the changing of the tides: Namely, the growing influence of AI.
AI can streamline recruitment processes, analyse company data, generate necessary documents, and suggest operational improvements. But while AI will doubtless continue to influence HR, it’s important not to overstate its impact.
According to LinkedIn Learning, 82% of global leaders agree that HR is more critical now than ever, and Forbes has also reported that HR recruitment specialists have been more in demand over 2023 than ever before. According to the HR metrics survey of March 2023, there is also an average of 1.54 HR professionals per 100 employees – showing consistency with the conventional belief that there should be 1 HR professional per 75 employees.
Such statistics suggest that HR has enjoyed an upward trajectory over the last decade, and that, despite looming challenges, the industry is poised to continue on this path in the coming year.
Is HR a Good Career Move?
For individuals with good people skills, strategic thinking and organisational prowess, a career in HR is well worth considering. The sector’s enduring importance in ensuring employee well-being and organisational success ensures a sustained demand for the industry. So, any dedicated and hardworking individual can be sure to flourish in HR’s dynamic and evolving landscape.
