HR Employment Growth Outpaces General Workforce
Human resources employment has grown at a significantly faster rate than overall employment across the U.S. in recent decades, according to a new report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Despite the robust growth, SHRM notes that employer demand for HR professionals—as reflected in job postings—has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels.
In its comprehensive study titled Trends in HR Employment and Labour Demand, SHRM highlights the impact of factors such as economic uncertainty, rapid technological development, and the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These dynamics have elevated the strategic importance of HR roles within organizations, even as they expose the profession to broader market pressures.
HR Roles See Accelerated Growth Since 2020
Between February 2020 and September 2025, HR employment increased by approximately 16%, outpacing overall U.S. employment growth during the same period. This trend reflects a continuation of a multi-decade pattern in which HR roles have expanded faster than the general labor market.
In Canada, the HR generalist was among the most in-demand roles in 2025, further underscoring the profession’s upward trajectory. However, the SHRM report cautions that job posting volumes for HR roles remain over 20% below pre-pandemic levels as of December 2025. This suggests a disconnect between HR employment growth and employer demand for new HR hires.
“HR employment and labor demand are equally susceptible to broader economic volatility, uncertain hiring environments, and rapid technological change,” the report states.
Industry Disparities in HR Representation
SHRM’s data reveals that HR employment levels and demand vary significantly across industries. Sectors characterized by complex regulatory requirements and large or specialized workforces tend to maintain higher levels of HR employment. These organizations are more likely to invest in robust HR capabilities to manage compliance issues, workforce intricacies, and specialized talent needs.
Flexibility and Remote Work in HR
HR professionals enjoy greater workplace flexibility compared to other occupations. According to SHRM, approximately 50% of HR workers have the option to work remotely. This makes HR roles more conducive to hybrid or fully remote arrangements—a factor that may enhance job satisfaction and attract talent in a shifting labor landscape.
Educational and Skill Requirements
The report emphasizes that HR roles generally demand higher levels of education than the average job. Employers are seeking candidates with advanced credentials, certifications, or specialized training, underscoring the professionalization of the HR field.
In terms of skills, HR job postings frequently call for a diverse and complex range of competencies. These include interpersonal communication, cognitive abilities, business acumen, and proficiency with standard software tools. SHRM notes that today’s HR professionals are expected to combine relationship management and communication skills with data literacy and digital fluency.
Artificial Intelligence Reshaping HR
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into HR functions is an emerging trend highlighted in the report. As of December 2025, 3.1% of new HR job postings mentioned AI and machine learning skills, surpassing the 2.3% average across the broader U.S. labor market.
SHRM attributes this shift to the development of advanced AI tools designed to streamline HR tasks such as recruitment, screening, data analytics, and employee support. The report suggests that AI and machine learning competencies are becoming critical for future-ready HR teams.
James Atkinson, SHRM’s Vice President of Thought Leadership, commented on the findings: “The HR profession has had to pivot constantly to keep pace with ongoing talent shortages, rapid technological change, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. The findings show a growing demand for advanced skills like AI and machine learning.”
According to previous research, HR professionals in Canada are at the forefront of AI adoption, with 81% reporting the use of AI tools in their daily work—higher than any other sector.
Strategic Implications for Organizations
SHRM’s report underscores the evolving role of HR in driving organizational competitiveness and resilience. The increased educational and technological demands placed on HR professionals reflect their growing influence within companies.
“Understanding these shifts is essential for leaders seeking to build agile, future-ready teams in an era of disruption,” Atkinson noted. As businesses navigate a post-pandemic world marked by uncertainty and innovation, the HR function is poised to play a critical role in shaping workforce strategy and operational success.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
