But demand for HR workers has not kept pace, says SHRM, citing issues of economic volatility, technological change
Human resources employment has expanded significantly faster than overall employment over the past three decades, yet employer demand for new HR hires remains than pre‑pandemic levels, according to new research.
In its report, Trends in HR Employment and Labour Demand, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).says an “ongoing labour shortage, rapid technological advancements, and lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic” have reshaped the world of work and “elevated the strategic importance of HR within organisations.”
At the same time, the association warns that HR roles themselves are increasingly exposed to broader economic and technological pressures.
Faster HR employment growth since 2020
SHRM reports that HR employment grew by about 16% between February 2020 and September 2025, “significantly outpacing overall U.S. employment growth” over the same period.
Over the last 30 years, HR employment has risen at a much faster rate than total employment across the economy. The HR generalist role was among the most sought-after jobs in Canada in 2025, according to a previous report.
However, the SHRM report notes that demand for HR workers, as measured by job postings, has not kept pace. Since February 2020, the volume of HR job postings has fluctuated and “remains more than 20% below pre‑pandemic levels as of December 2025,” SHRM finds. The organisation says HR employment and labour demand “are equally susceptible to broader economic volatility, uncertain hiring environments, and rapid technological change.”
The research shows that the representation of HR workers and the strength of labour demand for HR roles vary widely across major industry groups. Industries characterised by complex regulatory environments and large, specialised workforces tend to post higher HR employment rates, reports SHRM. These sectors are more likely to invest in HR capabilities to manage compliance, workforce complexity and specialised talent needs, according to the research paper.
The report also finds that HR professionals enjoy greater flexibility than the average worker. According to SHRM, “1 in 2 HR workers” is able to work remotely, suggesting HR roles are more likely to be performed in hybrid or fully remote arrangements compared with many other occupations.
Education, skills, AI and HR
On the qualifications front, SHRM concludes that HR roles typically demand more formal education than the average position in the wider labour market.
“HR job postings require higher levels of educational attainment” than general job postings, indicating that employers continue to treat HR as a profession requiring advanced credentials, certifications or specialised training, according to the report.
In addition to higher educational requirements, the skills profile for HR roles is broad and increasingly complex. SHRM says key skills sought in HR postings include “interpersonal, cognitive, business, and standard software abilities,” reflecting expectations that HR professionals combine relationship management and communication skills with data literacy, commercial understanding and digital fluency.
The report highlights emerging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning competencies within HR job descriptions. As of December 2025, SHRM finds that 3.1% of new HR job postings mentioned AI and machine learning skills, compared with 2.3% of overall new job postings in the U.S. labour market.
SHRM links this shift to “the advent of increasingly advanced artificial intelligence tools specifically designed to complete HR functions,” such as recruitment, screening, analytics and employee support.
“This research clearly demonstrates how the landscape has changed for HR across the last few years,” says James Atkinson, VP of Thought Leadership at SHRM. “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, while HR’s elevated flexibility and higher educational requirements underscore its evolving role in driving organizational resilience and competitiveness. Understanding these shifts is essential for leaders seeking to build agile, future-ready teams in an era of disruption.”
HR professionals are at the forefront of AI adoption in Canada, with 81% reporting they use AI tools at work—more than any other sector, according to a previous report.
