New SHRM Research: Demand for HR Workers Declines Amid Workforce Transformation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – SHRM, the trusted authority on work, workers, and the workplace, today announced the release of its Trends in HR Employment and Labor Demand Report, offering a compelling analysis of the evolving HR landscape.   

The report using data from both the Current Population Survey and Lightcast highlights the dynamic labor market for HR workers in recent years, including recent upheaval driven by economic conditions, technological transformation, and organizational change.

This research underscores that – while HR professionals remain critically important in the world of work – rapidly changing conditions have created an imperative for further innovation and transformation.  

Key Findings:

• Over the last 30 years, HR employment grew at a much faster rate than overall employment.
• The representation of HR workers varies across major industry groups.
• HR professionals experience greater flexibility than the average U.S. worker, with 1 in 2 HR workers being able to work remotely.
• Since February 2020, demand for HR workers has fluctuated and remains more than 20% below pre-pandemic levels as of December 2025.
• The labor demand for HR roles varies across major industry groups.
• Compared to the average U.S. job, HR job postings require higher levels of educational attainment.
• Key skills sought in HR roles include interpersonal, cognitive, business, and standard software abilities.
• As of December 2025, 3.1% of new HR job postings mentioned AI and machine learning skills, compared to 2.3% across the U.S. labor market.

“This research clearly demonstrates how the landscape has changed for HR across the last few years,” said 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.”

Despite HR's central role, the sector faces economic volatility, uncertain hiring environments, and technological disruption—notably from advanced AI tools designed to streamline HR functions. Understanding these trends is critical for business leaders and HR practitioners seeking to anticipate workforce needs and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic labor market.

Methodology

The methodology utilizes two primary data sources to examine HR occupational trends. To analyze HR employment, the approach utilizes Current Population Survey data, focusing on individuals aged 16 and older who are working in HR occupations. In parallel, the report assesses HR labor demand by leveraging Lightcast new job postings data, which enables the identification of emerging trends in labor demand for HR professionals as well as educational requirements and AI-related skills within the HR field. The findings are presented in aggregate and across three distinct, SOC-defined HR sub-categories: Assistants/Clerks, Specialists, and Managers. To ensure the reliability of the findings, all analyses are conducted using 12-month averages, thereby reducing the impact of month-to-month fluctuations.

For the complete report, contact Eddie Burke at Edward.burke@shrm.org or Anne Sparaco at anne.sparaco@shrm.org.

About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.