The Changing Role of HR in Today's Workforce

Throughout many industries, the role of HR has traditionally been considered one of policy development and paperwork: from creating employee handbooks, collecting timecards and drawing up contracts for new employees to managing employee benefits and handling worker complaints.

But in today’s workforce, the role of HR is changing.

If you're considering a career in human resource management, it’s important to understand how these changes will impact your day-to-day responsibilities. You might also consider your training and skills — and how a degree in human resources management could be an important first step.

What is the Main Role of HR?

HR offers organizations policies, practices and procedures that help to find candidates and support employees, according to Deborah Gogliettino, MS, MSL, SPHR, an associate dean of business at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Gogliettino has taught in higher education for over 20 years and has worked in human resource leadership for 25 years. She advises nonprofit organizations on HR practices and educates others on the topic of leadership.

To support employees, Gogliettino said that HR professionals:

• Address conflicts or issues
• Create an environment that encourages engagement
• Ensure employee well-being
• Provide opportunities for professional development

They also support their company’s workforce through multiple stages. Lisa Jammer, an adjunct in the business programs at SNHU, said these stages include:

• Onboarding – When employees are hired, HR professionals help them to acclimate to their new company’s culture.
• Learning and development – HR professionals learn what skills an organization needs, then help employees to learn those skills through training programs.
• Total rewards and recognition – It is HR’s duty to inform employees about health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, wellness programs and more.
• Progression and performance – HR professionals learn about an employee’s knowledge, skills and experience to help them develop and progress their careers in the organization.

While HR continues to support all those stages, they’ve also needed to adapt to other developments in the workforce.

How is the Role of HR Changing?

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolution of technology have led to many shifts in the workforce as a whole. As a result, HR professionals have faced many new changes.

According to Jammer, who has 20 years of experience in human resources management, HR professionals are being consulted as employers explore strategies to:

• Adopt emerging technologies involving automation
• Increase employee engagement
• Mind skill gaps
• Retain their talent

Jammer has a particular interest in creating positive workplace environments and helping companies to succeed. She has also received several awards recognizing her expertise in workforce and cultural issues.

In the past few years, HR professionals have faced challenges surrounding employees leaving their jobs for various reasons.

A record number of American employees quit their jobs in 2021, according to CNN. Some left the workforce to care for family members during the pandemic, while others pursued better benefits or pay, CNN said.

The pandemic also led to several shifts in the workplace, said Jammer, including how employees communicate, where they work and how they're prioritizing their wellbeing.

“As organizations and their employees navigate these changes, the role of HR has never been more important,” said Jammer.

What are the Functions of HR?

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Despite the evolutions in technology and the workforce impacting the role of HR in today’s organizations, the importance of HR hasn’t changed.

“This role is vital because HR helps to cultivate a positive workplace culture, which significantly influences employee satisfaction, engagement and retention,” said Jammer.

Gogliettino said there are many fields within the HR industry that you may pursue, including:

• Compensation and Compliance
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Employee Benefits and Wellbeing
• Recruiting and Talent Development
• Technology

While the role of HR is evolving and expanding across many industries, data shows job opportunities in this field are also growing.

Two common job titles within HR include:

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee an organization’s recruitment and hiring process, mediate disputes and advise managers on HR issues, like equal employment opportunity, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

According to data from the BLS, job opportunities for human resource managers are expected to grow by 5% through 2032, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.* HR managers also made a median salary of $136,350 in 2023, BLS said.*

Learn more about how to become a human resources manager.

Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists interview potential employees, discuss job duties with applicants and assist with employee orientation, BLS said. 

HR specialists made a median salary of $67,650 in 2023, and jobs are expected to grow by 6% through 2032, according to BLS.* 

While HR manager positions usually require several years of experience and sometimes a master's degree, the role of a human resources specialist is typically attainable with a bachelor's degree, according to BLS.

Learn more about what else you can do with a human resources degree.

Regardless of the role or field you choose, HR is important in every organization.

“Recognizing employees as the most valuable asset, HR is instrumental in attracting, recruiting, and retaining these skilled individuals,” said Jammer.

How Can You Become Part of HR?

As the human resource profession evolves, HR professionals must be able to adapt.

“Change is inevitable and HR professionals must be nimble as they help employees and their employers with navigating changes in technology, cybersecurity, compliance and other workforce trends,” said Jammer.

If you're considering a career in human resources, it's important to understand how industry shifts are impacting not only job prospects, but sought-after training and skills.

Jammer said some of the most critical skills of the future include:

• Artificial Intelligence – As AI is increasingly being used for HR processes, HR professionals should be aware of trends and the capability of artificial intelligence.
• Communication – HR professionals need strong written communication skills, because they draft policies, guide employees and manage performance and disciplinary issues.
• Digital Transformation – HR professionals need to be aware of emerging technologies and understand how they can improve efficiency.
• Employee Lifecycle – If HR professionals understand the employee lifecycle, they can customize employee experience to meet their needs no matter what stage they’re in.

If you’re considering a role in HR, a degree in HR could help you to stand out.

Today’s HR students will complete assignments that give them necessary skills to be successful in an HR role. According to Gogliettino, these skills include analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, strategy and writing.

Because the role of HR is changing, it's important to find a program that prepares you for the demands of your chosen career. Look for HR programs that provide you with relevant experiences and resources that you can use both in school and beyond.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

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Ashleigh Worley '22 is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn.