HR is navigating a shifting landscape, with demand for HR workers significantly below pre-pandemic levels despite overall growth in employment, according to a new SHRM report.

As of December 2025, average active HR job postings were only 78% of their February 2020 levels – a drop of more than 20%. SHRM’s Trends in HR Employment and Labor Demand Report points to economic pressures, technology adoption, and organisational changes as key factors affecting the profession.

“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.”

Employment growth outpaces job openings

Despite declining postings, HR employment grew roughly 16% between February 2020 and September 2025, far outpacing overall employment growth. Over the past 30 years, HR jobs have consistently expanded faster than the broader workforce, the report shows.

Labor market data from January 2026 indicates mixed conditions in the US workforce. While overall job gains were modest, with about 130,000 positions added, unemployment fell slightly. Private hiring was modest in key sectors, and job openings overall remain near multi‑year lows.

HR professionals also enjoy greater flexibility than the average worker, with half of HR roles offering remote work options. This trend reflects the profession’s adaptation to post-pandemic workplace norms.

Skills demands are changing

HR positions increasingly require higher education and advanced skills. Top competencies include interpersonal, cognitive, business, and standard software abilities.

Technical skills are gaining importance. By December 2025, 3.1% of HR job postings highlighted AI and machine learning skills, compared with 2.3% across all jobs. This indicates HR’s expanding role in strengthening organisational resilience and competitiveness.

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