Job postings for human resources professionals in the United States remain more than 20 per cent below pre-pandemic levels as of December 2025, according to new research from SHRM.
The findings highlight how economic volatility, technological disruption and organizational change have reshaped the HR labour market over the past five years.
SHRM’s Trends in HR Employment and Labor Demand Report found that average active job postings for HR occupations sit at just 78 per cent of their pre-pandemic value as of December 2025.
Long-term growth meets recent decline
The research shows HR employment grew faster than overall employment over the past 30 years. However, demand for HR workers has fluctuated significantly since February 2020.
“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,” said James Atkinson, vice-president of thought leadership at SHRM.
Flexibility and education requirements
The report found HR professionals experience greater workplace flexibility than the average U.S. worker, with one in two HR workers able to work remotely.
HR job postings require higher levels of educational attainment compared to the average U.S. job, according to the research.
Key skills sought in HR roles include interpersonal, cognitive, business and standard software abilities.
AI skills in demand
As of December 2025, 3.1 per cent of new HR job postings mentioned AI and machine learning skills, compared to 2.3 per cent across the U.S. labour market.
The report also found the representation of HR workers and labour demand for HR roles varies across major industry groups.
Methodology
SHRM used Current Population Survey data to analyze HR employment among individuals aged 16 and older working in HR occupations. The organization assessed labour demand using Lightcast new job postings data.
The research examined three HR sub-categories: assistants/clerks, specialists and managers. All analyses used 12-month averages to reduce month-to-month fluctuations.
SHRM has nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries.
