Is Human Resources a Good Career? An HR Guide for 2023 & Beyond!

Human Resource (HR) professionals are the backbone of an organization’s success. Their work leads to smooth business operations and a happy and productive workforce. However, is human resources a good career? The upsides to a career in HR ate many. It can lead to lucrative job and earning opportunities. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of human resources specialists is projected to grow by 8% by 2031. Furthermore, according to Salary.com, the average annual salary of an HR manager in the U.S. is $115,441. While it is clear that HR offers excellent opportunities, the question remains: is human resources a good career to opt for? This guide provides insights into job responsibilities, required skills, industry trends, and potential challenges to help determine if HR is the right fit for you. 

What are the Key Responsibilities of HR Professionals?

The key responsibilities of HR professionals can vary depending on the size and structure of the organization. Some common duties include: 

1. Recruitment and Hiring: Hiring new employees and ensuring that the right candidates are hired for the right role
2. Compensation and Benefits: Developing and administering compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain top talent
3. Performance Management and Appraisal: Setting performance standards and goals, providing feedback and coaching, conducting evaluations, and identifying areas for improvement
4. Employee Training and Development: Identifying training needs, designing and delivering training programs, and evaluating their effectiveness to help employees improve their skills and knowledge
5. Compliance: Ensuring that the organization complies with all employment-related laws and regulations and operates within legal and ethical boundaries
6. Employee Engagement and Relations: Managing employee-related issues, such as conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary actions, to maintain a positive work environment that fosters employee morale

How Can HR Professionals Ensure Compliance with Labor Laws and Regulations?

The HR manager plays a critical role in helping organizations operate within legal and ethical boundaries, consequently creating a safe and secure workplace for employees. According to Forbes, some of the best practices for HR compliance include: 

1. Proper documentation and accessibility of practices and policies. 
2. Staying updated with new labor regulations.
3. Using HR software such as applicant tracking and payroll.
4. Communicating with employees regarding their responsibilities in complying with tax and labor laws. 

What Skills and Qualifications are Necessary to Succeed in a Career in HR?

Skills and qualifications are some of the key factors one needs to consider while answering the “is human resources a good career” question. HR requires at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field. In addition to formal education, obtaining professional certifications can help demonstrate one’s expertise and increase job prospects. Furthermore, the key skills necessary to succeed in a career in HR include: 

• Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with other departments
• Strong attention to detail to ensure compliance with laws and regulations
• Technical skills such as using ATS, HRIS, and L&D software to streamline HR processes
• Proficiency in computer skills such as working with spreadsheets, word processing applications, and macros to manage HR data and generate reports
• In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, methods, and principles to develop HR policies and procedures
• Strong leadership skills to coach and mentor employees to develop their skills and enhance their job performance

To obtain the above skills and qualifications, explore these HR courses offered by Emeritus. 

ALSO READ: A Complete Guide to Being an HR Manager: 6 Top Responsibilities

How is Technology Impacting HR: Trends to be Aware of

Technology has significantly impacted HR practices, making them more efficient and effective. By leveraging the latest software tools and applications, HR departments can improve communication, streamline data management, and enhance employee performance analysis. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting changes in the field of HR in the years to come. Here are five trends in HR that every HR professional should be aware of:  

1. Implementation of a hybrid work model.
2. Use of people analytics to make data-driven decisions.
3. Transformation of the workplace with the metaverse.
4. Integration of Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP) such as Oracle Cloud, SAP, and Salesforce to improve the employee experience. 
5. Process automation and mobile self-services to improve service quality.

What are Some of the Biggest Challenges for HR Professionals Today? 

HR can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping organizations create a positive workplace culture, develop employees, and manage talent effectively. This helps answer the question, “is human resources a good career choice”. However, it is important to also be aware of HR professionals’ challenges, as that may impact work and job satisfaction. Let’s therefore take a look at the biggest challenges faced by HR professionals today to focus on the “is human resources a good career choice” question.

• Attracting and retaining top talent in a highly competitive job market 
• Adapting to new technologies and automation in HR practices, such as applicant tracking systems and HR analytics software 
• Inclusion of remote and hybrid work culture as it requires new policies and practices to support employees
• Improving diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace to create an inclusive workplace culture
• Managing employee health and wellness such as fitness programs, resources to ensure good mental health, and stress management tools to support employee well-being
• Implementing effective training and development programs that help employees acquire new skills and advance their career 

ALSO READ: How to Become an HR Manager in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

To conclude, we hope this guide has helped answer: is human resources a good career path to choose? As the workforce continues to evolve, so will the role of HR, creating new opportunities for professionals to make a meaningful impact in their organizations. Therefore, HR professionals must stay up-to-date with their field’s latest knowledge and skills to ensure continued success. Additionally, to enhance one’s HR skills and knowledge, consider exploring Emeritus’ HR courses developed in collaboration with some of the world’s top universities.

By Krati Joshi
Write to us at content@emeritus.org