The Future of the
HR Function 2021
Prepare HR to meet the challenges of
a newly transformed world of work
Exclusive Study by The HR
Research Institute
Since early 2020, Human Resources (HR)
has faced unprecedented challenges due to
the Covid-19 pandemic. Seldom in history has
the HR function needed to pivot so quickly and
dramatically to meet such urgent workforce and
business needs. These trends are requiring HR to
rethink its roles and priorities while the world of
work is transforming.
How well does your HR department meet the
changing needs of your organization? What role
does HR leadership play in your organization's
business/strategic planning process? What should
you focus on to prepare for further changes over
the next two years?
To learn more about the current state of the
HR function, HR.com's HR Research Institute
conducted a survey-based study that looks at the
attitudes, concerns, priorities, and skills of today’s
HR professionals as well as their views on what is
critical for the future.
Key Findings
●● A majority of HR leaders are in a good
position to have a strong impact on the
organization.
●● HR professionals give themselves
reasonably high marks in various areas, but
there are also perceived areas of weakness.
●● HR suffers from a number of skills gaps.
●● HR will face a wide range of key challenges
in the near future.
●● Higher-performing HR departments far
outclass their lower-performing counterparts
on a wide variety of factors.
The Current State of HR
HR professionals give themselves mixed
grades when it comes to meeting the needs
of their organizations.
24 RESEARCH REPORT SUMMARY STATE OF THE INDUSTRY RESEARCH