Latest data from XpertHR - the UK’s leading online HR resource - has revealed that 77 per cent of HR professionals feel confident that over the next five years there will be good job prospects in the profession. This is the same figure as recorded by XpertHR in their 2017 research - suggesting that the positive outlook displayed by HR has not been diminished by the pandemic.

This year’s HR careers survey found that 39 per cent of UK HR professionals reported a positive impact on their career - resulting from the coronavirus pandemic - with interest in remote HR jobs never having been higher. Only 18 per cent of HR professionals saw a negative impact, whilst 32 per cent experienced no impact and under 11 per cent were not sure. Many of those seeing a negative impact on their career reported a significantly increased workload.

Craig McCoy - Senior Interim HR director and Chair of the London HR Connection -told HR magazine:

“The pandemic gave HR leaders an opportunity to respond proactively and shine in the context of almost unprecedented global disruption, and the aftermath of the pandemic as businesses pivot towards hybrid working means that HR skills and experience continue to be highly sought after. Certainly, it seems to be a great time to be working in the HR profession.”

Adam Oliver - Network HR Director - added that Covid has led to more employees from HR backgrounds being appointed to director-level positions.

He said:

"We’ve also seen an increased appetite in non-executive director appointments for executives hailing from a HR background to steer things like culture change at board level. This is certainly a post pandemic trend. This new world of working has accelerated business and cultural transformation which has baked-in a symbiotic relationship between HR and the business."

HR professionals also reported a change in the skills required to conduct their jobs - with 58 per cent saying the main skill needed is employee relations and 57 per cent citing business awareness. A comprehensive knowledge of employment law was fundamental for 46 per cent.

Michael Carty - XpertHR Benchmarking Editor of XpertHR - stated:

“For many HR professionals, the last two years have been among the most eventful and testing times in their careers. People management issues – such as implementing remote work models and creating safe office environments for returning employees – have topped the corporate agenda for many organisations during the pandemic, creating both challenges and opportunities for HR. It is heartening to see that the coronavirus pandemic has not dampened HR's overall positive outlook and enthusiasm for careers in the profession.”