HR Job Demand Lags 20% Behind Pre-Pandemic Levels
•February 12, 2026
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Why It Matters
The gap between hiring demand and employment growth signals a talent bottleneck that could limit organisations’ ability to leverage strategic HR capabilities, especially as AI and data‑driven practices become essential.
Key Takeaways
- •HR postings down 22% vs Feb 2020
- •HR employment grew 16% since pandemic onset
- •AI/ML skills appear in 3.1% of HR ads
- •Half of HR roles now remote‑friendly
- •HR outpaces overall job growth historically
Pulse Analysis
The contraction in HR job postings reflects a broader realignment of corporate priorities. While overall employment added modestly in early 2026, HR demand lagged, suggesting firms are consolidating talent functions and relying more on existing staff to manage complex workforce challenges. Economic uncertainty and the acceleration of digital tools have reduced the need for entry‑level clerical positions, yet the profession’s core value—strategic workforce planning—remains in demand, as evidenced by the 16% employment growth since 2020.
Skill requirements within HR are evolving at a rapid pace. The report notes a measurable uptick in AI and machine‑learning competencies, now featured in over 3% of HR listings, outpacing the 2.3% average across all occupations. This shift indicates that HR teams are increasingly tasked with analytics, predictive talent modeling, and automation of routine processes. Coupled with a rise in educational expectations, the profession is attracting candidates with stronger business acumen and technical fluency, reinforcing HR’s role as a driver of organisational resilience.
For business leaders, these trends underscore the importance of investing in upskilling current HR staff and rethinking talent acquisition strategies. Embracing remote‑work flexibility can broaden the talent pool, while targeted training in AI, data analytics, and strategic workforce design can close the gap between demand and supply. Companies that proactively adapt their HR capabilities are better positioned to navigate ongoing disruption, improve employee experience, and sustain competitive advantage in a data‑centric economy.
HR job demand lags 20% behind pre-pandemic levels
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 U.S. 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.
Industry‑specific trends
HR representation varies widely across sectors. Industries with complex regulatory environments or large specialised workforces tend to employ more HR professionals, reflecting different organisational needs.
Emerging HR trends identified by SHRM include AI integration, personalised employee development, and a shift to data‑driven performance and talent strategies that support organisational resilience and strategic outcomes.
The report analysed Current Population Survey data and Lightcast job postings using 12‑month averages to smooth month‑to‑month variation. Findings are organized across three HR categories: assistants/clerks, specialists, and managers.
Atkinson stressed the significance of these trends:
“The findings show a growing demand for advanced skills like AI and machine learning, while HR’s elevated flexibility and higher educational requirements underscore its evolving role in driving organisational resilience and competitiveness. Understanding these shifts is essential for leaders seeking to build agile, future‑ready teams in an era of disruption.”
While HR remains a critical function, rapidly changing conditions highlight the need for innovation and transformation within the profession.
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