Business World Sees Value of HR, XpertHR Research Reveals

Author: Mark Crail, Head of Salary Surveys and HR Data Benchmarking Services, XpertHR UK

May 29, 2014

The vast majority of HR professionals believe that their contribution to their employer's business is valued by senior managers and that their professional status is widely accepted, according to new research by XpertHR.

For a profession that has struggled hard over the years to secure its position in the C-suite, the findings are a welcome sign that the battle has been largely won. Tracy Morley, SPHR, and XpertHR Legal Editor, notes that "HR is in a unique position in that it advocates both people needs and business needs. It is a testament to the profession that HR is recognized as a true business partner."

The report is based on the findings of an XpertHR survey of 231 experienced HR professionals working in organizations large and small across the US and in all sectors of the economy. Together, the organizations they work for employ 1,715,187 people.

Asked how senior management in their organization viewed HR's contribution to the business, nearly seven out of 10 survey respondents (68.9%) said either "very" or "somewhat" valuable, while an additional two out of 10 (19%) said management's view was "neutral."

Just one out of 10 (9.9%) who responded said management did not value HR's contribution. A tiny number (2.2%) were not sure.

One survey participant, an HR consultant with more than 20 years' experience, commented: "Senior management in most companies now view HR as an essential partner in the business. They realize what HR can bring to the table."

Another experienced HR professional now heading HR for a healthcare provider added: "There is general recognition at the top of the organization that people are what makes a business great, thus, they need HR to assist as talent intake and retention partners."

In a further indication of HR's growing self-confidence, eight out of 10 survey respondents (81%) said they believed HR was viewed as a genuine profession in today's society.