Nowadays, HR professionals are tasked with managing an increasingly complex array of challenges. A recent study by the AIHR revealed a startling statistic: only 21% of recruiters possess the necessary knowledge to be deemed future-ready. To explore this assertion and uncover common pain points within the industry, we launched an HR Challenge that engaged over 500 participants from diverse sectors and backgrounds.
Our research aimed to delve deep into the pressing issues faced by HR professionals, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, and labor law compliance, and reveal significant trends and areas for improvement across the board.
HR Skills Research Methodology
The HR Challenge was specifically designed to gather insights from recruiters regarding their practices and understanding in key areas of human resource management. Participants engaged in a free HR certification, answering multiple-choice questions with one correct answer per question.
The challenge featured structured questions based on realistic scenarios that recruiters encounter in their roles, reflecting common challenges and decision-making processes.
The questions were divided into four blocks focusing on:
- Recruitment and Candidate Evaluation: Best practices for attracting talent and making hiring decisions.
- Onboarding and Employee Engagement: Strategies for effective onboarding and enhancing employee engagement.
- Talent Management and Development: Approaches to talent development and performance management.
- Labor Law Compliance: Assessment of knowledge regarding relevant labor laws and compliance requirements.
Each participant could make up to three mistakes, allowing for a more forgiving assessment process. The challenge was conducted without a specified timeframe, enabling participants to complete it at their convenience.
We analyzed the responses by calculating the percentage of correct answers for each block, identifying trends in knowledge and practices across different areas of HR. Additionally, we pinpointed the most challenging questions based on incorrect response rates, providing valuable insights into areas needing further development.
What’s Inside the White Paper
Our HR Challenge attracted participants from various geographical locations and organizations of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations, showcasing a wide range of experiences and backgrounds in HR.
By analyzing responses from different sectors, we gained insights into industry-specific challenges and best practices that can inform broader HR strategies. Here’s what we offer:
- HR skills rating that presents an analysis of participants’ performance across different competency areas. Each participant’s skills were rated based on their responses to challenge questions, revealing both high-performing areas and those needing improvement. This rating offers a clear picture of the current skill landscape within the HR profession, serving as a foundation for targeted development initiatives aimed at elevating overall competency levels in the field.
- The list of the questions which posed significant challenges for many modern HR professionals. These difficult questions often revolved around complex topics such as compliance with evolving labor laws, innovative talent management strategies, and effective employee engagement techniques. Highlighting these challenging areas provides insight into knowledge gaps within the field and underscores the need for ongoing education and professional development to help HR professionals navigate the complexities of today’s workforce environment.
- Extra derivations. Beyond the primary findings, our research offers additional insights into emerging trends in HR competencies. These derivations can guide organizations in refining their HR practices and enhancing overall effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
The results from our HR Challenge reveal that there is a clear need for recruiters to cultivate a broad skill set that encompasses both traditional HR functions and modern competencies like data analytics and digital literacy.
Besides that, many participants struggled with questions related to labor law compliance, indicating a critical area for further training and awareness.
As we move forward, it’s also becoming essential for HR professionals to adapt to the changing landscape of human capital management and embrace continuous learning and development, ensuring they possess the diverse skill set required to thrive in this ever-changing environment.
Our research aims to provide a viable roadmap for organizations seeking to navigate these complexities effectively. Fill in the form below to download the full white paper!
