According to analysis of a proprietary dataset of more than one million U.S. job postings, including 100,000 Robert Half placements, the HR job market witnessed steady growth throughout 2023, culminating in the creation of over a quarter million jobs.
Unemployment rates for HR professionals consistently stayed below the national average of 3.3% last year. Key roles such as HR manager had an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, while HR assistant was at 2.9%. Compensation and benefits specialists and training and development managers also experienced low unemployment rates, at 1.7% and 1.0%, respectively.
The government sector played a significant role in the growth of the HR field, adding over 14,000 HR jobs in 2023. This marked a substantial increase, more than doubling the number of positions added compared to 2022.
Flexible work arrangements remained limited in the HR sector. Only about one in four HR positions offered flexibility in 2023, with just 18% incorporating hybrid work models. Some organizations may be missing an opportunity here. As more employers require more in-person time, companies that can offer adaptable work schedules, including hybrid or fully remote options, are particularly poised to distinguish themselves in the talent market.
The Demand for Skilled Talent report by Robert Half is an authoritative source providing essential insights into employment trends. This report has offered a deep dive into the U.S. hiring landscape for over a decade, spotlighting challenges and strategies to attract and retain talent. It explores what employees seek in their careers, identifies common recruitment errors and suggests solutions. The report spans finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources, proving crucial for business leaders and managers.
