CIPD admits HR could suffer if recruits believe function has little influence

The CIPD has admitted junior HR members will become “disillusioned” by the profession if the institute does not do more to help extend its influence.

Figures from a poll of more than 4,000 HR professionals by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), will reveal next month that some newcomers to HR believe the function does not have enough power or respect compared with other departments. If the CIPD failed to help support organisations grow their influence internally, those workers will be put off building a career in HR, the survey said.

However, speaking at a forum organised by HR and payroll firm Ceridian last week, CIPD chief executive Jackie Orme said: “The findings are something we need to pay attention to, especially regarding issues like the profession’s influence and position in the business, so there is still work to be done,” she told Personnel Today. “But of all the things that keep me awake at night, this isn’t one of them.”

A CIPD spokesman added that, while some of the survey questions revealed the potential for disenchanted junior HR staff, there was no need for the profession to fear an “army of disillusioned HR staff”.

Earlier this month Orme announced that the institute’s qualifications will be transformed over the coming year to make HR more relevant to business needs.