In 2020, the CIPD invited the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) to join our ongoing assessment of the state of the people profession.

Covering 12 regions, the People Profession Survey: 2020 global results report provides benchmarking data for the development of the profession across the globe and insights on the modern career trajectory and alternative pathways. The report supports the professionalisation of HR practice across different markets and guides global associations in their continued efforts to develop and support the profession to champion better work and working lives.

The past year’s events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread economic and political turmoil and the worldwide call for inclusion and diversity, have brought the importance of flexibility and agility within the people profession into sharp focus. While the impact of these events was yet to be fully realised at the time of data collection, our report delivers several key findings that are critical to understanding the challenges ahead. By gathering data and insight around the current state of the profession, we can equip and invest effectively for the future.

As the report shows, the unique knowledge, networks and passion that people professionals possess will be vital as businesses, governments and economies work to recover from the pandemic and build back better.

Download the report

People Profession Survey: 2020 global results

Download the report
PDF document 3.5 MB

In this presentation, filmed at ACE 2020, SHRM's Chief Knowledge Office Alexander Alonso, WFPMA President Bob Morton, and the CIPD's Rebecca Peters and Wilson Wong reveal some of the highlights of the report.

More on this topic

Podcasts
Evidence-based L&D – The gift of AI

Podcast 206: Digital innovation has revolutionised how we work and learn. But despite AI’s potential, scepticism prevails. Do L&D professionals need greater curiosity to explore how AI can support them and bolster learning outcomes?

CIPD Viewpoint
Automation, AI and technology

Explore the CIPD’s point of view on automation, AI and technology, including recommendations for employers

Podcasts
Ireland Podcasts

Listen to episodes from our CIPD Ireland Podcast Series on a range of topical workplace, HR and L&D issues

Bitesize research
How to start using AI as an HRM assistant

An exploration of how generative AI tools like ChatGPT can be used effectively to support human resource management

For Members

More reports

Reports
CIPD-IRN Private sector pay and employment report 2024

The annual CIPD–IRN private sector report captures the changing pay and employment trends as well as the drivers of change in the labour market in Ireland

Reports
Neuroinclusion at work report 2024

Find out about the importance of neuroinclusive workplaces, what employers are doing and the working experiences of neurodivergent and neurotypical employees

Reports
People Profession 2023: International report

Insight into how global issues are impacting people professionals in the UK, Ireland, Asia-Pacific, MENA and Canada

Reports
People Profession 2023: Asia-Pacific report

Insight into how global issues are impacting people professionals in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore

See all reports