Results from the CIM's survey were published yesterday (17 February) and revealed professional development and training as respondents' most preferred way of improving professionalism. The CIM commissioned YouGov to poll 520 businesspeople between 20 and 27 January 2025.
To improve negative perceptions of the people profession, HR leaders will need to show that they can drive improvements in productivity as well as balancing HR KPIs such attendance and turnover, according to James Devine, HR practitioner at financial services giant KPMG.
Devine told HR magazine: “In these tough economic times, it will also be up to HR professionals to role model compassionate leadership.”
Read more: Insights for driving effective in-house training
Surveys conducted by the CIPD show that HR professionals do not believe their colleagues see the value or complexity of their roles, according to David D’Souza, the CIPD's director of profession.
D'Souza told HR magazine: “We’re working with senior professionals to improve that recognition; that long-term drive will benefit all practitioners."
More than half (63%) of the CIM's respondents saw professional development and training as a valuable way of increasing professionalism within a department.
Read more: Parliament misconduct calls for professional HR system
According to Devine, training is critical for the HR industry, and in order for HR professionals to be effective partners in the business they need to be highly skilled.
He said: “Other professions are unforgiving about dedicating time to training. HR needs to take a leaf out of that book. If we think of professions such as banking or nursing, the need to stay up-to-date, be aware of risks on the horizon, and changes in practice. These are expectations of the business, and the individual.”
The CIM's research suggested that making short-term investments in training and development can help avoid larger organisational costs in the longer term.
Chris Daly, the CIM's chief executive, added that reviewing training requirements can also boost effectiveness and team agility. He said: “Evaluating your current training strategy against the company’s overall business strategy, as well as any new developments in the world of work, can help to ensure your existing programme is fit for purpose. Reviewing and adapting your training priorities will help to ensure teams remain agile."
D'Souza added: “HR should be principles-led, evidence-based, outcomes-driven – but with a sprinkling of confident marketing to ensure well-deserved recognition and instil confidence in its work.”
